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Standing Firm: Family Reflection Video

By: Father David Marcham on October 29th, 2020

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Standing Firm: Family Reflection Video

Why pray?  |  Strengthening family unity

When St. Paul tells us to put on the “armor of God … to stand firm against the tactics of the devil,” I thought about what it’s like wear ice hockey equipment: the helmet, shoulder and elbow pads, shin guards, and gloves. By the time you’re finished gearing up, you feel invincible!

Today, in his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul is encouraging and instructing us to draw strength from the Lord and his mighty power. He’s writing to the Ephesian people from prison.

Although St. Paul talks about armor that includes a breastplate and shield, these really represent an internal strength that is needed for where the battle is really taking place.

What is most important is what we carry in our hearts, minds, and souls—God’s indelible and lifegiving imprint that came through our baptism. St. Paul is correct when he states that we need the protection of God to resist evil and to stand firm.

We need to help each other prepare to meet the challenges of the day and night. Father Peyton was right when he observed that it was through the family Rosary, that he was prepared and strengthened wherever he went. May we prepare our families to meet the world in the same way through praying together; especially the Rosary.

May God bless you and your families this holy day!


  •  Father David'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.) 
  • To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)  

About Father David Marcham

Father David S. Marcham is a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston and serves as Vice Postulator and Guild Director of the Cause for Canonization of Venerable Patrick Peyton. Before entering St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, he worked for eleven years as a physical therapist in Boston-area hospitals. Ordained in 2005, Father David was assigned to St. Mary Parish in Franklin, Massachusetts. His involvement in Father Peyton’s Cause began in 2007, when he assisted Father George Lucas, C.S.C., in advancing the Cause for Canonization. Appointed Vice Postulator in 2009, Father David oversees the progress of the Cause, directs the Guild, and promotes devotion to Father Peyton’s legacy of family prayer.