FALL RIVER, Massachusetts (CNS): The Vatican Congregation for Sainthood Causes has formally opened the cause for the possible canonisation of the late Holy Cross Father Patrick Peyton, the world famous “Rosary priest” and pioneer radio and TV producer.
Bishop Sean P. O’Malley of Fall River, Massachusetts sought the formal approval of the Vatican congregation because Fr Peyton is buried in Easton, which is within the diocese.
Calling the Vatican approval “wonderful news”, Bishop O’Malley said that as a priest for 51 years, Fr Peyton “encouraged millions of families around the world to pray daily, especially the Rosary, to strengthen families and to achieve world peace”.
“He knew that with prayer all things became possible.”
Masses marking the ninth anniversary of Fr Peyton’s death at age 83 in 1992 were celebrated in late May in Easton, Massachusetts, where he is buried; San Pedro, California, where he died; and Ireland, where he was born.
Bishop O’Malley has received the nihil obstat (“no objection”) from the Vatican congregation to open a diocesan inquiry into the sanctity of Fr Peyton.
