The rosary has saved the world in the past. It will save the world now, by saving the family.
Father Patrick Peyton
In Theaters October 9, 2020
PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON is an inspiring documentary about a poor, uneducated Irish immigrant who sets sail for America in 1928 with nothing but his faith and dreams of becoming a millionaire. Arriving in Pennsylvania and unable to find work, he accepts the position as a janitor at the cathedral, which rekindles his long lost desire to become a priest and changes the course of his life. Nearing ordination, his life takes a radical turn when he is stricken with tuberculosis. Facing certain death, he sinks into despair. A visit from his mentor, who delivers a simple message to pray, lifts the darkness. Taking his advice to heart, Patrick prays fervently to Mary, the Mother of Christ, for her intercession and he experiences a miraculous recovery. Feeling deep gratitude, he dedicates his life to telling all the world about the power of prayer and encourages families everywhere to bring prayer into their homes. Never taking “No” for an answer, he convinces Hollywood’s biggest stars to help him spread the message, “The family that prays together stays together,” through the power of mass media including radio, television, and film. Father Peyton’s fame spreads around the world and audiences in the millions flock to his public prayer rallies. This is the story of a tireless missionary, an unlikely hero, and one of history’s greatest advocates for family prayer.
“That question, ‘Where does prayer fit in today?’, I’d say where does your heart fit in in your body? Where does the air fit in when you breathe? It’s an essential dimension in our very lives.”
Father Patrick Peyton
My family and I had the opportunity to preview Pray at home. Previously, my daughters and I had read The Tale of Patrick Peyton (a graphic novel), so we were familiar with Father Peyton’s story – his upbringing in Ireland, his journey to Scranton, PA, his road to the priesthood, and his work with Hollywood stars.
Pray covers all of that, intertwining interviews with experts on Father Peyton’s life, family members, and families who have adopted the practice of the family Rosary.
The movie held the whole family’s attention – teen, tween, and elementary age children in addition to my husband and me. (Okay, we started watching LATE, and the youngest did doze off, though he fought it.)
The film is, in parts, amusing and moving. I may have felt a swell in my chest and a tear in my eye a time or two.
The family’s uniform reaction, aside from marveling at Father Peyton’s courage and persistence, was remarking on how much the world has changed – and how quickly! Yet the need for prayer and the crucial role of the family remain unchanged.
Now, my confession: We do not pray the family Rosary regularly. Oh, we give it a good go for a night or two now and then, but we’ve never made it a habit.
I’m content to pray the Rosary alone. Together, I’m more susceptible to the boredom and distraction that already creeps in by myself.
But the family Rosary is as much about family as it is about the Rosary, and Pray gave us a shot in the arm to begin again, gathering our beads and praying together. (If you’re looking for encouragement on praying the Rosary as a family, I recommend Erin McCole Cupp’s Adventures of a Family Rosary series at CatholicMom.)
I highly recommend Pray for families to watch together. It’s an important educational film in many respects – as it relates to the the history of the Catholic Church in the United States and American cultural history, and as a spiritual encounter, a reminder of the importance and the power of prayer, particularly through the intercession of the Blessed Mother.
Moreover, Pray is a top-notch, professionally produced film that does justice to Father Peyton’s global influence despite his humble beginning.
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