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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
When Pope Pius IX died in 1878 after 32 years, he would be the longest papal reign since Saint Peter himself. It appears the cardinal electors wanted to choose a relatively older person to succeed him. They elected 68-year-old Cardinal Pecci, thinking he would only last a few years. However, on his 90th birthday, when a nun toasted Pope Leo XIII by shouting, “Holy Father, may you live to be 100,” the pope exclaimed, “Why put limits on God?” When he returned to the Father’s House in 1903, he celebrated 25 years as pope. This feast of the Chair of St. Peter is our family celebration.
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Celebrating family life | Holy lives of inspiration
When today’s saint's parents died when he was only a boy, his brother, who was a priest named Damien, lovingly took care of him. To honor this act of charity, his younger brother changed his name to Peter Damien. This future saint dedicated his life to God as a hermit and monk who became an abbot and ultimately a cardinal-bishop of Ostia. He’s known for his work in reforming the clergy of his diocese from laxness and immorality to fidelity to God and holiness of life.
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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.
Seasonal Reflections | Strengthening family unity
Imagine your family as a garden. Sunlight streams through the windows, warming the soil where seeds of love, trust, and forgiveness have been planted. But remember, these seeds won't sprout overnight. Just like rain patiently nourishes the earth, God's love works steadily within our families, coaxing our relationships to blossom in their own time.
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Lenten plans | family prayer | rosary
Every month, I set goals for myself. Sitting down and writing out what I want to accomplish focuses me and helps me to juggle the various aspects of my life—one step in moving toward an often elusive work-life blend. Often, I overshoot. Sometimes, the balls I'm juggling all come crashing to the ground.
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Lent activities | Lenten Devotions | family prayer
On the first Sunday of Lent, we hear the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Fr. Agustino explains that Jesus went into the desert to heal what took place in the garden with Adam and Eve. Our own journey into the desert this Lent in which we offer our prayers, sacrifices, and offerings is to redeem those parts within us that are in need of redemption. What do you need to be freed from this Lent?
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Celebrating family life | Lenten Reflections | family prayer
New life is abundant in the springtime. Newborn fawns, little bunnies, and fresh white lambs seem to suddenly appear. As much as it may be anticipated each year, the charm of ducklings in a row, flowers adorning even the trees, and the birdsong's beauty are always more magical than remembered from the spring before.
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