2021 Fall Family Link

Fall 2021 Volume 28 Number 3

Family Link News for the friends of Holy Cross Family Ministries

The Family That Prays Together Stays Together

Unleashing the Power and Promise of Family Prayer.

Family Link The Family Link newsletter is published by Holy Cross Family Ministries for friends and donors of our ministry.

Thank you for being a part of our family.

Our Mission

A family of Catholic ministries that inspires, promotes and fosters the prayer life and spiritual well-being of families throughout the world.

Our Vision

Holy Cross Family Ministries strives to be a respected and reliable catalyst for inspiration, support and dynamic content on family life through a focus on spirituality and prayer, especially the Rosary.

Ways to Give

Online Please visit www.HCFM.org

By Mail Please use the enclosed envelope and make your check payable to “Holy Cross Family Ministries.”

By Phone Please call 508.238.4095, x2023 Gifts of Stock or IRAs Please call 508.884.6734

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Planned Giving Please call 508.884.6734

518 Washington St. North Easton, MA 02356-1200 800-299-PRAY (7729) www.HCFM.org Cover Photo: Family visiting the Museum of Family Prayer poses in front of an image of Father Peyton at a Rosary Rally in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Letter from the President A message from Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C., President, Holy Cross Family Ministries.

Dear Friend, This publication reflects your generosity and compassion.

Your strong support for the unique work of Holy Cross Family Ministries makes possible our Rosary missionary outreach to families in Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. In these pages, you will find updates on the impact your kindness is creating Father Willy around the globe Raymond, through our 27 C.S.C. ministry centers.

In this fall issue of Family Link, you’ll get a glimpse of what is happening these days as we joyfully advance our mission of inviting families to new life and hope through the praying of the Rosary. Sister Ginette Pierre, C.S.C., new codirector of Family Rosary in Haiti, said, “Holy Cross Family Ministries is a Star of Hope for the families of Haiti.”

The Rosary is a prayer that the whole family can share.

It draws us into the Life of Christ and inspires us to explore how we are living out in our own lives the joys, services, sorrows, and triumphs of Jesus. Through the meditative praying of the Rosary, Mother Mary and her Son Jesus help raise our ordinary families to new heights of dignity, purpose, beauty, and faith.

Relying on God’s grace and

your support of Holy Cross Family Ministries, together we are reaching millions of families worldwide through the distribution of Rosaries, our inspiring films and web series, engaging digital events, and direct in-person ministry.

And this is just a glimpse of all the incredible work our collaborators are doing around the world.

We experience lives transformed by the power of family prayer. We see the weak growing strong, the faith of committed Catholic families growing even deeper, the broken healed, and those who once felt hopeless being encouraged and inspired to press on.

As I look at what God is enabling us to accomplish together, illustrated here in Family Link, there is a stirring of deep gratitude in my heart for you and many like you who are partners with us in the work of Venerable Patrick Peyton to “help families pray.”

Thank you for helping to renew hope in families at a time when they need our prayers and services more than ever.

There is a Star of Hope for the family rising, not only in Haiti but also in many places worldwide. So, thank you again for being an agent, or better, an angel, of hope for so many.

May our Blessed Mother Mary keep you and your loved ones close to her Divine Son Jesus.

Sincerely,

Family Theater Productions Receives Prestigious Awards For almost 75 years, Family Theater Productions has produced compelling content to entertain, educate and inspire families.

From our quirky, fun, and informative web series for teens and young adults, Catholic Central, to our latest inspirational film on the life of our founder, PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON, Family Theater Productions is committed to creating faithbased family media.

The testimonies from our followers on their lives changed, faith restored, and family members returned to the Church is confirmation enough that we are continuing Father Peyton’s legacy and vision of, “The family that prays together stays together.” But we are also honored and humbled that leaders in Catholic media would acknowledge our work for its transformative power.

Our latest film, PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON, has won a prestigious Christopher Award. The Christopher Awards were created in 1949 to celebrate writers, producers, directors, authors, and illustrators whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit” and reflects the Christophers’ motto, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”

Documentary – Film First Place, PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON Teen Specific First Place, Catholic Central Teen Specific Second Place, Lente Católico Best Video for Social Media Second Place, Lente Católico episode “Los 7 Pecados Capitales” and Honorable Mention, Catholic Central episode “Proofs of God” We would not receive such acclaim and prestigious awards without your faithful support of Family Theater Productions. We are grateful to all the families, educators, and friends who continue to request and share our work. It is our prayer that the media we produce will continue to reach new audiences and fulfill Father Peyton’s vision of, “The family that prays together stays together.”

