8th May 1952
 | The Evening Gazette dated 9th May 1952 carried the following article in its inside page.-
RC Priest's inspiring message- Family Prayer Appeal.
Thirteen years ago, a young Irish-American Priest studying for the Priesthood ,was seriously ill with consumption and he believed that prayer, in particular, the Rosary saved his life.
So grateful was he, he promised to do something in return.Yesterday as part of his World Wide tour he kept his promise, that he would head a Crusade, for the return of family prayer, to combat the evils of the world and brought his mission to Ayresome Park Middlesbrough, where 25,000 people crowded in, to listen to his preaching.He came across, this blonde haired burly Priest, as very sincere and the audience were very impressed with his enthusiasm.
They came from all over the Diocese, from York and Beverly, from County Durham and the spectacle of thousands of Priests and Nuns,the Nuns in their familiar white whimples, was a sight to see as they stood out in the crowd.
Fr Paytons message was simple,' The Family that Prays Together Stays Together'.Family prayer, he said was no more than giving to God, in humility and simplicity that was His due- adoration, love and thanks for all the gifts, He has given to man.
Fr Payton asked all Roman Catholics everywhere, to join in saying the 'Rosary' everyday and non Catholics, who were welcomed to the Rally to say their prayers in the same way.
The Bishop of Middlesbrough Right Reverend George Brunner added "The need for prayer is urgent"
The speakers and guests, who included The Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, the Right Reverend J McCormack, were introduced by Col J.G. Peckston Chairman of the organising committee, who inturn, thanked everyone for attending.
Perhaps the most moving part of the Rally, was the singing of 25,000 voices, raised high as 'Faith of Our Fathers, rang out over Middlesbrough on that fine day in 1952.
Reprinted by kind permission of the Evening Gazette
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