RITE AND REASON:The campaign begun by Mayo-born Fr Patrick Peyton in the 1940s to promote the saying of the family Rosary won the support of Hollywood stars and had a worldwide impact, writes Fr James Phalan
JANUARY 9th next will mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of the most well- known Irishmen of the 20th century, Fr Patrick Peyton - someone who demonstrated what one person can do when totally dedicated to a simple message.
His life's commitment is summarised by the phrase still so well known throughout the world - "The family that prays together stays together" - and it is as true now as ever before.
Always conscious of his Irish heritage, Fr Peyton spoke to 28 million people about what he learned in his home in Co Mayo. Though from a poor family in a then very poor Mayo, he knew they were rich in what is most important: love, unity, character, hope and faith. He saw his parents give witness to what really matters in life.
With this solid foundation he was able to assume his life's mission, fuelled by the experience of almost dying from a very grave case of tuberculosis before he was to be ordained a priest in the US. Call it what you will, but his literally overnight recovery in 1939, after surrendering his life to Jesus and Mary in prayer, made it clear that Patrick Peyton had a mission to which he would give every ounce of his being.
His mission took definitive shape in 1942, on the threshold of our era. The world was racked by war. The crisis of the family that is now an epidemic was looming. He said he was "given" a message of family prayer and the praying of the Rosary, and the success of his undertaking was phenomenal.
Nothing seemed impossible.
Promotion that began among the families of the school where he was chaplain soon became international Rosary crusades. Praying the Rosary on the local radio developed into a long-running radio programme. Fr Peyton's utter sincerity won the support of hundreds of Hollywood stars. He had their trust. They sensed he was a humble and holy man
History shows that often it is a simple insight that can be most penetrating. Such is Fr Peyton's message of the importance of the family praying of the Rosary.
Will you blithely toss this off as a thing of the past or give it the more careful consideration that it deserves?
It is not a panacea nor is it some magical solution for all our woes. It is rather a call to a way of living that is, at this point, apparently counter-cultural yet far more truly human than what most seem to settle for. It is a way that is deeply satisfying of our true needs: for love, for community, for authenticity, for meaning, for God.
The family that prays together takes time to put into practice what they say they believe and so they can listen for truth in God's word, they can let Christ work in their lives - and listen to one another. They do so with the Virgin Mary who has been the Mother of the Irish for centuries.
"We don't have time to pray as a family," is the usual reply.
Parents, please take a good look around at what is happening to your children: you can't afford NOT to pray with them and teach them what YOU want them to know about life.
You may be timid or don't even know how to pray with the family. The Rosary will be a great help. Just start by praying a part of it. Don't worry about doing it "right". Simply take a few minutes of peace with the Lord together and you can gradually learn to pray more. To learn more about family prayer of the Rosary visit: www.hcfm.org
Servant of God Fr Patrick Peyton CSC died on June 3rd, 1992. His cause for beatification was introduced in the year 2001. If the Lord wills he will be raised for public veneration and Ireland will have even more reason to be proud of this native son. This year we celebrate his centenary year: to honour his memory, to continue his mission - the family that prays together stays together.
• Fr James H Phalan CSC, is director of Family Rosary International. The Family Rosary continues Fr Peyton's mission in 17 countries throughout the world. In Ireland you may call or visit the Fr Peyton Memorial Centre at Attymass, Co Mayo, 096-45375. E-mail: jamesphalan@hcfm.org or dellaginley@eircom.net