Article – Congratulations, Father Peter!
In December, Father Peter will be celebrating 25 years of Priesthood. How blessed we are to have him as our Rector. Our once floundering church has become a growing, bustling Shrine with a plethora of spiritual, educational and community activities. Under Father Peter’s direction and guidance, our Shrine is growing rapidly. Many new families and couples are coming to our beautiful Shrine. Seeing children in the pews once again is so heartwarming, something we have not seen in quite some time. This is a great tribute to Father Peter and all the Friars.
The humbleness and accessibility of all the Friars under Father Peter’s leadership is most uplifting and gratifying. Their numerous spiritual talks and other countless community events are bringing new believers and fallen away Catholics into our Shrine. Father has made many positive liturgical changes, one being facing the altar at the consecration. The priest is facing Jesus, and is showing great reverence to our Creator. What better way to worship Jesus as the bread and wine are turned into His Body and Blood while facing the Crucifix.
Many people do not like change, and that’s okay. Yet seeing the beautiful, spiritual, positive changes in our Shrine humbles us, inspires us, and brings us back to when we were children attending Mass with our parents. With so much adversity and negativity in today’s world, Father Peter and the Friars bring a breath of fresh air to our Shrine. Even though they face many challenges and sometimes much criticism, they still go out of their way to respectfully respond to all, especially those suffering. God, in His infinite mercy, sent them to us knowing that they would bring new life into our Shrine and reignite a burning spirituality in all of us.
As Rector, Father Peter has had his share of complaints, negativity, and frustration, which comes with the territory. I recently saw a quote that reads: “Sometimes the greatest test is how quietly you handle those who so boldly mishandle you.” Well, Father Peter, you always pass the test. Although there probably have been many times when you have cried out to God asking for His grace to help you through the dark times, you have always lead us, your flock, with dignity, humility, support and caring.
Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary of Priesthood. We are blessed and honored to have you and the Friars with us as we all walk this anxious road of life leading to our Savior Jesus Christ. Ad multos annos (For many more years).
–Wayne and Connie Pickles