We hope all have been hearing about PRAY - the wonderful documentary that we have created telling the amazing story of the mission of Venerable Patrick Peyton. It will be released in theaters here in the United States in a couple of weeks! I’ve seen the film many times now and it always move me in new ways.
You know, Father Peyton was a very humble man and rather quiet, much more drawn to prayer than to the limelight. But THE SPIRIT WAS UPON HIM! Several times in the film people note that he seemed to be unstoppable! There was no saying, “You can’t do that”. Doors would open and what seemed impossible became possible! Our Lady had chosen, anointed him. His urgent message of Family Prayer was led by the Spirit!
Like Jesus in this part of Saint Luke’s Gospel. Jesus is moving around Galilee and the surrounding territories, healing, casting out demons, empowering his disciples to go forth with the Spirit and power! In the middle of these manifestations of the divine, Herod, figure of worldly temporal power is interjected, in contrast to the extraordinary life of the Spirit. Herod doesn’twhat to make of it! He had had John the Baptist killed – BUT THE SPIRIT WILL NOT BE STOPPED! Herod will reappear in the Passion of Jesus to mock Him, but THE SPIRIT WILL BE THE VICTOR!
The Spirit, through Our Lady, was upon Patrick Peyton but it was not about him. Rather this naturally timid Irishman said YES TO MARY’S MISSION AND MESSAGE OF THE GOOD NEWS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY AND OF THE CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY PRAYER NOW - so he became Mary’s Donkey, as he called himself, the Messenger.
HE WAS FILLED WITH POWER to cry out to families to know who they are as coworkers, co-creators with God in His Divine plan for making us HOLY as He is Holy. Holy familiesserving the Holy God, filled with the Holy Spirit as they PRAYTOGETHER. United in love and faith. THAT’S powerful!
Holy Mother, pray to revive in us this SPIRIT that was ablaze inFather Pat so we too can be messengers to set families on fire for Christ NOW!
Father James Phalan, C.S.C. is a Catholic priest, member of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, and the National Director of Family Rosary. He served as a missionary for many years as part of the Family Rosary team, travelling the globe to help people come to Jesus through Mary. Now he is happy to be serving back at home in the USA!
