September 15
“Ave Crux, Spes Unica” – Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope
Today, September 15, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lady of Sorrows, a particularly significant feast for the Congregation of Holy Cross and for all who share in its mission.
Our Lady of Sorrows is the principal patroness of the Congregation of Holy Cross. When Blessed Basil Moreau founded the Congregation, he placed the entire Holy Cross family under Mary’s patronage, recognising in her a model of faith, courage and hope in the midst of suffering.
Mary stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross, sharing in the suffering of her Son while never losing hope. For Holy Cross, this image of Mary standing at the Cross is deeply connected to its spirituality and mission: “Ave Crux, Spes Unica” – “Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope.”
It is a message that has particular meaning when we remember Venerable Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., the Rosary Priest.
Born in County Mayo in 1909, Fr Peyton became a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross and dedicated his life to bringing families closer to God through prayer and, above all, through the Rosary. His deep love for Mary shaped his priesthood and his life’s mission.
Fr Peyton famously reminded the world:
“The family that prays together stays together.”
His vision was simple but profound: that the family could become a place of prayer, faith and hope, united around Christ and entrusted to the loving care of Mary.
From Ireland to the world
The mission that began in the heart of an Irish family in County Mayo continues today across the world through the work of Holy Cross Family Ministries, founded from Fr Peyton’s vision and dedicated to strengthening family life through prayer and devotion to Mary. The ministry continues the work he began through Family Rosary, family prayer initiatives and other forms of evangelisation.
Here in Ireland, the Fr Peyton Centre in Attymass, County Mayo, carries a special responsibility in preserving and sharing the story, spirituality and legacy of this remarkable Holy Cross priest.
There is therefore a beautiful connection between the Fr Peyton Centre in Ireland and Holy Cross Family Ministries in the United States. Though separated by the Atlantic, both are part of the continuing mission inspired by Venerable Patrick Peyton: to bring families together in prayer and to lead them closer to Christ through Mary.
Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows – a Mother of Hope
On this feast day, we remember Mary not only in her sorrow, but also in her extraordinary faith.
She stood at the foot of the Cross when she could not understand all that was happening, yet she remained faithful. Her sorrow did not become despair. Her suffering was held within the greater hope of God’s promise.
That message remains profoundly relevant today.
Families everywhere carry their own crosses – illness, bereavement, worry, uncertainty, loneliness and many other struggles. Our Lady of Sorrows reminds us that we do not carry those crosses alone. Like Mary, we are called to remain faithful, to pray, and to place our hope in Christ.
This is at the heart of the mission that Fr Peyton spent his life proclaiming.
On this Solemnity of Our Lady of Sorrows, we remember with gratitude the faith of Mary, the vision of Blessed Basil Moreau, and the extraordinary life and ministry of Venerable Patrick Peyton, C.S.C.
May Our Lady of Sorrows continue to guide families throughout Ireland and around the world.
And may the prayer that Fr Peyton carried across the nations continue to inspire us:
The family that prays together stays together.
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.
Venerable Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., pray for us.
Read more about Our Lady of Sorrows – Congregation of Holy Cross