The Rosary

I thought it would be nice to begin doing small pieces on the Rosary. I have always loved the rosary although I am not always the best "rosary sayer", distractions are a huge obstacle for me while reciting the rosary. I am much better in a group setting such as when we have the rosary devotions during the months of May and October in my parish. I also enjoy books that help me to concentrate on the particular mystery that I am praying.

One book that I really enjoy is Father Peyton's Rosary Prayer Book. I picked up this little book a couple of years ago when I journeyed to visit his resting place at the Holy Cross cemetery on the grounds of Stonehill College in Easton Massachusetts.

Just before the College is a beautiful center built in honor of the Holy Cross Fathers and houses a replica of Fr. Peyton's office in California, all decorated with his original belongings and set up the way he had them in the original space. There is also a wonderful gift shop, adoration chapel and several meeting rooms.

It was during my perusal of the gift shop that I found this wonderful little book written by Fr. Peyton. It is a book of Father's own reflections on each of the mysteries and is a wonderful aid to those trying to gain more insight and spiritual benefits from reciting the rosary I would highly recommend it to anyone. I am including a link to their gift shop http://www.hcfmstore.com/main/peyton_products.php?viewAll=1

Father Peyton was known as the 'Rosary Priest' and it was he who coined the phrase "The family that prays together, stays together". He is currently a "Servant of God" and his cause for beatification is ongoing.

I would encourage all to visit this site either on the web or if possible travel to beautiful Easton Mass and visit with Fr. Peyton personally. It is a nice little pilgrimage for those of us who live in New England. The grave site is very peaceful, he is buried with other Holy Cross priests and it is a custom to leave a rosary on his headstone and take one that is already there.

One of Our Holy Mother's main messages is to pray the rosary every day for peace, conversion of sinners and for the good of our own souls. Fr. Peyton echoed and lived that message every day of his life, shouldn't we?

More to follow on the rosary so please check back!

Deo Gratias