The Peyton family of Attymass, Ireland prayed the Rosary together every night. The atmosphere of Christian holiness and unity was so palpable in their home that when Patrick stayed with another family, he knew right away that they didn’t pray together. He was only a child at the time, but he spoke to that family of his love for the Blessed Mother and the Rosary in words that inspired them to pray daily. This was the first of Patrick’s many Rosary missions.
Patrick felt the call to the priesthood when he was nine years old, but his lack of schooling discouraged him and he decided to become a businessman in America. He arrived in the States in 1927 at the age of eighteen and found work as a church janitor in the cathedral in Scranton, PA. This work rekindled his vocation and he joined the Congregation of the Holy Cross.
Two years before his ordination, Patrick contracted severe tuberculosis and faced certain death. He prayed to the Blessed Mother, reminding her of his daily devotion since childhood. Shortly afterward, he was miraculously healed. From that time, he was never seen without a rosary.
Overwhelming gratitude to the Blessed Mother led Fr. Patrick Peyton to begin the Family Rosary Crusade—a plan to establish a daily Rosary in 10 million homes throughout America—after his ordination in 1941. This was only the beginning of Fr. Peyton’s national—and soon, international—Rosary mission.
By 1945 he had created a radio broadcast of the Rosary, prayed by Hollywood stars and famous politicians. Two years later, Hollywood helped him establish Family Theater Productions, a program on the Mysteries of the Rosary and inspiring stories about prayer. Later, Fr. Peyton led 540 Rosary rallies across the globe.
“The Family that Prays Together Stays Together” became his now-famous slogan, and by the time of his death in 1992, he was known worldwide as “the Rosary Priest.”
Fr. Peyton’s message to families is as urgent today as it was 75 years ago—if not more urgent. He’s still here to guide us in the Rosary too, thanks to Father Peyton’s Rosary Prayer Book. This book of 200+ meditations is unlike any other prayer book. It’s just what your family needs to kindle and foster the habit of praying together daily. Get your copy today at The Catholic Company!
