Long term spiritual leader of St. Peter’s Abbey, Abbot Peter Novecosky, celebrated a remarkable milestone as he marked 50 years as an ordained priest. Abbot Peter is well-known throughout the region, the diocese, and the province for his service and his commitment to social progress in the church and in society as a whole. Abbot Peter took his vows on July 11, 1970.

A hometown product, Abbot Peter grew up in the Burr area with seven siblings. When the opportunity presented itself, he attended high school at nearby St. Peter’s School, the boys’ school that operated until 1972. He remained a student for an additional year taking university classes through St. Peter’s College before making a commitment to become a member of the Benedictine monastic community. 

It was then he began his studies in philosophy and theology at St. John’s Abbey in Minnesota. At the end of seven years of study, Peter Novecosky took his vows to enter the priesthood. He expected to return to assume a teaching post at St. Peter’s High School, but the institution ceased operations two years later due to declining enrolments and the establishment of high schools in neighbouring communities. 

“There were three of us who were ordained together,” recalls Abbot Peter. “It was a hot day, a joyful day. I guess I saw it as the culmination of my studies in preparation for my future work.”

Instead, Novecosky turned to parish work and involvement with journalism at St. Peter’s Press which was responsible for the distribution of the Prairie Messenger newspaper throughout western Canada. Through the remainder of the 1970’s, he acted as an assistant pastor at St. Augustine in Humboldt. 

Novecosky was elected as the Abbot of St. Peter’s Abbacy which oversaw parishes in the surrounding district. The Abbacy was dissolved and absorbed into the Diocese of Saskatoon in 1998.

Near to his heart was St. Peter’s Press and the Prairie Messenger which left a lasting legacy in the development and social growth of the Catholic church on the prairies.

“I think the Prairie Messenger, back in the 1930s and 40s, becameA a promoter of the church’s social doctrine. There was a cooperative movement in Saskatchewan at the time, so it was very much in line with promoting the kind of cooperation among people instead of so much capitalistic or individualistic practices.”

The Prairie Messenger continued throughout the sixties to interpret church reforms and promote changes that were happening in doctrine and practice, and in society as a whole. The articles and viewpoints continued to promote a progressive outlook into the new century as Novecosky officially took the helm.

Abbot Peter has seen many changes during his tenure, including the migration of the last of the Elizabethan and Ursuline sisters from the area. Still, he promotes the Abbey as both a vibrant and necessary place in current times.

“We still continue to operate the college which is seen as a valuable institution and service for our students. Another aspect that is developing more and more is our guest department. Sometimes people just need some time and space to get away from their busy involvements and jobs.”

While COVID has placed those aspects of the Abbey on a hiatus, Abbot Peter remains committed to his work at the Abbey as he enters into yet another decade of service.