Mayo born priest Fr. Peyton moves closer to sainthood

A CO. MAYO parish has welcomed as 'joyous' the fact that a priest born locally who became world famous as the 'Rosary Priest' has been recognised as 'Venerable' by the Roman Catholic Church.

The move announced earlier this week takes Fr. Patrick Peyton (1909-1992), originally from Attymass, Ballina, a step nearer canonisation as a saint.

Declaring Fr. Peyton 'Venerable', Pope Francis declared he was an inspiration for families worldwide.

In the 1940s and 1950s, a young Fr. Peyton, a priest of the Congregation of the Holy Cross in the United States, staged mass Rosary rallies in all five continents.

Millions inspired by his slogan, “The Family that Prays Together Stays Together”, including Hollywood stars such as Bing Crosby, responded to his call for regular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Today (Wednesday), Canon Patrick Peyton, parish priest of Collooney, Co. Sligo, a nephew of the late Fr. Peyton, said the Vatican's announcement is “a great honour for Mayo and Attymass in particular.”