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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
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This is the face of our Lord—not made by human hands but revealed by His divine love. On November 15, 2013, during Mass in Vilakkannur, Kerala, as the priest elevated the Host, a sacred image of Christ appeared. For twelve years, this Eucharist has remained perfectly intact—without decay, without stain—a living testament to His Real Presence.
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I once watched a relay race where the runner, after sprinting an entire lap, tripped and fell just before passing the baton. He then suddenly picked himself up and collected the baton from the track, by then the next runner jumped the gun. He ran toward his fallen comrade, grabbed the baton, and ran like his life depended on it. They didn’t win, but the crowd gave a standing ovation. Because it wasn’t about winning anymore. It was about finishing together.
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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.
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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.
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Holy lives of inspiration | Why pray?
After receiving my First Holy Communion, I was absolutely certain about one thing: I wanted to be an altar server. Not just any altar server, this was the Syro-Malabar rite, where serving at the altar isn’t just about lighting candles, ringing bells and wearing a cassock. No. It’s a full-on liturgical performance. We chant responses, recite prayers loudly, and lead the congregation through a liturgy that’s as beautiful as it is long. The altar server is also a lector, a cantor, a leader of the people in prayer. They lead chants, offer liturgical exhortations, lead penitential rites and sometimes feel like junior deacons-in-training!
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Holy lives of inspiration | Why pray?
Today, we celebrate the memorial of St. Christopher Magallanes and his fellow martyr companions. St. Christopher was born in Mexico, and after ordination to the priesthood worked with the poor and indigenous people, most notably founding schools and forming agrarian cooperatives. He lived in a time when the Mexican government was strongly anti-Catholic and closed all seminaries. He repeatedly sought to have them reopened. For his good works, he was falsely charged with promoting armed rebellion and was arrested on his way to celebrate Mass on this date in 1927. Four days later, he was executed along with 21 other diocesan priests and three laymen. St. Christopher is a patron saint of Mexico and a symbol of resistance against religious oppression. He is an example of being willing to give courageous witness to Christ despite worldly challenges.
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Holy lives of inspiration | Why pray?
At the Last Supper, Jesus says something astonishing: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” In the face of betrayal and death, Jesus offers peace—not as a farewell, but as a gift. This peace isn’t emotional calm or worldly comfort. It is, as the Navarre Commentary says, a divine assurance rooted in reconciliation with God and with one another—a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is serenity of mind, simplicity of heart, and union in charity.
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