"Feed My Lambs" - Family Reflection Video

Today we are thankful to all the people around the world praying for the canonization of Father Patrick Peyton. Today we also remember three stories that remind us of the ways in which Father Peyton and others, by following the example of Saint Peter, and following the invitation of Jesus, were mindful of tending to the Lord's sheep.

The first story involves Father Peyton's reflections on Carmen Miranda, here:

There was only one star from whom I had received a verbal commitment who never signed. And that wasn't her fault. It is something about which I have grieved over ever since. The day I called Carmen Miranda, she insisted on finding out right there on the phone why I wanted to see her. So, I had to change my regular practice and give her my full story over the telephone. Before I had finished talking, she was deeply moved at the thought that she might be allowed to help in a program to spread devotion to our Blessed Mother and with tears of joy, she assured me that I could call on her anytime I wanted. When the time for getting the signatures came, one of my advisors, a layman, insisted that we cross Carmen off the list. "She is too well known as a pinup girl for the soldiers," he said. "You will only hurt yourself by getting into that kind of company."

I followed his advice, but I never reconciled myself to it. Even if what he said was true, it was not the attitude of Christ to the sinner who turned to Him and offered to help Him. In any case, poor Carmen never did get on the program, but long years later I was working in Brazil, staying in the chaplain’s quarters, when somebody pointed out a cemetery just across the street and told me Carmen Miranda was buried there. It brought back memories of her generous response to my appeal, and I felt that if she had done nothing else to merit heaven, she was nevertheless safe under our Lady’s mantle. I never go to Rio without making a pilgrimage, at least in my thoughts and my prayers to that cemetery and that grave.

The second story, here:

Somehow Father Peyton persuaded a young Jewish woman to help him with the Rosary Rally Organization in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1964. Raquel Zuckermann. Long after Father Peyton had died, she used to visit. And harangue us to do more for his cause for sainthood. When Will Father Peyton be made a Saint? My bags are packed and I'm ready to go to Rome. I don't want to miss the canonization.

God rest Raquel Zuckerman. She has gone to Eternal life. Once she explained why she was so devoted to Father Peyton? She said: “My father. was dying? Father Peyton was in New York when I reached him. Immediately he got on a plane, flew to Sao Paulo, and came to the hospital. When he entered my father's hospital room. He did not go to see my father first. Instead, he went over to the other side of the room where my mother stood, worried about her husband. And Father Peyton. Fell to his knees in front of her.” He addressed her: Mrs. Zuckerman, I wish to receive your blessing. Any woman who raised a daughter as wonderful as your daughter Raquel has to be close to God. I request that you give this humble priest your blessing. Raquel was so moved by that act of humble grace that she never tired of inquiring, “When Will Father Peyton be made of Saint?”

And lastly, another young Catholic man carrying on his own legacy in the media:

Jonathan Roumie Is the star of a multi-year series of episodes on Jesus and the disciples called The Chosen. For free on YouTube and other platforms. Jonathan Roumie prays the Rosary daily. He's a young man who used to organize the Entertainment Fellowship in Good Shepherd parish in Beverly Hills, California. He used to frequent our Prayer and Pasta monthly open house for young Catholics in Hollywood. Jonathan has a great following on Instagram. The Chosen is the first multi-season series about the life of Jesus, and season one was the top crowd-funded TV series or film project of all time.

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Jonathan loves the Rosary, loves Father Peyton, and he's a great witness for our faith. Although he never met Father Peyton, he continues to be influenced by him 30 years after Father Peyton entered eternal life. Amen.

• Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

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