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California Franciscan Celebrates Six Decades of Priesthood
Friar Peter Parchem
This year, Franciscan Friar Peter Parchem is celebrating the 60th anniversary of his ordination to priesthood. Having spent the last 33 years serving the people of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Pismo Beach, California, Friar Peter’s celebration of his ordination took place in that parish. It included a Mass, a luncheon, and a display of photos from Friar Peter’s many decades as a Franciscan.
Friar Peter discerned his vocation to the Franciscan Friars in high school as the Second World War raged on around the world. He told his parents of his decision to become a Franciscan Friar on the day of his graduation. In 1944, he received his Conventual Franciscan habit and spent the coming years as a novice in Lake Forest, Illinois as part of the friars’ St. Bonaventure Province. Friar Peter’s studies took him from Illinois to the International Seraphic College in Rome, Italy where after 4 years he was ordained a priest in Rome’s Basilica of the Most Holy Twelve Apostles.
Back in the United States, Friar Peter settled in Chicago where he worked in ministry for seven years. His next assignment saw him move to California where he played an instrumental role in the foundation of St. Joseph of Cupertino Province. In California, Friar Peter worked in several parishes before settling in Pismo Beach’s St. Paul the Apostle. During his recent celebration it was easy for guests to tell that Friar Peter has loved and continues to love every minutes of his life as a friar.
(Source of all related images on webpage and homepage: Conventual Franciscans, St. Joseph of Cupertino Province.)
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