Father Fred Jenga, C.S.C., Ph.D.
President, Holy Cross Family Ministries
The Rosary and the “Ecclesia Domestica”
Dear Friends,
As some of our readers might be aware, the Second Vatican Council defined the family as the “Ecclesia Domestica” or the “Domestic Church” (Lumen Gentium 11). The Council further added that if the family is to truly live out its call as the domestic church, then family prayer must be a consistent part of its life. Different Popes have gone on to teach the Church different forms of prayer that can turn our homes into authentic domestic churches. The Pope’s have noted that without common family prayer, the family would lose its character as the domestic church.
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Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C, Ph.D.
International Director, Holy Cross Family Ministries
Warm greetings to our esteemed members of the Global HCFM Family!
I am thrilled to share with you all the exciting highlights of our recent Global Leadership Meeting held in beautiful Ireland last September along with other powerful ways Holy Cross Family Ministries is continuing to impact families globally. Distinguished leaders from various parts of the world came together to engage in insightful dialogues, foster new friendships, and nurture the growth of our shared mission. The theme that resonated throughout the gathering was "Inspiring Families to Live with Purpose and Hope Through Family Prayer." It was a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of prayer and how it can bring families closer together.
As we stand united in faith and purpose, let us continue to harness the power of family prayer to create a world filled with love, hope, and positivity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of families worldwide! The words of Father Peyton are ever more relevant today, “A world at prayer is a world at peace.” Thank you for being partners in the peace-building process, family by family.
Gratefully,
Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.
In September, Holy Cross Family Ministries leaders from around the world gathered for the Global Leadership Meeting in Knock, Ireland. The leaders came together to Connect, Engage, and Grow under the theme, Inspiring Families to Live with Purpose and Hope through Family Prayer. We are the medium and the message!
Bishop Paul Dempsey is greeted by Brother Paul Bednarczyk after Mass at Knock Shrine. "Everything that Holy Cross does is rooted in the mission of Jesus Christ, which is primarily healing and teaching." ~ Brother Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C.
The Global Team visited Father Peyton's Home in Ireland. At the welcome address, Fr. Fred said, "May each one of us gathered in Ireland be ‘infected’ by the simplicity of Father Patrick Peyton’s faith. May we all be fired up with the missionary spirit that marked many Irish missionaries who traveled all over the world to share about the love of God and love for Our Blessed Mother." ~ Father Fred Jenga, C.S.C.
"Holy Cross Family Ministries, at its core, is a beacon of hope dedicated to the spiritual well-being of families." ~ Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.
Prayer is the thread that binds us in love, understanding, and harmony, as the leaders join together in a blessing.
Cindy Slattery, Chief Financial Officer, gives an insightful presentation on Stewardship in Ministry, Finance, and Human Resource Management.
Irish song and dance are enjoyed by team members at the Father Peyton Centre.
Father Willy Raymond is honored and celebrated as he graciously receives gifts from our team members around the world.
Panel discussion on Social Media and Ethics lead by (from left to right) Andrew Macdonald, Father Shiju Joseph C.S.C., Elizabeth Ponce, Father David Guffey, C.S.C., and Susan Wallace.
Latin America team members are all smiles during a session break (from left to right) Father Anibal Andres Nino Loarte, C.S.C., Iris Grimanesa Manucci Gonzales, Brother Anthony Terrones, C.S.C.
Please check out the amazing work of Holy Cross Family Ministries around the world. These videos are our Ministry Centers presentations from the Global Leadership Meeting - Ireland 2023.
Australia
Bangladesh
Brazil
Canada
Chile
East Africa, Kenya
East Africa, Tanzania
East Africa, Uganda
Ghana
India, Peyton Institute for Families
India, Northeast
India, South
India, Tamil Nadu
Mexico
Peru, Family Rosary
Peru, INFAM
Phillipines
Ireland
Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., is interviewed by Midwest Radio during the Global Leadership Meeting in Ireland. Please read the article and listen to the radio interview. Midwest Radio - Members of Holy Cross Family Ministries worldwide gather in Knock this week and visit Attymass - the birthplace of Fr Peyton
Team members from Holy Cross Family Ministries and the Congregation of Holy Cross gather at their booth where they welcome visitors at World Youth Day.
