AAve Publication of the Office of Vocations of the Congregation Crux of Holy Cross, Province of and Brothers

Volume 6 Issue 1 | Venerable Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., and Holy Cross Family Ministries Volume 6, Issue 1 Venerable Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., and Holy Cross Family Ministries

Ave Crux, Spes Unica – Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope! We in the Congregation of Holy Cross profess this truth as the center of our spiritual tradition, and for over 180 years, we have worked to bring the hope of the Cross to schools, universities, parishes and other ministries on five continents.

We are men with hope to bring, yet discerning God’s will and taking this step in our lives was not entered into lightly or on our own – finding the right next step often comes by reaching out to a Vocations Team member. Our role is to Contents help you hear and answer God’s call. Page 3 Reach out to us and we will help you Holy Cross Family Ministries discover where God’s call is leading you. Fostering the Faith Life of Families Throughout the World

Congregation of Holy Cross Page 6 United States Province Venerable Patrick Peyton, C.S.C. of Priests and Brothers A True and Faithful ’s Love Office of Vocations P.O. Box 541 Page 10 Notre Dame, IN 46556 Pray (574) 631-6385 A New Documentary About the Extraordinary Life of Father Peyton

Page 11 WWW www.holycrossvocations.org Interview with Fr. Willy Raymond, C.S.C. President of Holy Cross Family Ministries [email protected] Page 13 f facebook.com/holycrossvocations Father Peyton A Model of Devotion to Our Lady twitter.com/cscvocations

You Page 14 Tube youtube.com/cscvocations The Congregation of Holy Cross A Family at the Service of Families instagram.com/cscvocations

2 Ave Crux Holy Cross Family Ministries Fostering the Faith Life of Families Throughout the World

Venerable Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., devoted After Father Peyton’s death in 1992, his tools, resources, and other supports for his priestly life to spreading devotion to apostolate not only continued, but grew the renewal of the domestic church. Mary and encouraging family prayer, into a network of ministries that support especially the . He used radio, and encourage family life around the The ongoing mission of HCFM includes television, film, and 540 Rosary rallies world today. growing in understanding of the across the globe, to accomplish his goal. intersection of family and faith where it “Our team consists of 44 Holy Cross happens – in the home. Because of this, Father Peyton’s mission of helping sisters, brothers, and priests, 150+ lay HCFM initiated a major research project families pray together continues team members, 400 volunteers, and with the Center for Applied Research in worldwide through Holy Cross Family 1,100+ donors,” said Rev. Wilfred (Willy) the Apostolate (CARA), to better Ministries (www.HCFM.org), an Raymond, C.S.C., president of Holy Cross understand the successful transmission apostolate of the Congregation of Family Ministries. “Together, we are of faith in the home. Holy Cross. bringing prayer and faith into the lives of many in need … unleashing the power and Promoting family prayer in the spirit of Holy Cross Family Ministries (HCFM) is promise of family prayer and enriching Father Peyton’s oft-repeated quote, “The dedicated to promoting and fostering the spiritual lives of countless families family that prays together stays the prayer life and spiritual well-being of when our world needs it most.” together,” remains the central mission of families. To this end, HCFM offers HCFM. As Fr. Raymond says, “Prayer resources and opportunities to families, HCFM not only enriches the spiritual binds the family together, brings us including faith-based video series, lives of families worldwide, it also plays closer to God’s love and mercy, and prayer retreats, Rosary distribution, and an important role in the training of brings needed peace to our world. Father numerous interactive and in-person diocesan family life ministry Peyton, founder of HCFM, knew the prayer experiences. professionals, providing them with power of prayer better than most.”

