How did an Irish immigrant priest persuade some of Hollywood’s biggest stars to help him bring families together?
From The Little Station on Commercial Street in Atchison, Kansas, today’s Chesterton Radio Daybreak tells the fascinating story of Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C. — the Holy Cross priest who became known around the world as the Rosary Priest.
From his early years in Ireland and his connection to Notre Dame to enormous outdoor Rosary rallies attended by millions, Father Peyton carried a simple message across the world: “The family that prays together stays together.”
But he also understood the power of radio.
With the help of Bing Crosby and some of Hollywood’s best-known performers, Peyton launched Family Theater of the Air in 1947, bringing beautifully produced dramas about faith, family, courage, and ordinary life into homes across America.
We’ll explore the remarkable history of these broadcasts and revisit the Family Theater classics preserved on Chesterton Radio, including Son of Mine, The Perfect Wife, The Courtship of Miles Standish, The Story of Little Tree, and Home for Thanksgiving.
It’s a story of faith, Hollywood, and the golden age of radio — and why these broadcasts are still worth hearing nearly 80 years later.
Daybreak is sponsored by the paid subscribers of Chesterton Radio. Their support makes original programs like this possible and helps keep classic radio available for everyone.
If you enjoy discovering forgotten stories, great radio drama, and the people who shaped our culture, please consider joining them.
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Chesterton Radio — Playing the Classics!
The Best of Family Theater
Son of Mine - Family Theater
The Perfect Wife - Family Theater
The Courtship of Miles Standish - Family Theater - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
An Easter story about a little tree, and how he grew up.
Home for Thanksgiving - Family Theater - Fr. Patrick Peyton