Please watch this joyful video of singing to the message of Father Peyton 'The family that prays together stays together.' - World Youth Day, Lisbon, Portugal
Revealing the Transformative Power of Prayer at World Youth Day
In the vibrant mosaic of my journey to World Youth Day Lisbon 2023, a singular and extraordinary moment shines as a testament to both unshakable faith and the profound impact of prayer. On August 5, Pope Francis led 200,000 young souls in prayer at the revered Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima during the 2023 World Youth Day. Among the assembly, a young girl bore witness to a truly remarkable healing.
A glimpse from World Youth Day with photos of our team members, youth, and Pope Francis!
Please watch this video of Father Arul Jayaraj, C.S.C., Local Director, Holy Cross Family Ministries, Montreal, Canada
Charting a Path to Flourishing Fulfilled Families through Family Prayer in Montreal
In the heart of Montreal, nestled within the vibrant cultural tapestry of Quebec's metropolis, a transformative event is on the horizon. Embraced by the Province of Canada in collaboration with St. Joseph Oratory, Montreal is about to open its doors to a brand new Local Ministry Center for Holy Cross Family Ministries as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the first Rosary Rally organized by Father Patrick Peyton in London, Ontario. This momentous occasion, set for October 14, 2023, marks a turning point in the organization's mission to nurture faith, hope, and family prayer by building beloved communities across Canada, and particularly in Montreal. Leading the charge is the dedicated and compassionate Local Director, Father Arul Jayaraj, C.S.C. with the support of the National Director, Father Wilson Andrade, C.S.C.
Mass celebrated with Bishop Lumen Monteiro, C.S.C., after the Orientation Meeting in Montreal, Canada.
Please watch this video on restoring happiness and prayer life to families. - Holy Cross Family Ministries, Arusha and Kitete, Tanzania
Please watch this Rosary Rally video. - Tanzania, East Africa
Families surrendering to the Lord during Gethsemane family prayer. - Holy Cross Family Ministries, Fort Portal, Jinja, and Kampala, Uganda
Please watch this testimonial video and read more about Aliza Lydia's testimony. - Holy Cross Family Ministries, Jinga, Uganda
Peyton Prayer Guild members come together to pray the Rosary. - Holy Cross Family Ministries, Dandora, Kenya
A banner with the image of Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., is carried by children during a procession. - Holy Cross Family Ministries, Ghana
The team at Family Rosary USA approaches promoting family prayer with creativity, research, and our personal experiences with prayer. We pay attention to the current culture while still continually reflecting on the work and words of our founder, Venerable Patrick Peyton.
For Lent, the Family Rosary team chose the theme, "At the Foot of the Cross: Pray Together Now," in addition to our digital resources, we wanted to provide something tangible for families to foster prayer in their homes. We chose to make the Pray Together Now Family Prayer Kits available from the launch of PRAY: The Story of Patrick Peyton, the inspiring film about Father Peyton's life. The kits included a Family Prayer book and journal, a candle, five sets of Rosary beads, five prayer tokens, a cross, and various print materials to enhance family prayer time.
Celebrating the month of the Rosary - a true catholic fall tradtition with a candlelight Rosary procession was held on Saturday, October 7 at 6:00 pm at the Father Peyton Center in Easton, MA. Team members of Holy Cross Family Ministries and community members gathered to celebrate this annual event, followed by cider and donuts.