Volume 6 Issue 1 3 Holy Cross Family Ministries Our Mission at Work Rosary Team in France, managing the Family Rosary Family Rosary Pavilion at the Shrine of Family Theater (North Easton, Mass.) Our Lady of Lourdes. Just last year, Fr. Productions www.hcfm.org/family-rosary-usa-international Phalan had a cameo appearance in Down To Earth with Zac Efron, a Netflix (Los Angeles, Cali.) Family Rosary is committed to documentary series. www.hcfm.org/family-theater-productions-1 promoting the prayer life of families through Rosary distribution, retreats, Rev. Pinto Paul, C.S.C., Family Theater Productions creates days of reflection, and social media. serves as the faith-based family programs that international director entertain, inspire, and educate families Family Rosary maintains 24 offices in 17 of Holy Cross Family around the world, predominantly countries, engaging millions of families Ministries. In this role, through digital platforms such as in prayer and spiritual development. he represents Family YouTube, as well as through television Rosary leadership in and radio. The Family Theater billboard Rev. James Phalan, the 16 countries campaign, begun in 1947, continues to C.S.C., is the national outside of the United States that have inspire families today. Some of Family director of Family active ministries serving the spiritual Theater’s most popular programs include Rosary, responsible for and prayer needs of families. Prior to his CatholicCentral.com (which explores its day-to-day role as international director, Fr. Paul Catholicism for teens, educators, and operations. He also served as special assistant to the those seeking information about the oversees Catholic Mom president of Holy Cross Family faith) and LenteCatolico.com (videos in and the Museum of Ministries and was a member of the Spanish that present the faith in Family Prayer. Fr. campus ministry team at Stonehill humorous and informative ways). Phalan recently served on the Family College (Easton, Mass.).

4 Ave Crux Rev. Guffey, health programs, youth sports and chess families and greater unity within the C.S.C., is the national clubs, adult leadership courses, and home. CatholicMom.com provides director of Family senior support groups and activities. access to explore useful and engaging Theater Productions. spiritual parenting resources. He is responsible for both media production Catholic Mom and pastoral outreach, www.CatholicMom.com Museum of and has numerous credits for his award- The mission of Catholic Mom is to Family Prayer support and encourage women in the winning work in television and film (North Easton, Mass.) including, “Carrying On”, “You Will See”, vocation of Catholic motherhood and “Finding Mary”, “Assumptions”, “Family Catholic family life. From inspiring www.MuseumofFamilyPrayer.org reflections to practical tips, Catholic Dinner”, “40 Hours”, and “Down from The Museum of Family Prayer presents the Mountain Top”. Mom offers support in all aspects of daily Catholic living. Daily blog posts visitors with a contemporary experience cover topics important to Catholic of Venerable Patrick Peyton’s ongoing Father Peyton moms, including marriage, faith, home, ministry to Christian families. The work, friendship, parenting, books, and museum offers a unique, interactive Family Institutes media. Daily Gospel reflections are experience of prayer that the entire aimed at encouraging deeper prayer. A family can take part in together. Guests www.hcfm.org/the-father-peyton-family-institutes Catholic “Momcast” takes on topics may participate in daily Mass and daily Rosary, attend a Holy Hour of Father Peyton Family Institutes provide related to practical spirituality, Eucharistic Adoration, receive the transformative social services and relationships, and living the liturgical Sacrament of Reconciliation, and walk support for families in India and Peru, year. Weekly Catholic Mom Hangouts an outdoor Rosary path. Museum guests while aiming to address the root causes consider comments and questions on a can also discover more about Venerable of problems affecting the lives of people variety of topics, including work, family, Patrick Peyton. Exhibits display some of in poverty-stricken communities. faith, and friendships. And finally, Sunday Gospel Activities provide Father Peyton’s personal effects, explore his early life and seminary years, and Father Peyton Family Institutes provide resources for families to help prepare for describe his time in Hollywood leading support in the form of marriage and Sunday Mass. family prayer on the radio. The museum engagement enrichment programs, is a showcase not only of Father Peyton’s youth art and faith programs, music It’s evident that today’s society is in vision and apostolate, but of the power programs, substance abuse and domestic desperate need of strong Catholic moms of prayer as well. violence counseling, nutrition and and dads, which can mean stronger

