By Mary Frances McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 1/22/04)

THROUGH THE EYES OF HIS MOTHER, by Father Francis Peffley, Mark Forrest, Irish Tenor and Muriel Forrest. Produced by Mark Forrest (2003).

When Pope John Paul II declared 2003 the Year of the Rosary, Mark Forrest knew what he had to do. For years he had wanted to record a rosary meditation, and he said his most recent project was launched "the minute the Holy Father announced the luminous mysteries."

With the help of Father Francis Peffley, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Gainesville and longtime friend of Forrest, a two-CD set was released on the Feast of the Holy Rosary, Oct. 7, 2003. Forrest said the response to the recording has been "phenomenal."

The recording includes all four sets of mysteries, led by Father Peffley and Mark and Muriel Forrest; the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Litany of Saints; as well as Ave Maria, Amazing Grace, You are My Rock and Thank God for Life, all sung by Forrest.

Each set of mysteries runs approximately 20 to 30 minutes, the time of an average commute. The soothing voices of the Forrests, with a touch of an Irish brogue, are enough to calm the craziest commuter. Mark’s wife, Muriel, was involved not only in leading the rosary, but also in ensuring spiritual continuity throughout the recording.

Father Peffley was invited by Forrest to write the introduction to the rosary and the meditations on each mystery. Forrest said he asked him because, "He has a great understanding of the Marian movement and devotion to Mary. He has not only strong knowledge, but spirituality."

Father Peffley wrote the meditations in November 2002. His reflections on the Luminous Mysteries were incorporated into the diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception last October.

Father Peffley has known the Forrests for a dozen years and has baptized several of their six children.

"Working with Mark and Muriel together was really a pleasure," Father Peffley said. "I’m glad we could do something together to honor the Lord and His mother."

The project is dedicated to peace and the sanctity of life. Forrest also heads the Faith and Family Foundation, to support and encourage families and individuals with special needs. "This product really backs up what we’re trying to do," he said.

Born and raised in Dublin, Forrest received his musical training at Catholic University in Washington. He has performed for various charity events throughout the diocese, for presidents and the pope, and has toured countries throughout the world.

"Through the Eyes of His Mother" is produced by Mark Forrest Productions and is his ninth album.

Forrest and his wife are members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Lake Ridge.

Father Peffley and Mark Forrest will be available to sign CDs on Jan. 31 at the Catholic Shop in Sully Place Shopping Center, 13939 Metrotech Dr., Chantilly, from 10 a.m. to noon.

CDs are available for purchase at the Catholic Shop in Chantilly or they can be ordered from Mark Forrest Productions, Executive Suite 103, 12543 Spiller Lane., Manassas Va. 20112-8832.