Column: CEO Learnings
Book Review: The Family That Prays Together Stays Together:
Father Willy Raymond’s book, The Family That Prays Together Stays Together, is a testament to the transformative power of the Rosary. It is also a tribute to another, world-renown priest from the same religious order as himself, the Congregation of the Holy Cross, namely, Venerable Fr. Patrick Peyton (more on that connection later).
As someone deeply devoted to the Rosary, I found this book to be an enlightening and inspirational guide that captures the essence of family prayer and its significance in our spiritual lives.
About the author
Father Willy Raymond, CSC, has dedicated his life to promoting family prayer through his various roles within the Holy Cross Family Ministries and beyond.
Serving as President of Holy Cross Family Ministries from 2014 to 2022, Fr. Raymond continued the mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross, a religious congregation renowned for its foundational role in the University of Notre Dame. 
His versatile and impactful ministry also includes serving at Stonehill College and as the National Director of Family Theater Productions in Hollywood, and as well as former chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
My Personal Journey with the Rosary
My relationship with the Rosary began in childhood but truly deepened during a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Witnessing the devotion of fellow pilgrims and participating in communal prayer transformed my understanding and commitment to the Rosary.
Since that pilgrimage, I have prayed the Rosary daily, finding immense peace and spiritual strength through this meditative practice. It is not merely a recitation of prayers but a profound engagement with the mysteries of Christ’s life, serving as a mantra that centers and uplifts the soul.
The Book’s Structure and Content
Fr. Raymond’s book is meticulously structured, guiding readers bead-by-bead through the mysteries of the Rosary. It serves as a comprehensive manual for both seasoned devotees and newcomers. The reflections provided are deeply enriching, helping to cultivate a deeper connection with Our Blessed Mother and fostering a more profound spiritual life.
Discovering the Power of the Rosary
Fr. Raymond eloquently discusses the place of prayer in our lives today, emphasizing its essential dimension. His book opens with a heartfelt preface in which Fr. Raymond shares his family’s devotion to the Rosary, praying in French every night during specific liturgical seasons. This personal touch sets the tone for a book that is both instructional and deeply personal.
Tribute to Venerable Patrick Peyton
As I mentioned earlier, this book also serves as a tribute to Venerable Patrick Peyton, the “Rosary Priest,” whose legacy Fr. Raymond continues. Fr. Peyton’s legendary Rosary rallies and his famous motto, “The family that prays together stays together,” resonate throughout the book. Fr. Raymond’s own experiences with Fr. Peyton, whom he knew for 30 years, enrich the narrative, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the life of this remarkable priest.
Rosary Rallies and Personal Encounters
Fr. Raymond’s organization of a Rosary rally at Dodger Stadium in the early 2000s, which I had the privilege to attend, drew more than 60,000 people. This event, along with the historic 1961 Rosary Rally at Golden Gate Park led by Fr. Peyton that drew 500,000 people, underscores the powerful impact of communal prayer, not to mention the many more Rosary Rallies led by Fr. Peyton throughout the world, including one that drew two million people in the Philippines years earlier. (https://www.fatherpeyton.org/chapters/chapter-4)
These gatherings are more than mere events; they are profound experiences of faith and unity.
The Practical Guide
The book provides a detailed guide on how to pray the Rosary, complete with all the mysteries and meditations. This practical aspect ensures that readers have a solid foundation to incorporate the Rosary into their daily lives. Whether you are a lifelong devotee or new to this prayer, Fr. Raymond’s guidance will help you embrace the rhythm of the Rosary and discover its spiritual richness.
Life of Venerable Patrick Peyton
An appendix on the life of Venerable Patrick Peyton offers a fascinating insight into his childhood dreams, miraculous recovery from tuberculosis, and his devotion to Mary. This historical context enriches the reader’s understanding of the Rosary’s significance and its enduring legacy.
Conclusion
The Family That Prays Together Stays Together is more than a book; it is a journey of faith and devotion. Fr. Willy Raymond’s deep reverence for the Rosary and his dedication to family prayer shine through every page. His personal anecdotes, historical insights and practical guidance create a compelling and inspiring narrative.
For anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual life and experience the peace and strength that comes from family prayer, this book is an invaluable resource. Fr. Raymond’s work is a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of the Rosary in our lives.
RELATED RESOURCES:
- The Family that Prays Together Stays Together: Discover the Promise and the Power of the Rosary with Fr. Patrick Peyton, by Fr. Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
- Father Patrick Peyton, the Rosary priest (website, video clips)
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