The life of the man who became known as the Rosary Priest has been detailed in a new biography, "American Apostle of the Family Rosary: The Life of Patrick J. Peyton, CSC," published by Crossroad Publishing Company and Holy Cross Family Ministries.

Written by Holy Cross Father Richard Gribble, the 334-page biography describes the impact of Father Peyton (1909-1992) on the American Catholic Church in the mid-20th century and how he attracted some of the biggest names in entertainment --- Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Danny Thomas, Maureen O'Sullivan, Ricardo Montalban, to name a few --- to help him spread his message of peace and prayer.

The book "covers how the Rosary Priest drew approximately 28 million people to rosary rallies around the world, headed a major production studio in Hollywood, met with world leaders and became a friend to Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II," said Holy Cross Father John Phalen, president of Holy Cross Family Ministries.

Father Peyton has been called one of the most influential Catholic priests in American history, reaching millions of people with his message of peace and prayer through radio and television. He led 40 massive crusades around the world, preaching family unity through praying the rosary. He established a ministry that continues to spread his message: "The family that prays together stays together." Today, the Vatican is considering him for sainthood and the church has bestowed on him the title of "Servant of God."

Father Gribble, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served on a nuclear submarine and worked with defense contractors before becoming a priest. He is the author of 18 books and more than 200 articles on history and spirituality, including a biography of Archbishop Edward Hanna of San Francisco.

For a limited time, the book is available at a special price of $29.95 (regular price: $45). To order, go to www.hcfm.org or call toll-free (800) 299-7729.