SAN DIEGO — The diocese wants to take you out to the movies.
In collaboration with two parishes, the Office for Family Life and Spirituality is providing opportunities for Catholics to watch “Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton.”
The documentary film, which was released in late 2020, recounts the life of Venerable Father Patrick Peyton (1909-1992), a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross whose canonization cause is underway. He was widely known as “The Rosary Priest” for his tireless promotion of the rosary, which included leading about 540 rosary rallies worldwide.
The film will be shown at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, at Sacred Heart Parish in Coronado and on Saturday, June 18, at Mission San Luis Rey Parish in Oceanside. It will be presented in English with Spanish subtitles.
At Sacred Heart Parish, the screening will take place in the parish center. At Mission San Luis Rey, it will be held in St. Michael’s Courtyard, next to St. Francis Hall; in case of inclement weather, it will move indoors.
Because it’s just not a movie night without concessions, snacks will be available.
Born in Ireland, Father Peyton emigrated to the United States, where he realized his vocation and ultimately arrived at a place where he was evangelizing millions, said Janelle Peregoy, an associate director of the Family Life and Spirituality Office. Part of the enjoyment of the film comes from “the momentum that builds as he grows in his own faith and his own sense of spiritual purpose.”
Father Peyton was the founder of Family Theater Productions, which produced radio, television and film dramas featuring some of the biggest stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood. The same organization also produced “Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton.”
“The story of Father Patrick Peyton is inspiring and uplifting. We wanted to share this movie with our parishioners in hopes that they too will be inspired to serve humbly and walk with great faith,” said Natalie Ibarra, coordinator of youth and young adult ministry at Mission San Luis Rey Parish, whose youth group will run the snack bar for the night.
John Prust, director of the Family Life and Spirituality Office, recalled watching “Pray” for the first time and, at its conclusion, feeling inspired to pray the rosary with his wife.
In a move that would make Father Peyton proud, Prust said that after the movie fades to black, attendees will be invited to pray a decade of the rosary together “right then and there” and will be encouraged to make family prayer a regular practice in their homes.
For more information, contact the diocesan Office for Family Life and Spirituality at (858) 490-8299. Learn more about the film at www.praythefilm.com.
