Father
A world at prayer is a world at peace.
(Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C)
familyrosary.org
Meet Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C.
Father Patrick Peyton was known all over the world as “The Rosary Priest”. He experienced Mary’s powerful intercession in his own life and wanted to tell the families of the world what Mary, Our Blessed Mother, would do for them if they would open their hearts and homes to her by praying the Rosary together. He spoke from deep within his heart with his Irish brogue and delivered his message with such humility, simplicity and sincerity that those who heard him were profoundly moved. As a result, millions of people committed themselves to pray the Rosary.
Humble Beginnings
Patrick Peyton was the sixth of nine children born on a small farm on January 9, 1909, to John and Mary Peyton, who gathered their family together each night to pray the Rosary. “For the first 19 years of my life, this was our daily practice as I grew from childhood to boyhood to my teens. Because of the daily family Rosary, my home was for me a cradle, a school, a university, a library and most of all, a little church.”
As Patrick was growing up and attending his home parish in Attymass, he had a strong desire to become a priest. However, when applications to seminary were rejected, Pat’s desires shifted and when he was just 18 years old, he and his brother Tom thought that if they traveled to the United States they could work hard and become millionaires. But it seemed that God had different plans for the boys. Instead of becoming millionaires, Patrick’s opportunity for employment took him to the Cathedral of St. Peter in Scranton, Pennsylvania where he was offered a job as janitor. Surrounded by the beauty of his faith and closeness to God each day while working in the Cathedral, Patrick’s childhood desire to become a priest was reignited. Not long after, he met a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross who invited both he and his brother to join their order and so began their formation for the priesthood at the University of Notre Dame.
While still a student of theology, Patrick was stricken with tuberculosis which, at the time, was a terminal diagnosis. For almost a full year, he languished in his hospital bed while his situation became increasingly worse. Father Cornelius Hagerty, a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross and a mentor of Patrick’s, encouraged him to put all his trust in the power of the Blessed Mother’s intercession. At the same time, his fellow students and Holy Cross community began to pray a novena of Masses for his recovery. It was during that same week that he recovered. Astonished doctors who examined him confirmed his cure and allowed him to return to his studies and on June 15, 1941, Patrick Peyton was ordained a priest, along with his brother, Tom.
His Mission: The Family Rosary
In gratitude to Our Lady for her intercession in his healing, now Father Peyton was determined to spend his life promoting devotion to her so that everyone would come to know the blessings she is eager to bestow on those who turn to her with confidence and love. So, in 1942, with the approval of his superiors, Father Peyton founded The Family Rosary. His passion for this new mission was extraordinary. In parish missions, on radio and on television he promoted family prayer, especially praying the Rosary together as a family. He soon founded Family Theater of the Air, the longest running radio program in the history of the Mutual Broadcasting Network and for 22 years the most famous stars of Hollywood donated their time and talent to help him deliver the message of the Rosary.
There was no slowing down for Father Peyton. In 1948, he began his famous Rosary Crusades which took him all over the world and drew crowds estimated at two million in cities like Manila in the Philippines, and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Overcoming his natural shyness, he radiated the love of God and inspired people around the world with his simple and tender devotion to Our Lady.
No matter how complex the problems of organizing huge Rosary rallies, financing the production of movies and radio shows, traveling around the world or corresponding with thousands of people who wrote to ask for his prayers, Fr. Peyton never let the burdens he carried extinguish the love for the mission of family prayer.
Father Peyton’s health was never strong and his daily life of laboring to plan events and frequent travel around the world took a heavy toll on his heart. He continued to keep up this pace even after heart surgery but eventually was too ill to leave his room, and he died under the loving care of the Little Sisters of the Poor in San Pedro, California on June 3, 1992, at the age of 83, uttering his final words, “Mary, my Queen, my Mother.”
How is Someone Declared a Saint?
