Fort Simpson’s Father Peter celebrates 25 years in priesthood

The late August Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart Parish Church delivered more than a sermon. There was a coming together of community members in celebration of their priest.

Recognition of Father Peter Anochirim’s 25 years in the priesthood featured a potluck, singing and heartfelt words.

“We sat outside and we sang The City of God, the hymn,” said Martina Norwegian, a lay presider at the church in Fort Simpson.

For Father Peter, the day was more of a thanksgiving than a celebration.

“When I reflect on it, wow – 25 years as a priest. I need to thank God,” said Anochirim, referring to his silver jubilee.

“If you happen to reach it, this is a thing of joy for you to give thanks to God.”

As the Dehcho’s Catholic priest, Anochirim is responsible for Fort Simpson, Jean Marie River, Wrigley, Nahanni Butte, Sambaa K’e and Fort Liard. So far, he has visited all but Nahanni Butte, a visit that was delayed because of transportation issues.

He says Dehcho communities have been welcoming since he arrived in Fort Simpson last October. In turn, he addresses “the difficulties of life” with residents, offering counsel, comfort and spiritual guidance.

“First and foremost, you have to appreciate and love the place. When you love the place, you like the people, I think the people have to return the likeness and the love to you,” Father Peter told Cabin Radio.

“The missionary should welcome the place first. Understand the people, welcome the people, love the place.”

The day before the celebration, he visited Wrigley to perform a wedding ceremony.

Bishop Jon Hansen came from Yellowknife to attend the Sunday celebration.

“What made it was the bishop’s homily, when he gave the homily on choices,” said Norwegian, referring to Hansen’s explanation of scripture.

“It was so needed. I knew a couple of people that really needed to hear that. And then he talked about love… He shared a joke about his mother telling his father: ‘You don’t tell me you love me – you don’t love me any more.’ And he said: ‘I don’t say I don’t love you any more.'”

Reaching out to community

Anochirim moved to Fort Simpson from Manitoba a year ago. He is originally from Nigeria.

“He’s very one with the people,” Norwegian said. “He has embraced the people, our culture and our tradition. He’s very respectful of that.”

Norwegian says in the past year, Anochirim has worked hard to learn more about the Dehcho communities he work in.

“He wants to really do an outreach to the younger people,” she added.

“We open the church at seven o’clock every night for people to come and gather. And the other thing we’ve always done for years is go to the long-term care and do a mass for the Elders on Saturdays at 11am.”

“We’re just opening up the church, being available if people want prayer,” said Norwegian. “We can come to people to do rosary or prayer. It’s always been that open invitation to the church.”