Farewell and Go with God, Fr. Peter

The Gala to honor Fr. Peter at the Larkfield in East Northport was a night to remember. 191 friends and parishioners gathered to celebrate Fr. Peter’s time at St. Francis, and to acknowledge our tremendous gratitude for his pastoral leadership all these years.

Master of Ceremonies duties were shared by Michael Kitakis and Neil Coscio of the pastoral council. There were tributes from our Deacons Allan Longo, Jim Byrne, and Jean Cantave, as well as from Kelly McGuinness on behalf of the Starfish Coffee House, and Kathryn Jones who has worked with Fr. Peter in the past. The Knights of Columbus presented Fr. Peter with a gift on behalf of St. Joseph Council 4810, and Danielle Campbell read excerpts from Fr. Peter’s autobiography. Fr. Francois gave a moving and personal keynote speech, reminiscing when he was invited by Fr. Peter to join St. Francis when he needed a parish assignment. Far from being sad, the evening was joyous, full of laughter, fellowship, and music provided by Instruments of Peace, with a special dedication from Al Barbarino. Fr. Peter was much in demand for photo ops, and he complied with his usual grace and good humor. More photos will be shared on the parish website, many of them taken by our own Sharon Collins. There is still time for everyone to wish Fr. Peter well after one of our hospitalities in the lower church after all Masses this weekend, for he intends to be at all of them!