Before declaring anyone a saint, the office (or Dicastery) for the Causes of Saints in Rome, requires evidence of that person’s holiness of life and widespread confidence in the power of the person’s intercession. This process is referred to as the Cause for Canonization.
In the case of Father Peyton, many testimonies (or stories) about his holiness were reported and collected - stories of restored eyesight, cured cancers, and broken bones suddenly healed - just to name a few.
While the investigation of such matters proceeded, Father Peyton was named Venerable Patrick Peyton by then Pope Francis in 2017, moving his Cause for Sainthood further along.
Many experts continue to closely investigate any report of a potential miracle associated with people praying to Father Peyton. One proven miracle will declare him to be “Blessed” Patrick Peyton, and a second proven miracle would complete the journey with the Holy Father declaring him a Saint for Families!
How to Pray the Rosary
Prayers of the Rosary are found on page 14.
1. If in a family or group, the leader begins, with the Sign of the Cross (with the Crucifix of the Rosary beads) and leads the Apostles’ Creed.
2. On the first large bead, pray one Our Father.
3. Pray one Hail Mary on each of the three small beads for an increase in faith, hope, and love, then pray the Glory Be.
4. On the next large bead, announce the first Mystery, (i.e. Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, Glorious), then pray one Our Father;
5. Followed by one Hail Mary on each of the next ten beads and conclude with a Glory Be.
6. Announce the second Mystery and pray one Our Father;
7. Followed by one Hail Mary on each of the next ten beads and conclude with a Glory Be.
8. Announce the third Mystery and pray one Our Father;
9. Followed by one Hail Mary on each of the next ten beads and conclude with a Glory Be.
10. Announce the fourth Mystery and pray one Our Father;
11. Followed by one Hail Mary on each of the next ten beads and conclude with a Glory Be.
12. Announce the fifth Mystery and pray one Our Father;
13. Followed by one Hail Mary on each of the next ten beads and conclude with a Glory Be.
14. Pray the Hail Holy Queen.
15. Pray the concluding and/or optional prayers and end with the Sign of the Cross.
The Joyful Mysteries
Mondays and Saturdays
Meditation
Mary was free from sin since the first moments of her existence. Mary’s unique relationship with God meant that she was already deeply familiar with the God of Israel at the time of the Annunciation. She knew Him as Father who loved His children so extravagantly that He received them with joy each time they turned away from their sins. This same God now wanted to become a little child to save His people. Mary responded with a joyful “Yes” to God’s request without fear.
The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to Your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38)
Blessed Mother, teach our family to place our trust in the extravagant love of God the Father, and to respond to His love by saying “Yes” to Him in our daily lives. Our Father…
The Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
“Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45)
Blessed Mother, give our family the grace to make everything we do in service to each other and to our neighbours in need an act of praise and thanksgiving to God. Our Father...
The Third Joyful Mystery: The Birth of Our Lord
And [the shepherds] went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger. (Luke 2:16)
Blessed Mother, God became man in poverty and hiddenness. He even made Himself a little Child, totally dependent on His parents. Teach our family to seek joy in little things, to be grateful for what God has given us, and to find Him in everything that we do. Our Father…
The Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple
“Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce your own soul...).” (Luke 2:34-35)
Blessed Mother, the joy of gazing upon Your Son was mixed from the beginning with the knowledge that many hearts would reject Him. Awaken our family to receive the love He wishes to give us. Our Father…
The Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
“How is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49)
Blessed Mother, Jesus reveals to us the identity of the Father. Inspire our family, and especially all fathers, to seek Jesus with urgency and zeal as you and Saint Joseph sought Him, so that we might become witnesses of the Father’s love to each other. Our Father…
Conclude with Closing Prayers (page 15)
The Luminous Mysteries
Thursdays
Meditation
Father Peyton called families to pray together. He understood that they would need to take time each day to cultivate their relationship with God to become His disciples. In the Luminous Mysteries, we meditate on Jesus’ public ministry and learn from Him what it means to be a disciple and to understand discipleship often involves the Cross but will lead to the glory of the Resurrection. We do not have to be afraid of the cost of discipleship because Jesus walks ahead of us and Mary, His Mother and ours, accompanies us.