Volume 6 Issue 1 5 Venerable Patrick Peyton, C.S.C. A True and Faithful Servant of God’s Love Patrick Peyton was born in 1909 to a Patrick wanted to sell real estate in the mesmerized by Scranton, , large, poor, Catholic family in Ireland. United States. “the Electric City.” However, Patrick He dreamed of being a missionary searched for weeks, without success, for from a young age. At his home parish in Patrick already had family members in employment. Unbeknownst to Patrick Attymass, Ireland, that desire grew; America. His father agreed that he and and Tom, sister Nellie had arranged a however, his applications (plural!) to the his brother, Tom, could make the trip to meeting between them and seminary were rejected. He’d sought America and live with their sister, Kelly, who offered Patrick a as a admission to the , as well Nellie, on one condition: “Go down on sexton (custodian) in the cathedral. as to the Capuchins, and to the Society your knees and make me a promise here Patrick accepted, and there – in the of African Missionaries. All rejected. before the picture of the Sacred Heart. silence and peace of the cathedral, and That’s enough to make the strongest From now on there will be nobody but filled with the joy of talking to Our Lord among us feel defeated! yourself to advise you and to decide for and Our Blessed Mother each day in you. But your first responsibility will prayer – Patrick felt at home, and his Perhaps with his modest upbringing in always be to save your soul, and so I dream of becoming a missionary priest mind, Patrick refocused on a career and want you to promise to be faithful to was fervently awakened yet again. His on seeking a fortune. He decided in Our Lord in America.” brother Tom also made the decision to 1927, at the age of 18, to ask for his become a priest. father’s consent to journey to America. Upon their arrival, Patrick and Tom were

6 Ave Crux or simply to PRAY. group of Holy Cross brothers who taught at the Vincentian Institute in Albany, “Go down on your Patrick was soon visited by Fr. Cornelius N.Y., and it was there that he not only “ Hagerty, C.S.C., who said to him, “You dutifully fulfilled his commitment as knees and make have the faith, Pat, but you’re not using chaplain to the brothers, but dreamed of me a promise here it. You brought it with you from Ireland. establishing the Family Rosary in Your mother gave it to you, just as her millions of homes. before the picture mother had given it to her.” Fr. Hagerty also spoke to Patrick about Mary’s “Holy Cross was founded with a vision of of the Sacred intercession: “She has never failed ministry and community inspired by the Heart. From now anyone who had recourse to her with Holy Family. This image appealed to faith and perseverance.” Patrick prayed Patrick Peyton as a young man on there will be to Mary, Our Blessed Mother, for a cure. considering a vocation and throughout his priesthood,” said Rev. David Guffey, nobody but On October 31, 1939, Patrick knew he had C.S.C., National Director at Family Theater been cured, and indeed, the doctors Productions. “Father Peyton looked at the yourself to advise almost immediately saw signs of world and observed the pressures on you and to decide improvement for which they had no families that threatened to divide them. scientific explanation. Patrick, He wanted them to know peace and unity for you. But your convinced of the intercession of Mary, ... the kind of peace he had known as a boy later stated, “When I needed her and her growing up in his family in Ireland, and first responsibility power and her friendship, she didn’t that unity fostered by praying the Rosary forget that ever since I had been a little together as a family in their cottage will always be to child and could open my mouth, I had kitchen. This insight led to his life’s work save your soul, used that power to say the Rosary; so promoting the Family Rosary.” when I needed her friendship, she was and so I want you glad to give it to me.” Father Peyton first saw success with a radio show and eventually went to to promise to be On June 15, 1941, at Sacred Heart Church Hollywood to establish an ongoing faithful to Our at the , Patrick program. There, he would share his vision was ordained a Holy Cross priest along of promoting family prayer with Lord in America.” with his brother, Tom. Father Peyton’s celebrities like Jimmy Stewart (the main first assignment was as a chaplain to a character of It’s a Wonderful Life), Lucille

In the spring of 1929, Holy Cross priests from Notre Dame, Ind., visited Patrick’s parish in Scranton. Their preaching and presence spurred Patrick into realizing and expressing his desire to become a missionary priest with Holy Cross. And so, Patrick and his brother, Tom, entered Holy Cross Minor Seminary at the University of Notre Dame. In June 1932, Patrick and Tom entered the Novitiate – an intensive year of spiritual exercises and prayer. They professed their temporary vows with Holy Cross in 1933. Patrick’s dream to be a missionary priest was now seemingly within reach.

His dream, however, would soon appear as though dashed and derailed when his health began to deteriorate in 1938. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis, and his condition progressively worsened. Doctors offered Patrick two options: a risky surgery with little hope for success, Father Peyton radio program on Mutual Broadcasting System, 1952.

Volume 6 Issue 1 7 Ball (of I Love Lucy fame), and many others. The vision was becoming a reality.

