the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A documentary about the “Rosary Priest” continues to receive major honors. PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON received a Bronze Medallion at the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards.
The documentary was recognized for Original Music in the Crafts: Films/Production category at the international competition held Oct. 12 in New York City. The score was composed by Grant Fonda, who has won numerous other awards and was named a “Composer to Watch” by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
“It’s a privilege and honor to be counted among the exceptional group of creatives awarded by the New York Festivals Film & TV Awards,” Fonda said. “In many ways, it comes as no surprise that a kid from a small town in the middle of nowhere would win an award for his music written about a kid from a small town in Ireland who would grow up to change the world. Father Patrick Peyton was an extraordinary man, and it was a profound pleasure to help tell his story.”
Produced by Family Theater Productions, PRAY tells the life story of Venerable Patrick Peyton, one of the most influential American Catholic priests of the 20th Century. A candidate for sainthood, he was a media pioneer in radio, television, films and billboards, and led Rosary prayer meetings attended by millions of people around the world.
“We at Family Theater Productions are honored that Grant Fonda’s work and our film PRAY received this recognition from New York Festivals,” said Reverend David L. Guffey, C.S.C., executive producer of the documentary and National Director of Family Theater Productions.
In addition to the New York Festivals, PRAY has been recognized by the Christopher Awards, Gabriel Awards, International Christian Film and Music Festival, Christian Film Festival, and Canadian International Faith & Family Film Festival. The movie was also included for consideration in the documentary category at the 93rd Academy Awards.
Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., spent the 51 years of his priesthood serving the spiritual needs of families and preached the importance of family prayer, especially the Rosary. He touched millions of lives by spreading his famous message, “The family that prays together stays together.” He died in 1992.
Father Peyton’s mission continues today in 17 countries at 26 mission centers, each providing digital complimentary prayer resources on various platforms for families, as well as face-to-face events, including Rosary rallies, days of reflection, seminars and other faith-filled events.
