Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., used to attract great crowds for his Rosary Rallies, and he still does.
A large gathering of families and individuals turned out for an event to honor the American priest being considered for sainthood by the Vatican on Sunday at Holy Cross Family Ministries in North Easton, Massachusetts.
The Prayer Celebration for Families was dedicated to the man known as the “Rosary Priest” to recognize his heroic virtue and holiness, and continue his legacy of family prayer.
“‘The family that prays together stays together.’ These are among the most well-known and inspiring words in the world. They condense into one sentence the magnificent life and ministry of Venerable Patrick Peyton,” said Father Willy Raymond, president of Holy Cross Family Ministries. “Father Peyton traveled the entire globe in his 51 years of priestly ministry proclaiming the unity, peace, joy and love that prayer and especially the family Rosary bring to God’s Masterpiece, the Family.”
The celebration included Eucharistic Procession, Rosary Prayer and Holy Mass to honor Venerable Patrick Peyton. An estimated 700 people participated in this historic event for this remarkable priest, who was known around the world for encouraging families to pray the Rosary and for his devotion to the Blessed Mother. Each person received a blessed commemorative Venerable Patrick Peyton Rosary, while each family received a Family Rosary Prayer Kit.
“Spreading devotion to daily family Rosary prayer was important to Patrick Peyton because he knew how it nurtured his family. The Peyton family gathered every evening to pray together. I believe all families can follow the example of John and Mary Peyton and pray with their children,” said Father Willy Raymond. “Prayer! Simple as that! Pray with your children today and see them grow to accomplish great things.”
The main Celebrant was Bishop Arthur Colgan, C.S.C., Auxiliary, of Lima, Peru. Also attending were Bishop Howard Hubbard of Albany, N.Y., former Boston Mayor and former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Raymond Flynn, and Shane Cahill, Consul General of Ireland to the U.S.
Various Peyton family members were at the event, including a cousin of Father Peyton, Mary Lou Karch of Arlington, Va., and Susan Reynolds of Philadelphia, Pa. TV star Clarence Gilyard, noted for his role in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and an HCFM Board of Director, read the Declaration of Venerability.