Father Peyton’s Family Rosary apostolate extended far beyond the silver screen or big screen … it was a worldwide phenomenon! Rosary rallies with attendance in the hundreds of thousands and nationwide billboard campaigns would reaffirm Father Peyton’s mottos: “The family that prays together stays together,” and “A world at prayer is a world at peace.”

Between 1948 and 1985, Father Peyton would hold 540 rallies on six continents in support of family prayer. Millions of faithful would gather to hear his message of family unity through family prayer. The inspiring work of Holy Cross Family Ministries was born!

The Family That Prays TOGETHER Stays TOGETHER

In , Ireland, farmer John Peyton married Mary Gillard in 1899. Patrick Peyton was born on , 1909 — the sixth of nine children. His father, already stricken with poor health, was about 42 years old at the time of Patrick’s birth. “As a priest, Father Peyton was The Peyton children grew up working on a farm and single-hearted in his desire to lead people to Christ through family prayer, praying the Rosary nightly. John Peyton’s dominant especially the Rosary. His zeal for this quality was his “spirit of faith,” and this faith was mission, given by God and affirmed by practiced each night – leading the family in praying his Holy Cross community, enabled him to overcome fears and natural the Rosary. limitations as he preached with passion and rallied people to the cause of Twice, young Patrick went to live with his grandparents, family prayer.” Robert and Kitty Gillard, and again experienced the — Fr. David Guffey, C.S.C., National nightly praying of the Rosary. Director, Family Theater Productions

8 Ave Crux The Cause for While he lived, Father Peyton’s prayers reviewed the for his Cause in 2015 . They will select one of the two and healing touch assisted many people (a 1,300-page report that studied his life and begin their study. in their needs. Since his death, and ministry for heroic virtue and numerous reports of favors received sanctity – a synthesis of an even larger For more information about Venerable through his intercession have been 6,000-page report called a Diocesan Patrick Peyton’s life and Cause for noted. Some tell of physical healings, Inquiry), it was concluded that Father Canonization, visit www. others tell of spiritual favors received Peyton had indeed lived a life of heroic fatherpeytoncentre.ie, the website for (e.g., eyesight restored, cancers cured, virtue and sanctity, and recommended to the Father Peyton Memorial Centre in and broken bones suddenly healed), and the Holy Father that Father Peyton County Mayo, Ireland. A place of respite, still others tell of alienated Catholics should be declared “Venerable.” prayer, and peace, the Center is a popular returning to the sacraments and families pilgrimage destination, with guided finding hope and courage in suffering. There have been two possible medical tours of rare memorabilia and miracles connected to Father Peyton’s photographs, and a video presentation Father Patrick Peyton’s Cause for intercession that have been studied in of Venerable Patrick Peyton’s life. Many Canonization was officially opened on their home dioceses. Now that Father other books and resources have been June 1, 2001. Over 150 people were Peyton has been declared “Venerable”, produced as well, most of which are interviewed in countries around the these possible medical miracles can be available online. world. After the Prefect of the reviewed and an opinion can be rendered Congregation for the Causes of Saints by the Congregation for the Causes of

Volume 6 Issue 1 9 Pray A New Documentary About the Extraordinary Life of Father Peyton

In 2020, a new documentary was Patrick Peyton started his mission, he encourage Catholic families to come released about Venerable Patrick set a goal of getting 10 million people to together and honor the Mary, pray Peyton’s heroic life of prayer, titled pledge to pray together daily, which he the Rosary, and watch PRAY, a PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK far surpassed. The Pray Together Now remarkable movie that focuses on the PEYTON. PRAY tells the true story of campaign gives families access to transformative power of prayer.” how an Irish immigrant who set sail for practical tools and resources to make America in 1928 with dreams of riches, daily family prayer, especially the PRAY was released in theaters in ended up becoming known around the Rosary, a cornerstone of their life. It October of 2020. In January 2021, PRAY world as “The Rosary Priest.” Father also includes prayer reflection nights became available on DVD and for digital Peyton’s devotion to the Blessed Mother, where parishes and groups can gather to purchase via iTunes, Amazon, and as well as friendships with Hollywood build community. Google Play. Holy Cross Family celebrities and ordinary families, helped Ministries will also be collaborating with him to promote his mission of family “Father Patrick Peyton was deeply parishes and schools for additional Rosary prayer. devoted to Our Lady and urged families screenings of the film. Visitwww. to pray the Rosary together,” said Fr. PrayTheFilm.com for more information, PRAY is more than a movie – the release David Guffey, C.S.C., national director of or to purchase a home viewing license. of the film launched the “Pray Together Family Theater Productions and Now” Movement. When Venerable executive producer of PRAY. “We

