x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Praying with images | Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary | family prayer | pray the rosary
Artful depictions of Christ's life, especially His Passion and Death, offer families a unique opportunity to engage in discussions of faith that can often be difficult to begin. From the youngest member of one's family to the oldest, everyone can look upon the beauty of art and share what they see and how it makes them feel. Visio Divina, or "sacred seeing," is an ancient form of Christian prayer that utilizes the imagination to enter into prayer. Visio Divina is an effective method of praying for families looking to begin or deepen a practice of family prayer in their homes. We recommend starting your time with these images, calling upon the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion. Your prayer can be as simple as, "Come, Holy Spirit," or you may wish to recite or write a longer one, such as: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth. This collection of images of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary includes short reflections with each picture to illustrate the variety of ways sacred art can be viewed and discussed. We pray your family is truly blessed by your time together immersed in the beauty of the art, these words, and your precious time with each other.
Share
Father Patrick Peyton | Jim Caviezel | Rosary Priest | rosary rally
There are moments in life we never forget—encounters with people who leave an indelible impression on us. These people are often none other than the saints. When Charles Dickens met Saint Jeanne Jugan, foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor, he remarked: “There is in this woman something so calm, and so holy, that in seeing her I know myself to be in the presence of a superior being. Her words went straight to my heart, so that my eyes, I know not how, filled with tears.”1 My mother’s cousin experienced something similar when he met St. Teresa of Calcutta on a U.S. Army base in Japan during the 1980s. Almost backing out at the last minute, he went anyway and was forever changed. As he shared with me: “Mother Teresa, who is very small, maybe 4’11” on her tiptoes, took my hand with both of her weather-beaten, gnarled fingers. She looked straight into my eyes—and I must admit, into my soul—and said, ‘Colonel, I am so happy that you decided to come tonight.’ It was like being struck by a sledgehammer. At that moment, I felt the Holy Spirit telling me it was God speaking to my heart through Mother Teresa.” Like Padre Pio and so many saints, Mother Teresa had the gift of seeing into souls and touching hearts with God’s presence. Some saints had the gift of prophecy, foretelling future events and missions. Jim Caviezel and Venerable Patrick Peyton
Share
Brief and contemporary inspiration focused on hope and family prayer will be delivered to your inbox! Articles include live video, written word, and links to resources that will lead you and your family deeper into faith.
Family Rosary | PRAY | Venerable Patrick Peyton | how to pray the rosary
Megan Harrington describes her family's devotion to the Rosary, which she appreciated in a new way after working on the documentary of Father Patrick Peyton's life: PRAY. Growing up, my parents made us — it was not a choice or an option — be in the kitchen at 7 am before school to pray the Rosary. They believed in its promises and the power of prayer. Gathering a herd of 11 children is not an easy task, especially in the morning. I’d like to tell you that their example launched me into the daily practice from the time I was a small girl until today, but unfortunately, it didn’t. The seed was planted, however, and I would be reminded of its effectiveness many times throughout my life. I am forever grateful to my parents, who were the first witnesses of the faith.
Share
Catholic Faith | family prayer | parish culture
When Patrick Peyton first arrived in Scranton, Pennsylvania, from Ireland, he searched for work for weeks without success. Monsignor Kelly tracked him down and offered him a job as a sexton (janitor) in the cathedral—he accepted. Finally, while working in the cathedral, with the silence, peace, and joy of talking to Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother, Patrick experiences a sense of being at home and a place of happiness. Patrick’s dream of becoming a missionary priest is awakened in a new land. ~FatherPeyton.org Today, guest contributor, Mary Kreger, shares her moving experience as a church custodian. Help Wanted In the spring of 2022, our pastor announced after Sunday Mass that the church sacristan and groundskeeper would be leaving the parish for a new job. “On behalf of our church, I want to thank Chuck for his 27 years of faithful service,” our pastor said, adding, “Chuck’s full-time position will now be divided into three part-time jobs, including a church custodian role.” My ears perked up at this last announcement. They needed someone to clean the church? I could do that. “Unless we find someone willing to do these part-time jobs, the parish can’t go on,” the pastor continued. “Please consider applying.”
Share
Learn more about our faith | Why pray?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches: "But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." Father Gaspar Selvaraj, C.S.C., shares a short reflection on the holy assurance of God's promises to never abandon nor forsake us, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Share
Learn more about our faith | Love thy Neighbor
In today’s Gospel, Jesus blesses as He departs and ascends. How wonderful God is that He would depart in a posture of blessing. At every mass, we offer Jesus back to the Father. And as the great offering ascends to the heavens, again we are blessed. Jesus departed to be received by the Father. To mount his throne in the heavens. Every mass, we are blessed to receive Jesus on the throne of our hands. As Jesus takes his place in heaven, He takes his place in our hearts.
Share
