Explore the varied and rich cultural heritage of county Mayo.

History

Fr Patrick Peyton was born on 9th January 1909 in the townland of Carracastle in Attymass parish. He was a member of a family of nine children.

At the age of 19 he and his brother, Tom, emigrated to the United States to join with their sister, Nellie.

His wish from boyhood was to be ordained a priest but his family in Ireland were unable to meet the cost of his education.

Education

In the United States he returned to full-time education and studied for the priesthood.

During his final year in the seminary he was diagnosed as having tuberculosis. At that time tuberculosis was incurable.

Fr Patrick was very weak and was given little hope by the medical team of recovering to full health. Fr Patrick had great faith and prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary for a recovery to health.

His prayers were answered and his health began to improve to the amazement of the medical profession.

He was ordained to the priesthood on 15th June 1941.

Prayer Crusade

Fr Peyton was so grateful to the Blessed Virgin Mary for his health that he, with the permission of his superiors, began the Prayer Crusade which took him all over the world preaching the importance of prayer, especially family prayer.

He staged hundreds of radio and television shows with many of the famous movie stars of Broadway and Hollywood taking part. He was the founder of "Family Rosary" and "Family Theatre".

His famous slogan was:

The family that prays together, stays together.

Find out more about Fr Peyton Memorial Centre