10 Ave Crux Fr. Willy Raymond blessing a married couple at the Museum of An Interview Family Prayer. with Fr. Willy Raymond, C.S.C., President of Holy Cross Family Ministries

In the Constitutions of the Congregation be the best education in the faith that we Marian spirituality and passion for of Holy Cross, the constitution on can provide. Our Institutes for the Family family prayer and the Rosary, are Mission states: “Wherever through its collaborate with diocesan partners and essential components of the superiors the congregation sends us, we form lay leaders for the purpose of spiritual patrimony of Holy Cross go as educators in the faith…” How does announcing to families the good news the Family Ministries (HCFM). The Holy the mission of Holy Cross Family Church has to offer on marriage, family, Cross religious serving in HCFM, and our Ministries (HCFM) reflect this charism and healthy spirituality. many lay collaborators, have embraced of the Congregation, and how does Holy Cross spirituality as a great asset HCFM embody Holy Cross spirituality? Holy Cross’ emphases on unity modeled for our ongoing development and Holy Cross Family Ministries aims to on the Holy Family, on zeal for mission, ministry to families. promote and foster the prayer life and on trust in Divine Providence, and on spiritual well-being of families confidence in the Cross of Christ as our How are the priests, brothers, and throughout the world. We believe this to only hope, along with Father Peyton’s sisters of Holy Cross represented in the

Volume 6 Issue 1 11 mission and apostolates of HCFM? We mission second to none, for it is given to Is there anything else you would like have approximately 45 Holy Cross the family to serve as God’s chosen readers to know? The documentary religious serving in Holy Cross Family instrument for bringing his grace and PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK Ministries Centers around the world. love into every human life. What greater PEYTON has introduced Venerable Several Holy Cross sisters are serving in challenge could a young, believing Patrick Peyton and his ministry to many and in Mexico, Holy Cross brothers Catholic take up today? people who had heard his famous saying are serving as ministry leaders in – “The family that prays together stays Bangladesh and in Ghana, and Holy How are Father Peyton’s story and together” – but did not know that he was Cross priests serve as Center directors. message relevant for families today? the source of it. He was a humble man We consider it a distinct blessing to have Just as it was when Father Peyton who put Our Lady and her Son at the all three societies of the Holy Cross founded his ministries more than 75 center of all he did. Although he met and Family (brothers, priests, and sisters) years ago, it is true today that the family collaborated with Hollywood celebrities serving in our ministry. is the domestic church and the basic unit and spoke live, in-person, to 28 million of society. Children learn more in the people around the globe, everything he home than anywhere else. The family is did was “All for Her” (the title of his the first place where young people autobiography) and for her Son. encounter love and come to know and In the family, love God, the faith, and the saints. Father The driving force behind Father Peyton’s Peyton himself said: “For the first mission and prayer campaigns ... the “ young people nineteen years of my life, this was our reason they were so impactful in daily practice as I grew from childhood, to unleashing the power and promise of learn how to boyhood, to my teens. Because of the family prayer ... was his personal holiness daily family Rosary, my home was for me and his reliance on the prayer of the communicate, a cradle, a school, a university, a library, Rosary, on Holy Hours, and on the and most of all, a little church.” In the reverent celebration of daily Mass. how to share family, young people learn how to communicate, how to share their The cause for canonization has led to a their affection affection and values, and how to live a life thorough and in-depth examination of of purpose and significance. They learn every aspect of Father Peyton’s life: His and values, and how to live a faith-filled life and how to childhood in a Rosary-praying family in go out and share it with the world. County Mayo, Ireland; his coming to how to live a life America as an immigrant; his entrance of purpose and What does the advancing of the into the Congregation of Holy Cross; and sainthood cause of Father Peyton mean his joyful discovery that his new Holy significance.” for the Church and for the Congregation Cross family was devoted to praying the of Holy Cross? Many people today lack Rosary daily. hope. Most have no experience of the transcendent ... no meta-narrative from After ordination to the priesthood in which they can make sense out of life. 1941, Father Peyton served 51 years as a How do you think Father Peyton’s story Venerable Patrick Peyton offers a pure, leading figure in global Catholicism in speaks to young people who are genuine manifestation of the power of the mid to late-twentieth century. He discerning priesthood/religious life? grace and prayer to heal, to change died in 1992 with these words on his lips: At the World Meeting of Families in hearts, and to change the world. For the “Mary, my Queen, my Mother!” Philadelphia in 2015, Francis said: Church, he seems to be exactly what our “The Family is God’s Masterpiece.” age yearns for: a truly holy priest who, Father Peyton often repeated his belief guided by the Mother of God, spent every that the family is God’s greatest gift to ounce of energy praying and working for Fr. Willy Raymond, us. Around the globe, there is no more the family. For the Congregation of Holy C.S.C., President, urgent need than the spiritual health Cross, Father Peyton’s story is inspiring Holy Cross Family and well-being of the family. and uplifting for all of us. In some ways, Ministries Contemporary culture, secularism, he is bigger than Holy Cross and belongs consumerism, and hyper-individualism to the whole world. He is the product of are all major threats to the family. Father the Peyton Family of Attymas (County Peyton’s confidence in family prayer as Mayo, Ireland) and of the Family of Holy the primary building-block of the Cross. Both families shaped and formed Church, of society, and of civilization him into a humble servant of Mary and was right on target. Helping the family of her Divine Son. to pray together and stay together is a

