x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Blessed Virgin Mary | Marian devotion | To Jesus Through Mary
As a young girl, I felt very drawn to Mary. There was not necessarily a “reason” for this. I could hardly understand her Immaculate Conception, her Fiat, her suffering at the Foot of the Cross. Still, I would often find myself reaching out and touching her feet on prayer cards, taking in her blue mantle and the crown she wore on her head. I would often ask to light a candle or say a “Hail Mary” after Mass. There was a knowing then, a maternal feeling that radiated from her into my own heart. I felt a desire to be more like her.
Share
Behold Your Mother | Blessed Virgin Mary
A few years before I gave birth to my daughter, I had consecrated myself to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, using the method popularized by St. Louis-Marie de Montfort. The consecration meant that I had handed over my temporal goods and my spiritual blessings to the Blessed Mother with the hope of drawing closer to not only Mary but to Jesus as well.
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.
Blessed Virgin Mary | Scripture Study | reading the Bible
Sensitivity in a woman is more than her tears at weddings or while watching a chick flick. Not to be confused with emotionalism or sentimentality, the gift of sensitivity runs much deeper. When she uses her gift intentionally, a woman quickly detects when others need love, care, or nurture.
Share
Blessed Virgin Mary | Family Traditions | family blessing
Today the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. On this day, the launching of a new year, it has been a tradition in many Catholic cultures for the father or grandfather to bless the children one by one.
Share
Advent plans | Blessed Virgin Mary | Faith
During Advent, we are called to pray, fast, and practice almsgiving in order to not only prepare our hearts and homes for the celebration of Jesus's birth, but also for His Second Coming. Advent differs from Lent in that we are called to prepare with joy and hope; after all, we continue to sing the Alleluia throughout. It is a time of penance and festivity. How appropriate then to focus on the fiat of Mary, which set into motion the first Advent.
Share
Blessed Virgin Mary | celebrating Marian feasts
One of the ill effects of the breakdown of marriage and family life is the erosion of our ability to trust. The development of this muscle of the heart, which God intended to be exercised within the sanctuary of the family, is stunted when the word “vow” no longer implies permanence, and we are bombarded with private and public examples of infidelity. Trust is necessary if any relationship is to progress beyond superficiality, and this is no less true in our relationship with God.
Share