Thank you for all the ways you support Family Theater Productions and share Father Peyton’s life and mission with the world.

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The Gabriel Awards, presented by the Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals, acknowledges outstanding artistic achievement in media that entertains and enriches with a true vision of humanity and life. Gabriel Awards are given to recognize the uplifting and inspiring stories of film, radio, television, and the personalities behind and in front of the microphone. This year, Family Theater Productions received Gabriel Awards in the following categories:

Behind the scenes of Lente Católico with hosts Esteban de la Isla and Diana Dorempz Campos.

Museum of Family Prayer Reopens Family visiting the Museum of Family Prayer in 2019 for our Annual Vow Renewal event on Saint Valentine’s Day.

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At Holy Cross Family Ministries, we have no greater mission or purpose than to engage all ages in prayer and faith, especially the family and next generation. We are called to make a difference and are excited to share with you how we are better serving today’s family through engaging faith and prayer experiences at the Museum of Family Prayer.

The Museum of Family Prayer shares the power of family prayer through exhibits, graphics, media content, a family room, and a chapel, creating a lively environment allowing guests to engage, reflect, and pray, all with the focus of prayer and the works of Father Peyton.

Today, we have already welcomed more than 1,000 visitors to the Museum. Many have become Museum Members to provide the critical funds to keep admission and programming at the Museum free. We believe this incredible initial level of support and engagement among visitors is truly a sign that the Museum is a place for transformation. A place that will reshape the way families, school children, and others engage with prayer, bringing them

closer to God, back to the Church, and helping create pillars of strength in the home and beyond.

We’ve supplemented our Museum services with exciting digital programming. Download our “Walk with Mary” app and visit all the Marian statues and Father Peyton’s grave found on the Stonehill College campus. Also, we continue to live stream the Rosary and Mass daily at www.facebook.com/familyrosary.

I invite you to visit the Museum with friends and family to experience this unique, compelling story of prayer. This is a true prayer destination for pilgrims and guests alike, and we look forward to seeing you here!

If you cannot physically visit the Museum, please stay engaged with our online community at www.MuseumofFamilyPrayer.org and keep our ministry in your prayers. You can also support the Museum’s programming by donating through our Museum Membership program by using the enclosed envelope.

Thank you!

Praying it Forward: Family Rosary Philippines Virginia Almenar Robles has been stuck at home for thirteen months. The pandemic halted the flurry of activities that the ever cheerful and outgoing Filipina was used to. Nene, as she is fondly called, has been an active member of Family Rosary Philippines since 1998. The prospect of where her activities would take her was such a thrill that she was quick to volunteer for Family Rosary events.

Even if she found herself in a room with strangers, she was undaunted, because she was eager to meet new people and share her faith and devotion to Mary and the Rosary. The months dedicated to Mary – May, September, and October – were busy times because there were always processions, recollections, retreats, talks, and other activities to join or organize in the parish and at Family Rosary.

One night, after prayer, she was struck with divine inspiration! She brought out a pen and paper and listed names of friends, relatives, and former classmates – some of whom lived in her local community, some in different provinces. Some even residing in other Asian countries and the United States! She messaged them on social media and asked if she could count on them to pray the Rosary with her via video call on a designated day.

She pledged to call one person on the list per day and pray the Rosary with them – dedicating each decade for a special intention. To her surprise, spouses and family members would also join in the prayer! At the end of the month, by her small effort, 31 homes in the world were inspired to pray the Rosary.

It is consoling to her that our Lord takes delight even in the smallest actions done with great love. Without leaving her home, she found a way to glorify the Lord and honor His mother.

Praying with a friend through her tablet, Nene remains focused in front of a makeshift altar.

Marissa Buena from Laguna takes time to pray with her Aunt Nene.

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As Senior Citizens in the Philippines are still disallowed from attending public Masses and gatherings, 72-year-old Nene was disappointed that she could not participate in the May Flower Offering to Mary and the Rosary recitation in their parish.

Limited by the social restrictions, she contemplated

how she could still honor the Blessed Virgin in thanksgiving for all the blessings she obtained through Our Lady’s intercession.

Remembering Father Peyton’s Final Days

By Father David S. Marcham Vice Postulator and Guild Director Recently, I had the privilege to speak with Mother Marguerite McCarthy, L.S.P., who appeared in PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON about her experience of being with Father Peyton in his last days. Her remembrance is both a window into how Father Peyton’s example touched her life and an inspiration for us as we journey toward Heaven.