12 Ave Crux Father Peyton A Model of Devotion to Our Lady Last summer, I had the opportunity to people to draw closer to Our Lady; yet it Cross religious have a deep devotion to, serve at Holy Cross Family Ministries was my ministry last summer that and love of, Our Lady. Our founder, (HCFM) in Easton, Mass. In the midst of allowed me to really come to know Blessed Basil Moreau, was himself our COVID reality, I was glad to engage Father Peyton and to recognize him as a devoted to Our Lady and entrusted the in virtual ministry to the faithful around saintly friend. community to her patronage under the the world who are devoted to Our Lady title of Our Lady of Sorrows. When Fr. and to Venerable Patrick Peyton. My I have a particular interest in digital Edward Sorin, C.S.C., founded the ministry included collaborating with the media, and we have all seen the Church University of Notre Dame, he placed the marketing and social media team, utilize social media in such a dynamic University and its mission under the helping to produce the daily livestream way for its evangelization efforts. Father protection of Our Lady. Mass and Rosary (which often received Peyton was involved in the New over 10,000 views a day), and assisting Evangelization long before Pope St. John Here at Moreau Seminary, a group of with communication efforts related to Paul II explicitly called for it! Father seminarians and brothers in formation the Cause for of Father Peyton used the newest media of his time regularly pray the Chaplet of Our Lady of Peyton. The other seminarians and I – radio, television, etc. – in his ministry of Sorrows. My brothers at Moreau serving at HCFM were privileged to pray promoting Family Rosary. For a young Seminary have deep personal devotions daily for the many intentions that we person like myself, and for anyone active to Our Lady. On my visits to the Grotto received. We placed these intentions at in the New Evangelization, Father Peyton of Our Lady of Lourdes on campus, I give the feet of Our Lady, while invoking the can surely be a patron. I am inspired by a friendly nod to fellow Holy Cross intercession of Father Peyton. his ingenuity and commitment to religious who are also there to pray. It’s spreading the message of Family Rosary clear that our community’s history and During my years in formation, I had heard and of Mary’s love for humanity. spirituality is deeply rooted in Our lots of amazing stories about Father Lady, and this is reflected in the prayer Peyton and had always found them For us in Holy Cross, Father Peyton is our and devotion of our priests, brothers, inspiring. Through his Rosary rallies and brother, and he stands as a reminder that and seminarians. through his radio and television each of us should remain close to Our programs, he encouraged millions of Lady. It’s clear to me that many Holy As a seminarian, I am grateful for the model of Father Peyton’s zeal for ministry and confidence in Mary. In my own life as a religious of Holy Cross, I hope to emulate that same zeal for ministry, as well as that profound and devoted love of Our Lady.

Nik Guiney, C.S.C., is a second-year- professed seminarian from Hudson, Ohio.

