Editor’s note: this is the final of a four-part series by Michelle Iurman, founder and director of Full of Grace Productions, on her “calling” for a major motion film production titled All For Her. Based on the autobiography and heroic life of Venerable (Fr.) Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., whose prayerful slogan was “The Family That Prays Together Stays Together,” the film will feature the famous Rosary priest’s unfailing devotion to the Blessed Mother. This film will include and reveal how the forgotten “Canadian connection” was providential for the fruition of Fr. Peyton’s saintly mission. 

After accepting the music ministry position that had been offered to me at St. Mary’s Church in the London diocese, the same church where the “blueprint” for Fr. Patrick Peyton’s first Diocesan Family Rosary Crusade was given to him back in 1947, I was asked to organize the church’s centenary anniversary. I agreed only on the stipulation that the celebration would be spiritual and include information about Fr. Peyton’s pivotal visit and his subsequent first Rosary Crusade in 1948. 

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Since Fr. Peyton’s cause of canonization had been formally opened, I invited the first vice-postulator of the cause, Fr. Thomas Feeley, C.S.C., to preach a Triduum for our anniversary weekend in May 2002. 

When Feeley asked me later on if I would utilize my gifts for the cause with Jim Caviezel, the actor portraying Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson’s upcoming 2004 film, The Passion of the Christ, I agreed wholeheartedly; however, sadly, the good father died before any plan could come to fruition.

I returned to university and completed a film degree, while developing my own private teaching/coaching practice, leading to other theatrical opportunities. I was also blessed to be a full-time caregiver for both my dear parents before they died, which wasn’t easy while juggling work and school. At the best of times, there were far too many pitfalls, spiritual attacks and discouragements, but I still managed to remain faithful to prayer, the sacraments and reciting the daily Rosary. The struggle was that I was still harbouring a persistent and unabating desire to produce a film on Fr. Peyton without any favourable outcome in sight. 

After asking for and receiving a tangible sign from the Lord, I created movie nights in honour of Fr. Peyton at St. Mary’s Church. I took a leap of faith by starting Full of Grace Productions during COVID 19, and began raising funds for the film project, named All For Her, after Fr. Peyton’s autobiography.

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I was blessed to be a guest on Radio Maria Canada, which soon led to The Catholic Register committing their unwavering support along with Salt & Light Catholic Media Foundation’s “yes” to cover our unfolding story.

Since Fr. Peyton was made an honorary 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and worked closely with the order throughout his life, I also approached the Ontario State Deputy, David Gelinas, about donating one existing breakfast or dinner fundraiser for the film. This led to my invitation to be the keynote speaker for the ladies program just a few weeks ago at the 123rd Ontario Knights of Columbus State Convention in Ottawa. We are hoping that the Supreme Council and other Catholic groups will follow suit in order to forge a lasting legacy via this film for future generations to come. 

The similarities between Fr. Peyton’s calling and mine are truly providential — I can also relate to how it grieved him to have to spend so much of his time persuading those more materially blessed to exchange a part of their wealth for the greater blessing that comes from serving Mary. Just as Fr. Peyton’s “big break” came as two priests approached his booth during the Marian Congress in Ottawa, I was approached after my talk in Ottawa by a beautiful lady devoted to Our Lady and the Rosary who has made a significant contribution towards the $1,000,000 phase one goal of the film, hoping that it will inspire others to do the same. Once completed we will move forward with phase two and the completion of the film. 

We need a film like this on several fronts: First, because the forgotten “Canadian Connection” plays an important role in Fr. Peyton’s life that has strangely been ignored and disregarded. Without it, he may never have been known globally by his famous moniker, “The Rosary Priest.” 

Second, we need a feel-good story about a priest to not only inspire a multitude of future vocations for Mother Church, but to counter the usual Hollywood fare of the walking dead, vampires, sexuality, nudity and woke ideologies, etc., that are negatively indoctrinating our youth and destroying truth that is so desperately needed in today’s world. 

Finally, this film will highlight the greatest love story ever told between a holy and humble priest and his Heavenly Mother, and is ultimately, a film for Our Lady and all for God’s glory, converting hearts and souls for Christ.

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 A special “thank you!” and prayers for The Catholic Register, Salt & Light Media Foundation, and all those who continue to support Full of Grace Productions’ work on the major motion film ALL FOR HER.

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