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Hand crafted rosaries. Shared Stories. A Journey of Faith.
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Our Newsletter is here to share more about our mission, faith and the story behind what we do and what we make. We hope you join us each week to learn more about how this mission impacts our lives and those we serve.
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Moments of Grace
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"As for me I will press on in running the race." A quick reflection on Father Martin and his impact on my life.
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Rosary Reflection
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This week we take a look at our Pearl Rosary Beads.
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A Thought to Carry with You
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Something to ponder or journal on
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A Prayer for Your Week
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Heavenly Father, through the intercession of the North American Martyrs, grant us undaunted courage to live and share our faith. Through the wisdom of St. Paul of the Cross, anchor our hearts in the saving love of Your Son's Passion. Through the paternal care of Pope St. John Paul II, cast out all fear from our homes and open our hearts wider to Christ. And through the zeal of St. John of Capistrano, make us peacemakers in our communities. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Saints of the Week
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A short reflection on the Saints of this week.
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- Monday - Saints Isaac Jogues, John de Brébeuf, and Companions (The North American Martyrs)
- Tuesday - St. Paul of the Cross
- Thursday - Pope St. John Paul II
- Friday - St. John of Capistrano
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Along the Way
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Press On - In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Abouna, Father Martin Hyatt
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It's been over 40 years since I met Father Martin Hyatt. I was in high school and was the typical kid who thought he was smarter than he was. My parents had both lived a Cursillo in the early 80's and occasionally would drag my brother and me to events at Saint Basil’s. It was there that I first met Father Martin. He was running the Teen Encounter program at Saint Basil's at that time.
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When we first met, he wasted no time at all to invite me to a Teen Encounter. I responded with a typical snarky teenage response. It was during the gymnastics season and gymnastics was everything to me at that time. So I responded to him with something like, "I can't go now because it's gymnastics season and I made a commitment to it, you know about commitment Father, don't you?" Anyone who knows Father Martin knows that I had just set forth a challenge that I was not going to win. Before I knew what had happened I agreed to be on the first Teen Encounter after the gymnastics season was over.
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My Teen Encounter was a life-changing experience for me. I was invited into a close, personal relationship with Jesus and I accepted wholeheartedly. I started going to weekly prayer meetings, making friends with other kids who lived a Teen Encounter and was asked to be part of the Leadership School. Leadership school was run by Father Martin and took place every Sunday. On my Teen Encounter it was the talks by the other teenagers that impacted me the most. It was through Leadership School that I grew to know and love Father Martin. Soon after starting Leadership School, I started spiritual direction with him. Being his spiritual son is one of the greatest gifts I have been blessed with in my spiritual journey.
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Aging out of Teen Encounter left me in a difficult situation. I did not realize how much I relied on the community I was a part of while in Teen Encounter. Those weekly Leadership School meetings and prayer meetings helped to keep my life focused on Jesus. I found it difficult to do so without that support. I was not the only one in this situation and Father Martin saw this need in us and created a young men's sharing group. Father put seven of us, who were in similar situations, together to meet each week to pray, study and share our spiritual journey with one another. Our meetings would be focused on the virtues, Psalms and other Bible readings. For a while we would celebrate the Mass and share our closest moment to Christ. I love celebrating the Mass in small groups like that. I liken it to how I imagine the mass would have been celebrated in the early church, while they were still being persecuted by the Romans, small and intimate.
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Throughout the years each of us would live a Cursillo. I was the last holdout and lived my Cursillo in 2006. Since then our group officially became a Group Reunion. It didn't really change the group dynamics much and what a blessing it was for me that I did not need to search for a Group Reunion after Cursillo. I know that can be hard to do and I am grateful for this blessing.
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Our group has been together for over 30 years now and Father Martin is now our third member in heaven. All of them gone way too soon. All have left an indelible mark on our souls but this one is different.
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For me, Father Martin was a father to me when I needed one, a priest when I needed the sacraments, but most of all he was Jesus who I always needed. I always felt that I was treated like Jesus would treat me when I was around him. I have never known anyone who shined the light, love, peace and joy of Jesus more than him. I will miss him and count on his intersession big time.
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The Weekly Saint | Reflections for October 19 – October 25
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Welcome to this week's edition of The Weekly Saint. As we approach the final days of October—the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary—our Church calendar brings us a deeply inspiring group of witnesses. From heroic missionaries who brought the faith to North America to a young modern pope who urged the world to open its doors to Christ, these saints show us how God’s grace operates in every era and every state of life.
