Dear Rosary Friends,
We celebrated a very special year at Holy Cross Family Ministries this year! We celebrated, not one, but three anniversaries: the 70th anniversary of the founding of Family Rosary; the 65th anniversary of the founding of Family Theater Productions; and the 20th anniversary of Father Peyton’s death.
We celebrated these anniversaries in many ways as you will see throughout this report, but most importantly, we had the opportunity to present our Holy Father with a book of prayer pledges that contained more than 80,000 names of people around the world who have committed to pray the Rosary. How fitting that our presentation was on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Turn to pages 6– 8 for pictures of this special occasion and also for a copy of the letter we received from the Vatican acknowledging this special year.
There was much more accomplished in this special year. From 41,000 children participating in the Try Prayer! It Works! Contest in 14 countries to the beautiful and meaningful pilgrimages held throughout the year in Bangladesh, we continued Father Peyton’s mission and brought families to Rosary prayer. We think you will find the stories that follow very uplifting as we serve families everywhere.
Our simple message continues to amaze and inspire these families. When they learn that our worldwide ministry began because one man prayed the Rosary in his home, they understand how anything is possible when we gather together daily to pray. We’re sure that when John Peyton – Patrick’s father – knelt down one evening and prayed with his family, he had no idea what that simple family prayer would generate. That singular act was the foundation of Father Peyton’s faith life and it grew to touch the lives of 28 million people in 40 countries to whom he spoke in person and millions more from his radio, TV and film productions – and it continues to spread today.
Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton, CSC, began his ministries 70 years ago with the goal of building family unity through daily prayer of the Rosary. We are blessed to continue this important work to fulfill Father Peyton’s vision that The Family That Prays Together Stays Together.
Thank you for your support. We are blessed with so many people that recognize the importance of family Rosary prayer and extend their support to continue Father Peyton’s ministry. We couldn’t possibly achieve all that we do without our prayer partners, volunteers, and donors. May God bless you and your holy family for your ongoing support.
Yours in Jesus through Mary,
