Family Rosary International
IRELAND
Many visit the Father Peyton Centre in Attymass
www.museumsofmayo.com/peyton.htm
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Country Demographics/Culture
Ireland is an island of the European Continent. Geographically it is a small island measuring 450 km long and 300 km. wide and covers approximately 84,500 square kms. Ireland is divided into four provinces – Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connaught. The Republic of Ireland consists of twenty-six counties and Northern Ireland consists of 6 counties.
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The principal cities of Ireland are seaports. The capital city is Dublin, which is located on the eastern side of the island. The population of Ireland is just over 4 million. The greater majority of the Irish population are descendants of the Celts. For many centuries the language spoken throughout the country was Gaelic or Irish which was one of the older languages of Europe. Gradually English replaced this beautiful language, which is now the common language for almost the entire population with the exception of the small Gaeltacht regions.
Approximately 80% of the population are Catholics. Ireland is traditionally a very religious country. The country’s conversion to Christianity dates back to the 5th century when St. Patrick (389 – 461) came to Ireland and converted the people to Christian faith. As a result many monasteries were built and Irish monks brought the Christian faith and culture to Europe. Ireland became the centre of learning and was known as “the island of saints & scholars” The Irish people are great believers in education. Education in Ireland at present is free and compulsory for all children to the age of sixteen. A high percentage of young people to-day attend third level colleges either Regional Technical Colleges or Universities.
Dancing is a popular form of recreation. Irish music is probably the country’s greatest contribution to the arts. Some of the melodies are very ancient and rank with the most beautiful in the world. Other great works of art are to be found in museums. The decoration of manuscripts reached a high degree of skill with the most famous being the Book of Kells, which was written about 800 A.D. and is now in Trinity College. Fine architecture can be seen in the cities, especially Dublin where 18th century Georgian Houses can be admired.
History of Ministry in country
Fr. Patrick Peyton C.S.C. founder of “Family Rosary” was a native of Ireland, born in 1909 into a family of great devotion and faith. This devotion and faith was deep rooted in his heart, which he brought with him to America - his new adopted country. The Memorial Centre was built in Ireland to commemorate Fr. Peyton’s apostolic work and to continue his mission. The Memorial Centre was officially opened and dedicated in 1998. Hence the ministry work began in Ireland.
The main aim of the memorial centre is to continue the mission of Fr. Peyton - spreading devotion to Mary the Mother of God and to strengthen the family unit through prayer especially the Rosary.
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During the short few years the centre is open the number of pilgrims/visitors who have come to learn about Fr. Peyton and to pray is very encouraging for us working in the mission. The number of repeat visitors who come to the Centre and express their devotion to Fr. Peyton is constantly increasing. This year the Memorial Centre has been selected as the venue for lectures to mark the “Year of the Eucharist”. Lectures were presented during Lent and were very well attended. Retreats for various religious and lay groups are held on request.
All visitors/pilgrims are invited to experience the multi media presentation of Fr. Peyton’s life and apostolic work. They are then taken on a guided tour of the Centre - which involves the explanation of:
- The photographic exhibition of the Rosary Rallies
- Memorabilia of Fr. Peyton
- A visit to the Oratory where they can join with a recording of Fr. Peyton praying the Rosary
- Spend some time in the contemplation garden, which is dedicated to peace in Ireland
- Pray in the rosary garden
- Visit the religious souvenir and book shop
Visitors to the Centre are encouraged to allow two or three hours to fully experience and appreciate the spirituality and the peace of this beautiful setting.