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Here are the feast days and saints guiding our reflections for this week
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Monday, October 19: Saints Isaac Jogues, John de Brébeuf, and Companions (The North American Martyrs)
Undaunted Faith and Missionary Zeal
We begin our week honoring the heroic Jesuit priests and lay companions who brought the Gospel to the Native American peoples of North America in the 17th century. Living among the Huron and Iroquois tribes in present-day New York State and Canada, Isaac Jogues, John de Brébeuf, and six companions endured harsh winters, starvation, and severe trials.
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Despite capturing and losing several fingers to torture during an early captivity, Isaac Jogues famously returned to France only to ask his superiors to send him back to North America to continue preaching Christ's love. All eight companions ultimately gave their lives as martyrs, becoming the spiritual seed of faith across our continent.
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- Patronage: Canada, Americas, and those facing hardship for their faith.
- Takeaway for the week: Real faith isn't comfortable, but it gives us strength to endure difficult seasons. When facing opposition or discomfort this week, offer a simple prayer asking for a spirit of steadfast endurance.
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Tuesday, October 20: St. Paul of the Cross (1694–1775)
The Healing Power of the Passion of Christ
On Tuesday, the Church celebrates the founder of the Congregation of the Passion (the Passionists). Born in northern Italy, Paul Danei spent his youth in prayer and solitude before receiving a vision of Our Lady wearing a black habit with a white emblem that read "The Passion of Jesus Christ."
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Recognizing that many people forget the boundless love God demonstrated on Calvary, Paul dedicated his life to preaching missions across Italy, reminding everyone that the Passion of Jesus is "the greatest and most overwhelming work of God’s divine love."
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- Patronage: Passionist order, sufferers, and those in spiritual retreat.
- Takeaway for the week: Spend a few quiet moments this week reflecting on a crucifix in your home or parish. Let the reality of Christ's sacrifice remind you of how deeply you are valued and loved.
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Thursday, October 22: Pope St. John Paul II (1920–2005)
"Be Not Afraid! Open Wide the Doors to Christ!"
On Thursday, we celebrate one of the most beloved and influential leaders of modern times. Born Karol Wojtyła in Wadowice, Poland, he survived Nazi occupation and Communist oppression before becoming the Archbishop of Kraków and, in 1978, the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.
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Throughout his 26-year pontificate, John Paul II traveled to 129 countries, launched World Youth Day, championed human dignity, and authored pivotal writings on the Theology of the Body and divine mercy. His legendary opening words as pope remain a guiding light for every Christian soul: "Be not afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ!"
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- Patronage: World Youth Day, families, young people, and Poland.
- Takeaway for the week: What area of your life—a worry, a decision, or a burden—are you hesitant to hand over to God? Turn that worry over to Him today with trust, repeating his famous words: "Be not afraid."
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Friday, October 23: St. John of Capistrano (1386–1456)
Bold Preaching and Reconciliation
We close our week honoring a Franciscan friar, lawyer, and renowned preacher born in Capistrano, Italy. Initially serving as the governor of Perugia, John experienced a deep interior conversion while imprisoned during a local political war, deciding to join the Order of Friars Minor.
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He traveled extensively across Europe, preaching repentance, healing divisions, and restoring public peace. Even in his late sixties, when Europe faced military threats, his fervent preaching inspired thousands to rally together in defense of Christian civilization.
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- Patronage: Military chaplains, jurists, lawyers, and San Juan Capistrano.
- Takeaway for the week: St. John of Capistrano showed that God can redirect our talents—whether in law, leadership, or everyday speech—for the service of His Kingdom. Ask God how your unique professional skills can serve others today.
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A Prayer for Your Week
Heavenly Father, through the intercession of the North American Martyrs, grant us undaunted courage to live and share our faith. Through the wisdom of St. Paul of the Cross, anchor our hearts in the saving love of Your Son's Passion. Through the paternal care of Pope St. John Paul II, cast out all fear from our homes and open our hearts wider to Christ. And through the zeal of St. John of Capistrano, make us peacemakers in our communities. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Have a blessed and beautiful week of prayer!
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Let's Take A Look At Our Pearl Rosaries
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Our Pearl Rosary is another example of one of our original creations that came out so good we had to add it to our store. A good friend asked us to design a rosary for his mother. She was not big into the rosary but loved pearls. We kicked around a few ideas for the pearl colors and then decided on a mix of different colors. It turned out to be a great choice.
