x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Love thy Neighbor | Seasonal Reflections
A couple of years ago, when I was in Ireland, I had the opportunity to climb the Croagh Patrick. This 764-meter mountain is an important pilgrimage site in Mayo, Ireland. I found it a herculean task to climb steep rocks and slippery slopes, even though I was wearing good boots and had two walking sticks. It took me around three hours to reach the top. I was gasping for breath and tired. I thought of giving up when I was halfway to the top. But something kept me going.
Share
Learn more about our faith | Seasonal Reflections
In his book 'Taking Flight,' Antony de Melo narrates a beautiful story. There once lived a man so godly. He had no notion that he was holy. His holiness lay in this—he forgot each person's past and looked beyond each person's appearance. He loved and forgave everyone he met; it was his way of looking at people.
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.
Love thy Neighbor | Seasonal Reflections
The great majority of people in North and South America have seen the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, including non-Catholics — thanks, particularly, to the migrations of Mexicans. Hilary Clinton expressed her appreciation of the beauty of the image when, as Secretary of State, visiting Mexico City, she was brought to the Basilica of Guadalupe and she went on to ask in all sincerity, “Who painted it!" I hope Hilary’s heart was touched to hear the story of how the image miraculously appeared and remains. I hope our hearts are touched today too as we contemplate both the intimacy and the power of what happened.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Seasonal Reflections
Mary is alive! Yesterday we celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Today we are celebrating the memorial of St. Juan Diego, to whom our Lady appeared in 1531. Diego and his wife had been among the first to be baptized by the Franciscan missionaries in Mexico in 1524 when they were 50 years old. While on his way to morning mass one day, Juan Diego was visited by Mary.
Share
Learn more about our faith | Seasonal Reflections
In God’s Providence, at this point in our Advent journey we celebrate two great feasts of our Blessed Mother, The Immaculate Conception, and, in four days, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Holy Virgin is raised up for us as Model, Mother, and Guide on our way. The beauty and depth of these feasts illuminate our Advent hope!
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Seasonal Reflections
Today’s reflection will consider an excerpt from a sermon offered by St. Bernard of Clairvaux. St. Bernard (1090-1153) was, to put it mildly, a twelfth-century force of nature. Abbot, mystic, reformer of the Benedictine order, a key figure in the emergence of the Cistercians, confidant to five popes, preacher of the Second Crusades, Doctor of the Church, and renowned for the quality of his teachings and a deep devotion to Mary.
Share