The First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism in the Jordan
When [Jesus] came up out of the water, immediately He saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:10-11)
Blessed Mother, when Jesus presented Himself to John to be baptized, He identified Himself more closely with us. By virtue of our baptism, we are called to holiness. Help us to discover how we can live our baptismal vocation in the context of family life. Our Father…
The Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding at Cana
When the wine failed, the Mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” (John 2:3)
Blessed Mother, you recognized the needs of the newlyweds and presented them to your Son. Like Father Peyton, may we always trust in your maternal love for us. Our Father…
The Third Luminous Mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15)
Blessed Mother, where Jesus is, the Kingdom of God is present. Jesus was always the object of your love and contemplation, so the Kingdom of God reigned in your heart. May our family allow the Kingdom of God to reign in us through a vibrant faith and a willingness to say “I am sorry” when we sin. Our Father…
The Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration
After six days Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them, and His garments became glistening, intensely white... (Mark 9:2-3)
After telling the disciples that He would have to suffer, Jesus revealed His glory to Peter, James, and John. He knew that the memory of His transfiguration would console them during His Passion. May our family set aside time to be alone with Jesus, so that we might be faithful in moments of trial.
The Fifth Luminous Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist
When the hour came, He sat at table, and the Apostles with Him. And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” (Luke 22:14-15)
At the Last Supper, Jesus gave Himself to the Church forever. Teach us to honor Him in the Eucharist and to offer our hearts to Him in the little sacrifices we make for each other every day. Our Father…
Conclude with Closing Prayers (page 15)
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Tuesdays and Fridays
Meditation
As we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries, we are invited to learn from Mary how to walk with Jesus on the way to Calvary. Why did Jesus continue in His agony, even when His most intimate friends abandoned Him? Jesus was able to continue because of the strength of His love and He longed to communicate this love to His disciples. Mary’s example teaches us how to make our hearts and our families places where Jesus’ love is recognized, received, and shared.
The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
“Abba, Father, all things are possible to You; remove this chalice from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:36)
Blessed Mother, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus shows us the meaning of true love. He teaches us that love is not a feeling, but a choice to do what is best for the beloved, especially when it is painful. Fill us with gratitude to Jesus for His love for us. Our Father…
The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas; and having scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified. (Mark 15:15)
Blessed Mother, what was it like for You to see Your Son, wounded and racked with pain? His flesh, torn open, was Your flesh. Grant parents of children who are suffering or who do not follow Jesus a spirit of perseverance in prayer. Our Father…
The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe upon Him, and placed a crown of thorns on His head ... And kneeling before Him they mocked Him. (Matthew 27:28-29)
Blessed Mother, the soldiers who crowned Jesus with thorns did not know that He was indeed a king. But you knew His true identity: that He is the God-Man. Pray that our family might invite Jesus to be king and center of our lives and have the courage to acknowledge Him before others. Our Father…
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
So, they took Jesus, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the place of the skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. (John 19:17)
Blessed Mother, the journey to Calvary was long and difficult, both for you and for Jesus. Like you, may we accompany each other as a family, not only in moments of joy, but also in moments of trial. Please walk with us as we learn to be Jesus’ disciples. Our Father…
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
When Jesus saw His Mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing near, He said to His Mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” (John 19:26-27)
Blessed Mother, the Crucifixion has been compared to a wedding, because on the Cross Jesus offers Himself totally and unreservedly for His bride, the Church. You stand beneath the Cross as a representative of the Church. Obtain for husbands and wives the wisdom to understand the sacrifice involved in faithful love and to embrace it with joy. Our Father…
Conclude with Closing Prayers (page 15)
The Glorious Mysteries
Sundays and Wednesdays
Pray the Daily Opening Prayers, read today’s opening meditation, and then proceed to the reflections and prayers for each Mystery. Read one Mystery and reflection at each Our Father and spend a few quiet moments reflecting on it.