The annual meeting of Holy Cross Altar Servers was held on July 1-4, 2023 at Holy Cross Parish, Mawkynrew. The altar servers from four parishes of Meghalaya took part in this gathering. Different sessions were delivered in order for them to experience the love of God and to serve him faithfully and prayerfully. - Holy Cross Family Ministries, Northeast India
The second batch of Postgraduate level Training in Family Therapy kicked off on July 3, 2023. The day was significant as it was the feast day of St. Thomas, the Apostle of India. The training program is a 10-month residential program and places a lot of emphasis on imparting experiential training in counseling skills and how to apply them in a culturally sensitive manner. The program is rigorous and involves many hours of personal and group therapy. Therefore, the intake for the program is limited to a maximum of 15 students per session. The second session consists of eight priests, six sisters, and one laywoman. They come from different parts of India and from a variety of backgrounds. The program will conclude in April 2024. - Peyton Institute for Families, Bangalore, India
Congratulations to Fr. Ruben Gomes, C.S.C. and team! Since he has taken up as the Director of Bangladesh, they have created 680 catechetical programs, distributed 60,000 rosaries, 100,000 images of Mary, and 50,000 sacred calendars. Please check the link (Starting Seven: October 27, 2023 (pillarcatholic.com). - Holy Cross Family Ministries, Bangladesh
Children perform at a cultural program on the occasion of Parents Day. - Holy Cross Family Ministries, South India
20,000 Rosaries were distributed to elders at the Marian Congress in Chennai. - Holy Cross Family Ministries, Tamil Nadu, India
Please watch this video of the '5th FRC Antipolensis Anniversary.' - Family Rosary Crusade, Philippines
Father Peyton praying with a family, Kenya, 1955
Father Peyton firmly believed that family prayer was the antidote to troubles in society and that praying together as a family, especially the Rosary, would solidify the family unit. Family prayer would have influence in the community as well, as the praying family is awakened to the needs there and seeks to correct the failings of society.
The power and promise of praying the Rosary. Please watch this 'All Ireland Rosary Rally' video. - Ireland
Reflecting on the theme of prayer during a beautiful celebration of the Holy Week and Easter mass celebrated by Archbishop James Macdonald, C.S.C., who spoke about the importance of the Holy Eucharist in the life of the church family and encouraged all to attend Holy Mass and receive the graces. The church was packed with 7 Masses celebrated on Easter Sunday. - Holy Cross Family Ministries, Canada
Celebration of the second year of existence of Father Patrick Peyton Center in Haiti, more particularly in the Archdiocese of Cap-Haitian. Thanksgiving was returned to the Almighty of the Universe on July 2, 2023 at the ministry office. - Holy Cross Family Ministries, Haiti
Mrs. Rodriguez praying the Rosary at home. - Rosario en Familia, México
The Museum of Family Prayer announces the opening of a new exhibit area, “The Faith Gallery.” Our inaugural exhibit, entitled: “Behold Your Mother,” spotlights world-renowned artist, Jen Norton.
The new gallery area will have exhibits that will change quarterly to provide families with the opportunity to view art from world-renowned artists that they may not otherwise have the chance to encounter. The Faith Gallery opened to the public on Saturday, September 9, 2023, with guided tours, art activities for children of all ages, Rosary, Holy Mass, and a chance for families to pray together while enjoying the beauty of art.
World-renowned artist, Jen Norton, joined us for the Grand Opening event, and will shared her inspiration for her artwork. Our inaugural exhibit is entitled: “Behold Your Mother.” This special collection is a vibrant and contemplative exhibit of the Blessed Mother and an opportunity for all to have a powerful experience of prayer through art.
Please watch this video of a community praying the Rosary together in Spanish. - Rosario en Familia, Perú
A mother teaches her daughter to pray the Holy Rosary, as they pray together for a better world. - INFAM, Perú
Fr. Daniel Panchot, C.S.C., Chaplain of Rosario en Familia, Chile, blesses the new work offices in Peñalolén Chile. At this celebration, he was accompanied by the Interim Director, Brother Anthony Terrones, C.S.C. - Rosario en Familia, Chile
Celebration by the Rosary of Men Movement at Nossa Sra do Rosario Parish in Rio de Janeiro in February 2023 as Rosaries with explanatory leaflets "How to Pray the Rosary" were distributed. - Rosário en Família, Brasil
Please watch this powerful video message from Father Peyton. - Family Theater Productions
Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., prays with a family in Caracas, Venezuela, 1966
From his radio messages to his films and TV, and through rallies around the world, Venerable Patrick Peyton spread the message of family prayer, especially the Rosary. Who can forget his signature phrase, “The family that prays together stays together”?