Photo: Holy Cross seminarians and brothers in formation praying at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

Volume 6 Issue 1 13 The Congregation of Holy Cross A Family at the Service of Families “Family.” It’s in our genes as men of Holy Attachment to the Holy Family and to Constitutions of the Congregation of Cross. Our holy founder willed it thus. the hearts of Jesus, Mary, and , Holy Cross: was making an impression on the soul of As the ninth of 14 children born to Louis Father Moreau. “We asked how we might follow [the and Louise Moreau in the town of Lord], and we found many footprints on Laigné-en-Belin, France, Basil Anthony The virtues of family life, learned at a the road. A great band of men had passed Moreau (1799-1873) was very attached to young age, and his fervent this way, men who had made and lived his family of origin, and would remain contemplation of the Holy Family of by their vows, men who had walked side so his whole life long. It was in the Nazareth, would play an important role by side in their following of the Lord. family where he learned to love God, Our in Basil Moreau’s thinking and in his They beckoned us to fall in step with Lady, and the Church. The Moreau project for the priests, sisters, and them. We wanted to be part of the family was a union of hearts, simple and brothers of Holy Cross: “I have the firm family they formed in order to share in serious about the Catholic faith, and its belief of accomplishing the plan that I their life and work. This family is the union was strengthened through the had conceived … which is to found three Congregation of Holy Cross, founded practice of daily family prayer. establishments consecrated to the Most by Basil Anthony Moreau.” Holy Hearts of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph … (Constitution 1:5-6) During his seminary formation and as a united among themselves like the Holy young priest, Father Moreau grew in Family.” (Circular Letter 8 - June 26, 1839) “Our own feasts [of the Sacred Heart of devotion to the Holy Family of Nazareth. Jesus, of Joseph, and of Our Lady of He adopted the practice of writing J.M.J. Faithful to our founder’s vision, this Sorrows] should give all of us the at the top of his correspondence. familial spirit finds echo in the occasions as a family to pray and

14 Ave Crux celebrate together.” (Constitution 3:29) would be a spiritual son of Moreau – the “It is essential to our mission that we Venerable Patrick Peyton, C.S.C. – who strive to abide so attentively together would propose the renewal of family life that people will observe: “See how they through prayer? love one another.” We will then be a sign in an alienated world: men who have, In ministries of education, parish, and for love of their Lord, become closest mission, the Holy Cross family neighbors, trustworthy friends, continues to serve and sanctify families in 16 countries on 5 continents. Most brothers.” (Constitution 4:42) notable among these is Holy Cross Family Ministries, which, through its Contemplating the Holy Family of promotion of family prayer, makes Nazareth with love and devotion, and resound throughout the world the words exhorting his religious to imitate the of Father Peyton – words as true in this Holy Family as their model, our founder century as in centuries past: “The family desired that his family of Holy Cross be that prays together stays together!” at the service of families; indeed, Father Moreau was concerned for the well- (Portions of the above text were excerpted from Left photo: Fr. John DeRiso, C.S.C., with being of families. In a letter dated an address delivered September 12, 2014 by Fr. parish family at Our Lady of Holy Cross February 6, 1861, addressed to his Church in Le Mans, France. Above: A bas Pascal Garçon, C.S.C., priest of the Vicariate of spiritual sons and daughters, he relief of the Holy Family at the Shrine of France, as part of festivities surrounding the Blessed Basil Moreau in Le Mans, France. lamented the “disintegration” of the inauguration of the Shrine of Blessed Basil Below: Fr. Patrick Neary, C.S.C., with parish family, even in his own day. Is it any Moreau in Le Mans, France.) family at Holy Redeemer Church in surprise, then, that a century later, it Portland, Ore.

“It is essential to “ our mission that we strive to abide so attentively together that people will observe: “See how they love one another.” We will then be a sign in an alienated world: men who have, for love of their Lord, become closest neighbors, trustworthy friends, brothers.” (Constitution 4:42)

Volume 6 Issue 1 15 Congregation of Holy Cross United States Province of Priests and Brothers Office of Vocations P.O. Box 541 Notre Dame, IN 46556 (574) 631-6385 [email protected] holycrossvocations.org

Venerable Patrick Peyton discussing his Family Rosary mission with St. Pope John Paul II.

Front Cover photo: Venerable Patrick Peyton speaking at a Family Rosary rally in São Paulo, , 1964. Approximately two million people were in attendance.