I would like to share with you the most precious legacy my parents, Manuel and Zarela, left me: the example of a life of prayer, simple yet deeply committed. They prayed every day, and after meals, we would give thanks, so my father would always reply with conviction: “Let us give thanks to God.”

The pandemic allowed us to spend a great deal of time together, and was a profound experience that enabled us to read God’s Word every day, pray the Rosary as a family, and practice other specific devotions as Christians.

It is worth highlighting the role of my mother, a great missionary and a deeply devout woman of the Virgin Mary. She would visit families in the neighbourhood, bringing a picture of the Virgin Mary so that the Rosary could be recited in every home. At the same time, she encouraged her daughters to accompany her and support her in this mission. At first, we resisted; but with patience and tenderness, she eventually taught us to pray the Rosary and to love the Virgin Mary. Today, all my sisters pray the Rosary daily. As we know, example leads the way and leaves its mark.

I was very touched recently to hear my teenage nephew pleading with his father not to miss Sunday Mass. It is deeply rewarding for our family to see how the younger generations are embracing and living out the faith they have learned at home.

We know that today it is becoming increasingly difficult to remain committed to bearing witness to our faith, amidst so many trends that can lead young people away from God. Nevertheless, I reflect with hope that our Christian traditions in this country will continue to resonate in many hearts and that faith in God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – will continue to manifest itself powerfully in the diverse religious expressions of our people: days of reflection, processions and festivities in honour of patron saints, amongst others.

Faith is life, and as the Apostle James reminds us, “Faith without works is dead; show me your works and I will show you your faith.” We may not be called to perform extraordinary deeds, but through our life of prayer, we seek to express our faith through concrete acts of solidarity with our brothers and sisters who yearn for fellowship. I am convinced that, in God’s eyes, our works attain their full greatness in the simplicity of daily life.

Looking back, we realize that four years have passed since our parents went to be with the Lord. However, their children, sons-in-law and grandchildren continue to nurture the Christian values they bequeathed to us, expressed in a daily life of prayer and in the effort to recognize God’s presence in every event. This spiritual heritage, freely received from God through the family, is like a talent entrusted to our care.

That is why we never cease to give thanks to God for the miracle of his love, for enabling us to gather together in his name and for the countless blessings he bestows upon our lives with infinite kindness.

Flor Angelica Acuña Rios, Peru