Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“The family that prays together stays together.” These famous words of Fr. Patrick Peyton, C.S.C. were key in his life-long mission to encourage families to grow together in holiness and in devotion. In particular, Fr. Peyton (whose cause for canonization was formally accepted by Pope Francis on Dec. 18, 2017) encouraged families to pray the Rosary together each day. Over the years of his amazing ministry, Fr. Peyton kept his message consistent and simple. Families would experience the grace of God in powerful measure by praying the Rosary together regularly. He would explain that the 15-20 minutes required to pray the Rosary would become the most important moments of the day, and certainly would be the most spiritually fruitful. He knew the power of the Rosary from first-hand experience: as a young man, after immigrating to the US from Ireland, he joined the Congregation of the Holy Cross and took up studies for the priesthood, first at the University of Notre Dame, and later at the Catholic University of America. But he became sick with tuberculosis. Encouraged by family members and some of his spiritual mentors, young Patrick relied on his faith and began to ask for the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession for his health. “When I needed her and her power and her friendship, she didn’t forget that ever since I had been a little child and could open my mouth, I had used that power to say the Rosary; so when I needed her friendship, she was glad to give it to me,” he would say after regaining his health and being ordained a priest. From this miraculous cure through praying the Rosary, Fr. Peyton dedicated the rest of his life to encourage families to pray together.
For centuries, the Catholic Church has dedicated the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. As we begin this month of special devotion to Our Lady, the parishes in Fairfield and Easton are working together to encourage every household to pray the Rosary together, if not daily, then at least weekly. It may seem like a daunting task, but it will also be a tremendous blessing. Each week, I will use this space to include some additional encouragement to pray the Rosary together, along with some suggestions for families as you build this practice in your homes. For now, I would like to call your attention to a “Pledge to Pray” opportunity online, as well as to some very handy “How to Pray the Rosary” pamphlets that have been generously provided for the parishes in our deanery by our Knights of Columbus Council 16347. They are available at each door of the church.
The conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on May 7. Perhaps this week, we all might offer our prayer of the Rosary for the Cardinals as they enter the conclave and prepare to vote. Under the intercession and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may they choose a good and faithful shepherd to guide the Church, and may the Lord’s graces and blessings fill the new Pope with wisdom, integrity, and courage as he leads the Catholic Church forward in God’s love. Closer to home, our second graders will soon celebrate their First Holy Communion, either on May 10 or May 17. Let us pray the Rosary for them, also, that Mary’s love and maternal care would guide them in their faith and help them to turn to Jesus in the Eucharist more and more each day.
Peace,
Fr. Sam
