(Fr. Patrick Peyton, c.s.c.)

In the late 1940s, Fr. Patrick Peyton, c.s.c., a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross was renowned for his initiative in popularizing family prayer and particularly devotion to the Family Rosary. Even in his lifetime, this ministry spread to many parts of the United States of America and even to the Philippines. After his death, this ministry expanded and began to include family counseling and programs that promoted genuine family values, especially prayer.

At present, the Holy Cross Family Ministries has its World Headquarters in North Easton, Massachusetts, in the United States of America where Fr. John Phalen, c.s.c. is the President. With his active involvement, encouragement and support, he coordinates the activities of the various departments of this ministry both in the United States and in different parts of the world.

The visit of Fr. John Phalen in October 2000 initiated a process for Holy Cross Family Ministries to take its roots in India. More organized by 2001, Holy Cross through its parishes and other personal contacts now continue the work that was begun by Fr. Patrick Peyton. Fr. Fr Arul Raj Gali, is the National Director, and he works along with a team of Holy Cross religious and lay people to spread the work of the Family Ministries both in South India and in the North-East. Family Ministry in India at present consists of family visits, sessions and retreats for married couples and youth, encouraging family prayer and Scripture reading etc. In time to come this will widen to include family counseling and a promotion of harmonious and integrated family life in general.