Fr. Peter Golden cuts the cake at a party that the residents of Trepassey and area threw to mark his 90th birthday last month. Fr. Peter, as he is known to his flock, still celebrates mass every week and ministers to families in the region who are dealing with loss and challenges. Submitted photo
On September 20th the town of Trepassey lit up. The Golden Community Hall was filled to capacity with respect and praise for the most loved gentleman to ever grace our presence —Father Peter Golden, who turned 90 on September 22. The special milestone did not go unnoticed, as much as he preferred it to be.
This man is the salt of the earth and a friend to all who have had the pleasure of meeting him. The people of Trepassey and surrounding areas feel so very blessed he came into our lives 38 years ago, and he has never given a thought to leaving us. His great will to live, his deep faith, his awesome humor, and his constant encouragement inspire us all. Fr. Peter has overcome and survived cancer and beat many obstacles through the years. He is like the Energizer Bunny — he just keeps going and going from day to day and intends to continue as long as he can.
Fr. Peter was born in County Tipperary, Ireland in 1936. Not too long after, his family moved to Belfast in Northern Ireland. He decided to join the priesthood at the age of 26 and was ordained on September 29, 1962. This past September 29th marked his 64th anniversary as a priest. This past February also marked 50 years since he came to our province of Newfoundland and never looked back.
Trepassey is now his home. He is like a family member and true friend to all of us residents in Trepassey, St. Shotts, Biscay Bay, and Portugal Cove South. He is an inspiration and a shoulder to lean on in times of trouble. He doesn’t let anything frivolous bother him, and he tells us to do the same. You will often hear him say, “The most important thing is to concentrate on your own family lives and your health. Don’t let anything else bring you down — it’s not worth the stress or worry in this day and age.”
His pleasant and sincere personality brings a smile to your face and helps you see the light in the darkest tunnel. There are not many homes he hasn’t sat in for a brief chat or a meal during all these years. During his words of thanks to us all, he echoed the famous words of Lou Gehrig: “I am the luckiest man on the face of this earth to have experienced all your kindness and support over the years.”
For his 90th birthday celebration, he wrote this poem which we decided to print on cards for the event.
Reflections at Ninety
I looked in the mirror
and what did I see?
The reflection of a Man,
very much like me.
The colour, size and features
they were all the same,
If asked he would probably
answer to my name.
However, the image in that glass,
it surely cannot tell,
The thoughts and aspirations,
that in my soul do dwell.
This mirror, it cannot reveal,
guilt, joy, hopes, fears
or failures and triumphs
that shaped my years,
Of how I have been touched
and enriched by love
From caring family,
loyal friends and the God above.
I am confident to face the challenges
of the days and years to come,
Knowing I will always march
to the beat of my own drum.
Fr. Peter Golden
Father Peter wishes to extend a special thank you to every person who attended, helped with the preparations, brought food, or provided the wonderful music that made the day so entertaining. He feels there is truly nothing better in this world than music and friends to brighten your day. Father received hundreds of cards, gifts, and messages from all over—including video messages from his family in Ireland, which truly put the icing on the cake for him.
From the monetary gifts he received, he has decided to pay it forward by donating a large sum to The Gathering Place.
“The Gathering Place provides approximately 700 meals per day to those who have fallen on hard times,” he noted. “Because of this, I want to be a part of helping out, like so many others do as well.”
God love and bless you, Father Peter, for your kindness and generosity and on behalf of the Parish, I wish you continued health and happiness!
Judy Brazil
