Abbot Peter Wilfred Novecosky OSB
April 27, 1945 – August 14, 2024
Peter Wilfred Novecosky, the youngest child of Martin and Elizabeth Novecosky was born on April 27, 1945, in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Humboldt, SK. He joined his seven siblings on the family farm and attended Willow Ridge School in the Burr District near St. Scholastica Church. Following grade school, Peter remembers his first experience of indoor plumbing at St. Peter’s College in Muenster, SK, where he took high school and first year university. There, in 1963, he joined the monastic family of St. Peter’s Abbey, making vows as a monk in 1964. Peter loved sports and participated in all of them at St. Peter’s. In 1964, he was sent to St. John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota, US, to continue his education towards the priesthood. There he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology in 1966, and then a Masters Degree in 1970. Followed by priestly ordination at St. Peter’s Cathedral, about two kilometers north of St. Peter’s Abbey. His first assignment in 1970 was teaching high school and prefect at his alma mater, St. Peter’s College, for two years. That was followed by work at St. Peter’s Press and the Prairie Messenger for the next 20 years. In addition to the above, he helped in parish work as: Guest Master, formation of monk candidates, plus Subprior and, later on, Prior. In 1990, at the age of 45, following the resignation of Abbot Jerome, he was elected abbot of the monastery and blessed as Abbot-Ordinary of the abbacy. With responsibility for the diocese he participated in various espiscopal obligations, attending various provincial and national meetings across the country and beyond. Various duties such as National Spiritual Director of the CWL, K of C State Chaplain, secretary-treasurer of the Western Canadian Bishops, and visits to the Vatican, all added to his schedule. Begun during the leadership of Abbot Jerome, our mission in Brazil called for various visits in which Peter took a keen interest. As abbot of the monastery, Peter cared about people, he did his best as leader and with his huge capacity for work, always accomplished the basics and then went beyond. The Prayer Service was held at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, Muenster, SK, on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 7:30 pm, presided over by Br. Basil Schaan, OSB. Others taking part were: Br. Kurt Van Kuren, OSB and Agnes Trotic, scripture readers; Br. Benedict van Ginkel, OSB and St. Peter’s Parish Choir, music ministry; Fr. Lawrence DeMong, OSB, cantor; and Lillian Hinz and Colleen Hushagen, memorial table attendants. The Funeral Mass was held at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Humboldt, SK, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11:00 am, celebrated by Most Rev. Don Bolen. Others taking part were: Gerald Junk, crossbearer; Lenore Wourms and Annette Zawada, scripture readers; Lydia Mai, intentions; Theresa and Lorne Niekamp, giftbearers; and Kathy Tumback and Anna Nyugen, memorial table attendants. Music ministry was provided by St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir, St. Scholastica Parish Choir, and St. Peter’s Parish Choir. Active pallbearers were: Br. Kurt Van Kuren, OSB, Dona Novecosky, Leila Brockman, Jim Ingram, Vincet Nguyen, and Rob Harasymchuk with a honor guard formed by members of the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree. A memorial luncheon was held at the St. Augustine Parish Hall, followed by interment at St. Peter’s Abbey Cemetery, Muenster, SK. Memorial donations in honor of Abbot Peter may be directed to St. Peter’s Abbey- Elder Care (Order of Saint Benedict, PO Box 10, Muenster, SK, S0K 2Y0) or St. Peter’s College - Nursing Scholarship (PO Box 40, Muenster, SK, S0K 2Y0)
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)