So, it’s worth asking the question, why do we as Catholics do this? Why do we continue to celebrate a Mass on this occasion thirty years after Venerable Patrick Peyton’s passing from earthy life?

The answer is found in our faith and desires to be in union with God and the holy people He places in our lives.

For many, now with the passage of time, we know of Father Peyton through others, his writings, Rosary rallies, the movie PRAY, etc. And yet, though many of us didn’t physically meet him, we are drawn to his message of the importance of family Rosary prayer and his unwavering devotion to our Blessed Mother and service as a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

I believe we see in Venerable Patrick Peyton an inspirational manifestation of living a good and holy life fully put at the service of God. Given all that we struggle with in this life, we need role models who lead us in the right direction, people who though not perfect, show us that with God’s grace, we can overcome obstacles that at first may seem insurmountable. An anniversary allows us to remember the example of Father Peyton’s life and stay connected to him.

Secondly, by remembering, we are drawn to give thanks to God for the gift of Father Peyton and what it means to each of us. How can we not thank God when we realize the effect Father Peyton has had on so many people throughout the world, including ourselves?

And thirdly, we pray for the beatification and canonization of Venerable Patrick Peyton and for his intercession in our prayer requests.

These two types of prayers are linked. By praying for the Church to recognize Venerable Patrick Peyton as a Saint, we are praying for countless other people to hear his message of the importance of family Rosary prayer. Imagine the good that will come from that knowledge! 

And by praying for his intercession for our needs, we allow our faith in God and the holiness of Father Peyton’s life to unite and demonstrate a belief in his cause for sainthood. Who knows, your prayer asking Venerable Patrick Peyton’s intercession could be the one that allows his cause for sainthood to move forward!

As we journey together, brothers and sisters in Christ along with our families, we are blessed to have this occasion to remember, give thanks, and pray for, and to Venerable Patrick Peyton. May this time inspire us to put into action his poignant words: “The family that prays together stays together,” and “A world at prayer is a world at peace.”

In Jesus and Mary,

Father David S. Marcham

Vice Postulator and Guild Director