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At first we went with just the pearls by themselves and after they were done I liked them but felt like they were missing something. Then I remembered seeing some nice bead caps and decided to give them a try. Well it really dressed them up nicely. Since it might be too much for some we decided to offer it as an option.
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A few years ago the vendor we use for the pearls discontinued the original colors we had chosen. We decided to choose new colors to keep the pearl rosary available. We think it came out just a beautiful as the original. A little warmer in color tones but still beautiful.
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As always we will include a link to the rosary at the end of the newsletter.
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In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Abouna, Father Martin Hyatt
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Yesterday, I was listening to the song “Press On” by Martin Doman, thinking about our beautiful, beloved servant shepherd, Father Martin Hyatt, and how the words of that song are such a testament to the way he lived his life.
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As I listened, sang along, cried, and smiled through the tears, my heart was heavy, yet filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love for a spiritual father whose priestly life has touched and shaped my own for the past 25 years.
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I thought about his selfless life of service, his devotion to Jesus, and how, from the very beginning, Father Martin was a loving teacher and a living example of what it means to follow Christ and serve others.
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Through his preaching, his talks, our conversations, and his spiritual direction, I was continually nourished in my faith. He helped me grow in my relationship with Jesus, opening doors in my heart and guiding me toward a deeper, more personal relationship with my Savior.
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I have always been inspired by the way he lived his vocation: with humility, hospitality, wisdom, compassion, faithfulness, and a love that made everyone feel welcomed and valued.
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Father Martin encouraged me to recognize and use the gifts God had given me in service to others. His edifying conversations, sharp wit, gentle humor, laughter, and calm, loving guidance helped carry me through some of the most painful and difficult seasons of my life.
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He also shared in some of my most treasured and grace-filled moments.
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He has been a constant presence in my life since I lived my Cursillo 25 years ago, and in my beloved John's life since he was a teenager. He walked beside each of us long before we knew the beautiful plans God had in store for us together.
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And, in his own wonderful way, as only Father Martin could, he helped bring a rather petulant spiritual daughter, who was lamenting about a rosary she had given away, to one of the greatest gifts God has ever given her: my beloved John.
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Let me share that story. It was Easter Sunday, 2008.
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Every Easter and Thanksgiving, Lazarus House served a wonderful holiday dinner at the Plains Community Center for guests from the neighborhood and anyone who wished to share in a delicious meal and fellowship. My annual tradition was to attend Mass in the morning and then head over to the Plains to volunteer.
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During my first few years, I was a little shy. I was quite comfortable serving food or walking around with desserts, but as the years went by, I found myself wanting to spend more time sitting with the guests, sharing conversations, and getting to know the people who came.
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That particular Easter, I was sitting at a table with several guests, a couple of Brothers from the Franciscans of the Primitive Observance, and a brother and sister who were volunteering for the first time. The brother and sister were Greek Orthodox, and because they celebrated Easter on a different date that year, they were delighted to be able to volunteer that day.
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The young woman was fascinated by the rosaries the Franciscan Brothers wore hanging from the cords around their waists, outside their habits. As the Brothers explained the rosary to her, I had an idea. I always kept extra rosaries and scapulars in my car. I would go and get one for her!
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When I reached the car, I spotted a beautiful wooden rosary resting in the drink holder of the center console. A dear friend had brought it back for me from Medjugorje. Now, I loved that rosary. I have always had a special affection for wooden rosary beads.
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Surely, I had another one somewhere!
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I searched the center console. Nothing. I went around to the passenger side, opened the glove compartment, and practically emptied it. Still nothing. Finally, I sat in the passenger seat, holding my beautiful wooden rosary, and said out loud something along the lines of:
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“No! These are mine! They were a gift, and You know how much I love wooden rosary beads!” There was no audible answer. But there was that unmistakable conviction in my heart from the Holy Spirit. Give her the rosary. “FINE!” Yes, I actually said that. And I am quite certain I was pouting a little as I got out of the car!
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I walked back through the kitchen and returned to the table. I handed the rosary to the young woman, and as one of the Brothers explained it further, she admired the beads and then began to hand them back to me. I told her, “No, you keep them. They're yours.” Her face lit up. “Are you sure?” “Absolutely. They're meant for you.”
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And that was that. Deep in my heart, I knew I had done exactly what I was supposed to do. Although, apparently, I wasn't quite finished talking about it!
