EASTON, Mass., June 8, 2026
The reopening celebration included a blessing of the grounds, the recitation of the Rosary and an inaugural Mass attended by an estimated crowd of more than 600 people, which included supporters, benefactors and devotees of Father Peyton’s ministry.
The renovated center features immersive exhibits on the Rosary and Father Peyton’s global ministry, an expanded museum showcasing artifacts and archival materials from his life, new meeting and gathering spaces, refurbished dining facilities, and a redesigned chapel and Rosary Walk.
Perhaps the most significant addition is the relocation of Father’s tomb from the nearby Holy Cross Fathers and Brothers Cemetery to the Center’s chapel, allowing pilgrims and visitors to pray at his final resting place (see pic) and seek his intercession.
“With the reopening of the Peyton Center and the relocation of Father Peyton’s tomb to the chapel, pilgrims now have a unique opportunity to encounter both the man and the mission that transformed millions of lives,” said Father Fred Jenga, C.S.C., president of Holy Cross Family Ministries. “We pray this renewed center will become a place of spiritual renewal where families can deepen their faith, grow closer to one another and discover anew the power of prayer.”
Image - Fr. Fred Jenga, President Holy Cross Family Ministries
Started in 2018, the $6.75 million renovation project reached completion last month. Holy Cross Family Ministries partnered with Experience Design of Providence, R.I., for the architectural redesign and with Auburn Construction of Avon, Mass., for construction management.
“The Peyton Center exists to help families encounter God through prayer and rediscover the spiritual wisdom that Father Peyton spent his life sharing with the world,” said Father Jenga. “We hope every visitor leaves inspired to strengthen family prayer, deepen their faith and bring Father Peyton’s message into their homes and communities.”
Currently, the Peyton Center draws roughly 2,500 visitors per year. With the refurbished building, project leaders hope the number of visitors will increase to 7,500.
Ven. Patrick (1909-1992) was a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross best known as “The Rosary Priest” because of his tireless promotion of family prayer and devotion to the Rosary. Born in County Mayo, Ireland, he immigrated to the United States as a young man and later entered religious life. On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, 1939, he experienced a miraculous recovery from tuberculosis that he attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In gratitude, he vowed to devote the rest of his life to spreading devotion to Mary and encouraging families to turn to her in prayer.
In 1942, he founded the Family Rosary movement, using radio, film, television and massive Rosary rallies attended by millions across the globe to encourage families to pray together. His famous mottoes — “The family that prays together stays together” and “A world at prayer is a world at peace” — became internationally recognized. In 2017, Pope Francis declared him “Venerable,” recognizing the heroic virtue he demonstrated throughout his life and ministry.
Located at 518 Washington St. in North Easton, Mass., the Father Peyton Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A daily Rosary is prayed at 11:30 a.m., followed by Mass at noon. Confessions are available weekdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Center serves as the world headquarters of Holy Cross Family Ministries.
Download videos and photos from the event here: https://holycrossfamilyministries.pixieset.com/grandreopeningofthefatherpeytoncenter/
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