x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Celebrating family life | Seasonal Reflections
One of our grandsons recently celebrated his tenth birthday. On the eve of his big day, I pointed out that he was adding a digit to his age and would do so again when he turned one hundred. It was an interesting thought! I also mentioned that my tenth birthday was in 1960. After a few moments, he observed that I was born in 1950. We pay attention to the number of our age. When we turn multiples of five or ten, we attribute greater significance. Of course, every year is significant.
Share
Love thy Neighbor | Seasonal Reflections
If you have grown up Catholic, or even if you came into the faith as an adult, you have probably been asked or thought about: “What are you giving up for Lent?”
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.
Today we celebrate Ash Wednesday, the day we start 40 days of reorienting our lives to focus on God as the center. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that in this season of Lent we are invited to purify our hearts, seek the love of God, re-learn that true happiness is not found in riches, in human fame, in power, or in human achievement; rather true happiness is found in God alone (CCC 1723). Through the ancient practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we will avail ourselves to God, and demonstrate to Him our desire for repentance and renewal, so as to make Him the center of our lives.
Share
Learn more about our faith | Seasonal Reflections
Today's Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas, has multifaceted perspectives. Do we discuss the mother's purification after birth, the thanksgiving and offering for the gift of a new child, or the child's dedication to God? Or the revelations of Simeon and Anna? Or Candlemas and Jesus as the light to the nations?
Share
Learn more about our faith | Return to the Church | Seasonal Reflections
I am blessed to have served as a priest for 17 years in our Holy Cross ministries in Peru. I love Christmas in Peru. As night falls on Christmas Eve, a quiet settles, along with a sense of waiting. Christmas Eve Mass is celebrated around 10 p.m. The Churches are packed for beautiful celebrations as the feast begins, and people return to their homes, yet there is still a sense of waiting—until midnight!
Share
Learn more about our faith | Seasonal Reflections
At the end of a 30-minute sermon on gratitude, a visiting preacher said, "And remember, no matter how small the gift, always be grateful to the Lord." Later, when it was time for the collection, an usher used the preacher's hat to take up the offering. When the hat returned to the preacher, he shook it carefully but didn't hear any sound. Then he turned it upside down. But nothing came out. It was empty!
Share