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A few weeks later, I was meeting with my spiritual director, Father Martin. And there I was, sharing the story with him. Well, perhaps sharing is too generous a word. I was lamenting the loss of my beautiful wooden rosary from Medjugorje!
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Father Martin listened with that familiar smile of his.
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Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a gorgeous rosary. He handed it to me. I held it, admired it, kissed the crucifix, and began to hand it back. And he said, “You can have them.”
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He began telling me about the man who made the rosary. His name was John. Father Martin mentioned that I knew him, that he had beautiful brown eyes, and that he made rosaries. And I did know who he was talking about! I remembered John from a Cursillo weekend when he was serving on team and I was one of the cooks in the kitchen.
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Later, when I asked John about it, he recalled that he might have mentioned something about me during one of his own spiritual direction meetings. And the rest, as they say, is history!
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Our beloved Father Martin—our Abouna, as we so lovingly called him—had everything to do with introducing us to one another. We may never know whether he also had a hand in bringing us together to serve on several occasions afterward, but those encounters became the beginning of our friendship and, eventually, our love story.
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Who knew what God had in store? Perhaps God and Father Martin shared a smile over that one!
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Years later, John and I would begin Hearts Rosary Company, making rosaries for others, bringing that beautiful beginning of our relationship full circle. And today, we continue to share the blessings of our marriage, rooted in Christ, including serving together as one of the host couples for the Pre-Cana weekends at St. Basil's. What an extraordinary journey from one little wooden rosary.
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And what a beautiful reminder that when God asks us to give something away, we can never imagine the blessings He may have waiting for us along the way. I am smiling through my tears as I write this, remembering the many ways Father Martin touched our lives. And I suspect that if he were sitting beside me, he would probably rather I not make such a fuss over him.
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A man who never sought the spotlight for himself, but always pointed the way to Jesus.
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Yet how could we not remember and celebrate a life so beautifully lived? I know that the love and gratitude pouring out for Father Martin are only a glimpse of the countless lives he touched. I have witnessed it myself, and I have heard it in the stories shared by others over the years. Through his ministry at St. Basil's, his beloved Cursillo community, his spiritual sons and daughters, and the many people he encountered throughout his priestly life, he brought the love of Jesus into the lives of others.
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For so many of us, it is difficult to imagine St. Basil's without him.
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He has been such a constant presence, such a steady and loving shepherd, that the thought of walking into that familiar place and not seeing him is difficult to comprehend. But perhaps one of the greatest gifts Father Martin leaves us is the example of how to continue.
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To encourage one another.
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And, with our eyes fixed on Jesus, to press on.
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Last evening, when we learned that our beloved Abouna had gone to his eternal reward, John and I prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy together. We held each other, and we cried. Our hearts are broken by his passing, yet filled with gratitude for the gift of having known and loved him, and for having been loved and guided by him.
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Today, I have listened again to “Press On” and “Salve Regina.” I remember the times John and I would drive Father Martin somewhere, praying a decade of the rosary—or sometimes an entire rosary—before listening to Salve Regina together. Such simple, precious memories. Such extraordinary gifts.
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And now, as we grieve the loss of our beloved spiritual father, I take comfort in the very faith he spent his life helping us to deepen. The faith that tells us death does not have the final word. The faith that reminds us that our true home is with the Lord.
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The faith that Father Martin lived, preached, and shared so generously.
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Abouna, thank you. Thank you for walking beside us, for loving us, for guiding us, for your prayers, your wisdom, your humor, and your beautiful example of a life poured out in service to Jesus. Thank you for helping us recognize God's presence in the joys and sorrows of life. And thank you for the countless ways you helped lead us closer to Christ—and, in our case, closer to one another.
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May your memory be eternal. May we hold your remembrance close in our hearts, remain united in prayer, and honor your legacy by continuing to share the love of Jesus with everyone we encounter. And until that glorious day when we meet again, may we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, run the race with perseverance, and press on. Rest in the loving embrace of our Lord, beloved Abouna.
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Inspired by “Press On,” Martin Doman, Praying Twice.
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A Thought to Carry with You
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Ponder on your favorite memory of Father Martin Hyatt or someone else who you were close to who recently passed away.
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Until Next Week
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Wherever this newsletter finds you today, whether your heart is full of joy or carrying a burden known only to you, know that you are remembered in our prayers. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus fill you with His peace, the Immaculate Heart of Mary wrap you in her loving mantle, and the humble and chaste Heart of St. Joseph guide and protect you this week. Until we meet again, may God bless you and those you love.
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Links for this week's Newsletter
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