Monsignor Peter Jeffrey celebrates Diamond Jubilee

At the end of July, Monsignor Peter Jeffrey celebrated his Diamond Jubilee of ordination to the priesthood with several special events. He shared the celebration with Fr John Ryan who was also ordained on the same day, by the same bishop – Bishop Francis Thomas – although in a different parish. Their anniversaries were celebrated together with a Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Wangaratta on 25 July which was attended by people from far and wide.

In his toast to the Jubilarians, Monsignor Frank Marriott declared “Peter and John, two fine priests who have served the Church and people with distinction in those varied fields wherever the Spirit led them. Always Spirit lifters, not Spirit crushers. No matter where they roamed, they always called Sandhurst home.”

Mons Peter reflected that 1963 was an exciting and turbulent time in the church. One of his most memorable achievements was being named Prelate of Honour by Pope John Paul II in January 2000, receiving the title ‘Monsignor’. His aim was always to appreciate and respect the dignity of every individual. “I have had a blessed and joyful life as a Diocesan Priest”, he concluded.

Two days after the Jubilarian Mass, on 27 July, Monsignor’s six decades of dedication to the church was celebrated with a Mass at St Brendan’s Shepparton, followed by dinner at the GV Hotel.

Communications Manager for Catholic Education Sandhurst, Jenni Kennedy said, “The church was filled to overflowing as a large gathering of well-wishers poured in from far and wide to join in the festivities and pay tribute to the incredible milestone of Monsignor Peter’s devoted service.”

Among the guests of many local and interstate clergy was Archbishop Peter Loy Chong who had travelled from Fiji to officiate at the Jubilee Mass.

The Samoan community of Shepparton enhanced the celebration by performing a cultural dance at both the Mass and dinner afterwards while dressed in traditional attire. At the dinner, Mons Peter joined in the dance as the Samoans honoured him.

Monsignor Peter delivered a moving speech to conclude the celebration, expressing deep appreciation for the support and love he received from the community throughout his six decades as a priest. He acknowledged the role played by his family, congregation, and fellow clergymen throughout his journey.

Peter Jeffrey began his education at St Mary’s College in 1943 as one of about a dozen local boys that year who attended the convent school at Barkly Street until they were old enough to transfer to Marist Brother’s College.

He was an altar server at the Cathedral, which was his parish church, and remembers serving at freezing early morning Masses. Later Peter completed his secondary education at St Patrick’s College Ballarat where he was a distinguished student and prefect.

After briefly considering a career in law, Peter attended Corpus Christi Provincial Seminary and was ordained a priest at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in 1963.

He has been involved in seminary formation work for over 20 years and has worked in four Parishes in Sandhurst – Cohuna, Beechworth, Heathcote and Shepparton, and is the only Priest in Australia to have acted as Rector of three seminaries – Melbourne, Fiji and then New Zealand.

Monsignor Peter has also led the Diocesan Education Board and served on the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria. He chaired the First Inter-Faith Council in the Diocese as well as serving as Dean and in other standard offices.

Ms Kennedy reflected that “the Diamond Jubilee of Monsignor Peter Jeffrey will undoubtedly be etched in the memories of all who attended, as an inspiring testament to a life dedicated to faith, compassion, and service. His legacy will continue to shine bright, inspiring generations to come in their own spiritual journeys and acts of kindness.”