Meditation
The Glorious Mysteries testify to the victory of love over the power of sin and death. The tremendous suffering Jesus endured before His Resurrection is the price that God was willing to pay in order to make us capable of inheriting eternal life. God desires our happiness and knows that our true happiness will be in eternity with Him in Heaven. This is why He gives us Mary to be the Mother of our souls. She will form Jesus in us and give us the grace we need to say “Yes” to God in everything we do.
The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection
“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen.” (Luke 24:5)
Blessed Mother, even during the darkest moments of the Passion, when Your Son hung on the Cross and finally gave up His Spirit, you knew by faith that His love would triumph. Teach our family to place our confidence in His love and to help each other to remain faithful in times of hardship. Our Father…
The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord
When He had said this, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9)
Blessed Mother, you must have experienced such joy to see your Son return to His Father for all eternity. But you remained on earth to be a Mother to the Church. We thank you for making this sacrifice for us, and we ask you to continue to intercede for the Church so that she might teach families how to pursue holiness in their daily lives. Our Father…
The Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
There appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:3-4)
Blessed Mother, you were present with the disciples at Pentecost when they were filled with the Holy Spirit. We receive(d) the Holy Spirit at our Baptism and Confirmation. Please teach us to become responsive to the gift of His presence in our souls. Our Father…
The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven
Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place, You and the ark of Your might. (Psalm 132:8)
Blessed Mother, how you must have rejoiced to be in the presence of the Blessed Trinity forever. Now you are in Heaven, interceding for your children who remain under the burden of sin on earth. We thank you for being our Mother and for interceding for us before the throne of God. Our Father…
The Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (Revelation 12:1)
Blessed Mother, after many quiet and hidden years on earth, you received the honor of being crowned Queen of Heaven. Your Son had the joy of exalting you so that the whole world could see the love that radiated from your humble heart. Grant us the grace to serve each other in humility so that we, too, will be prepared to praise God in Heaven for all eternity. Our Father…
Conclude with Closing Prayers (page 15)
Prayers of the Rosary
SIGN OF THE CROSS
All: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
Leader: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
All: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
OUR FATHER
Leader: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
All: Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
HAIL MARY
Leader: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
All: Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
GLORY BE
Leader: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
All: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Closing Prayers
HAIL, HOLY QUEEN
All: Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, O most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Leader: Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
All: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Leader: Let us pray,
All: O God, whose only begotten Son by His life, death and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech Thee, that by meditating upon these Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
SIGN OF THE CROSS
All: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Optional Prayer
The Fatima Prayer is optional and can be said at the end of each decade, following the Glory Be.
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins; save us from the fires of Hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who are most in need of Thy mercy.
Prayer for the Beatification of Venerable Patrick Peyton
Dear Jesus,
Father Peyton devoted his priestly life to strengthening the families of the world by calling them to pray together every day, especially the Rosary. His message is as important for us now as it was during his life on earth. We beg You, therefore, to hasten the day of his beatification so that Your faithful people everywhere will remember his message that “the family that prays together, stays together”, will imitate him in his devotion to Your Mother and ours, and will be inspired by his holy life to draw every closer to You with childlike confidence and love.
Amen.
Prayer for a Favor Through the Intercession of Venerable Patrick Peyton
God, our Father,
Your wisdom is displayed in all creation and the power of your grace is revealed in the lives of holy people, who inspire us to trust you more fully and to serve others more generously. In a unique way, you blessed the life and work of your servant Father Patrick Peyton, and made him a fervent apostle of Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary and Mother of us all. Through his intercession, we ask for this favor (remember your intention here). Please grant it, if it is for your honor and glory, through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
FamilyRosary.