As shown in Family Theater Productions’ film about his life, PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON, Father Peyton’s experience with family prayer began in his own home in a small town in Ireland. The power of that prayer stayed with him his entire life and formed the core of his ministry.
In his 1953 Easter TV special, The Triumphant Hour, Father Peyton says: “Prayer is the most powerful force in the whole world, and it's yours for the taking. Make it a part of your life. Give it a place in your home. Use it to strengthen your family circle.
“It is particularly beautiful when we use such prayers as the family Rosary with its meditations on the life of Christ and Mary, His Blessed Mother.
“It is beautiful too when we just use our plain talk with God for prayer. All prayer by all peoples and races and creeds is just talking to the good God who made us all and loves us all. Thanking Him for all His works and asking Him for all the blessings that we need for our lives, our families, our nation, and our world. May God and Mary love you all.”
From the beginning of his ministry in the 1940s to today, Father Peyton’s plea for family prayer remains as relevant as ever.
Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C., visits the burial place of Father Patrick Peyton's family in Attymass, County Mayo, Ireland
“If enough families pray, they can save the world.”
-Venerable Patrick Peyton, The Ear of God
In 1948, Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., embarked on a mission to save the world through prayer. He knew that this is God’s world, that we are his children, and that alone we can do nothing, but through God, we can do anything. Now, 75 years later we continue his campaign for family prayer, but with refreshed eyes and a renewed spirit, thus honoring our past and re-envisioning our future with "We Prayed!" a Campaign for Family Prayer.
“What impressed me was the way he lived and the way he prayed, especially when each evening we all knelt together to say the Rosary.”
~ Venerable Patrick Peyton, All for Her
Mike and Shara Sweeney reflect on the power of family Rosary prayer in their marriage and family.
Recently, I attended a showing of the film, “PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON” at a local parish. As I watched the film, along with Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C., Father Leo Polselli, C.S.C., and the people of St. Mary’s in Mansfield, MA, U.S.A., I was struck by how the story of Father Peyton’s life and ministry captivated those in attendance. It caused me to wonder what exactly it is that continues to engage people of different backgrounds, cultures, economic statuses, and ages, when they experience hearing and seeing Father Peyton and the families who give testimony to living his encouragement and challenge to pray the Rosary as a family.
The Catholic Mom community is dedicated to living out and sharing with others the message of Father Patrick Peyton, “A world at prayer is a world at peace.”
Maria T, Grade 4-6, Philippines, First Place Winner in Art
Inspired by our founder, Venerable Patrick Peyton, the Try Prayer! It Works! contest is inspired by Father Peyton’s message: "The family that prays together stays together."
In August, Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., announced the winners of the Try Prayer! It Works! contest 2023. Holy Cross Family Ministries received entries from around the world and from all age groups. From the Philippines to Uganda, Peru, Mexico, Australia, and India, to name a few. Open Wide the Doors of Your Home to Christ was the theme for students to submit artwork, prose or poetry, where the winning entries received prize money.
For more information, please click this link International Try Prayer Contest 2024 (familyrosary.org)
Testimonies from around the world reflect our mission to inspire, promote, and foster the prayer life and spiritual well-being of families throughout the world. We help families pray.
"A World at Prayer is a World at Peace."
~ Venerable Patrick Peyton
Read more for inspiring testimonies.
Please pray for the speedy beatification and canonization of Venerable Patrick Peyton, founder, Holy Cross Family Ministries.
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 ever closer to You with childlike confidence and love.
Amen.