How did Father Peyton come to stay with the Little Sisters of the Poor in San Pedro, CA? “Father Peyton’s office of Family Rosary (Crusade) was located in Hollywood. We had a home in nearby Boyle Heights. When in Los Angeles, he would stay with our religious community. In fact, whenever possible, he would stay with the Little Sisters of the Poor all around the country. When we moved from

Boyle Heights to San Pedro, Father Peyton continued to stay with us in the new location.

So, it was natural for him to be with us for the final chapter of his life.”

Were you assigned to the Little Sisters of the Poor residence in San Pedro?

“I believe it was God’s Providence that allowed me to be present for Father Peyton’s last days on earth. I was between assignments and staying at the home in San Pedro, CA for two weeks in late May-early June of 1992.”

In the documentary, PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON, you show us Father Peyton’s simple room and talk about his unpretentiousness. Can you say more?

“Father Peyton was a humble priest who wanted to lead families to pray the Rosary together. He was so focused that we knew of his love for Our Blessed Mother and Jesus every day and every moment. So, we gave him a room close to the Grotto where he would sit and pray; it was a perfect setting.”

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During Father Peyton’s last days, what did you observe and reflect upon?

Mother Marguerite McCarthy, L.S.P., at the Lourdes Grotto at The Little Sisters of the Poor religious community in San Pedro, CA, with residents Nancy Miller and Peter Fiore.

“We all knew we were in the presence of a holy priest. I can recall entering his room and him saying, ‘Can we pray a Hail Mary?’

Father Peyton was simple, holy, and docile in his last days. The Little Sisters of the Poor stay with the dying. I was blessed to be there praying with and for him just before he died.

As I was leaving, a priest came and gave him the Sacrament of the Sick. After that, he died peacefully. God blessed my fellow Sisters and me to be there with him for this last part of his journey home to God. There was love and faith in his room. As he held his Rosary, I thought of Christ suffering on the Cross.

Father Peyton died with the Little Sisters of the Poor, like he grew up, poor but strong in faith, surrounded by those who loved him.”

Father Peyton Prayer Guild Member Prayer Requests Prayers for confidence and courage…Swathi, India Praying that my son, Anthony, will get a job and lead a good life…

Augustine, United Kingdom Please pray for my wife, who is battling cancer…Dan, United States Please pray for me as I am dealing with anxiety and depression…

Diane, Canada Please pray for my friend Liz’s dad, who is going through epilepsy and pains…Laia, Spain Prayers requested for my mom, who has a severe COVID-19 case…

Joan, Philippines

Prayer for the Beatification of Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C.

Please pray for my uncle Charles recently diagnosed with lung cancer…Michael, United States

Please consider praying for the recovery of my mother from cancer…

Simon, Ireland Please pray for the spiritual healing of my brother, his son, and his daughter…Zoreen, Trinidad and Tobago Please pray for my son, who lost his wife and son. Please pray for healing in our family…Noreen, Zambia Please pray for Bibhor, who lost one of his sisters due to a car wreck. Pray for his life, his path to God, and love…Niva, Nepal I am asking for prayers for my boyfriend John, who has been fighting Stage 4 Stomach Cancer since January… Janet, United States

DETACH HERE AND MAIL TODAY

Please include the following special intention through the intercession of Father Peyton in Holy Cross Family Ministries’ daily Rosary and Mass.

Name Street City/State Zip Email Phone

Complete and return in the enclosed envelope.

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Dear Jesus, Father Peyton devoted his priestly life to strengthening the families of the world by calling them to pray together every day, especially the Rosary.

His message is as important for us now as it was during his life on earth. We beg you, therefore, to hasten the day of his beatification so that your faithful people everywhere will remember his message that The Family That Prays Together Stays Together, imitate him in his devotion to your Mother and ours, and be inspired by his holy life to draw ever closer to you with childlike confidence and love. Amen.

Please pray for finances and deliverance from debt to buy a new house…Emma, Australia

Please pray for me. I’m a college student working on completing my final semester…Purushothaman, India

518 Washington St. North Easton, MA 02356-1200

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Rosaries for the World

ABOVE: Children in Bangladesh receiving Rosaries during the pandemic thanks to supporters like you.

RIGHT: Local parish in East Africa receiving Rosaries distributed by Family Rosary.