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Diocesan Priesthood Testimonies Fr Peter Ferwerda
Fr Peter Ferwerda
Fr Peter’s Story
The thought of the priesthood came to Peter in his teen years, but he pushed it aside because of a desire for marriage. The desire to become a doctor also competed with this thought that God had put into his mind. He went to university and after completing his degree sought advice on becoming a priest, but those competing interests remained.
Dr Peter practiced medicine for the next 30 years. He approached several Religious Orders over the years, but it did not seem to be the right decision to take as far as he could tell.
After prayer about this call to the priesthood at Lourdes and Medjugorje, he decided to take the step into the Seminary. His main fear was being from a different generation from other Seminarians. However, they were great company and accepted him for what he was. He learned from them, and hopefully was able to contribute something to them, and so was grateful for God’s goodness that came through studying with them. The study was a challenge since he had failed English in both year 11 and year 12, and essay writing, though interesting, was not his strong point.
During Seminary training Peter did wonder what God wanted, and frequently asked Him for affirmation, which, in His goodness, he always received in various ways through people and events. Before coming to diaconate ordination Peter stood beneath a large crucifix and asked the Lord whether this was His Will, and felt that He was placing in his mind the thought, “take what I’m offering you.” This thought gave him a sense of peace.
After diaconate ordination he felt a great joy, and since priestly ordination Fr Peter he has become more aware of God’s graciousness and generosity in allowing him to serve in His Church as a priest. “No matter how tired I may be at times, every day has been a great blessing. I see more clearly with the passage of time how gracious and patient Jesus and Mary have been over the years.”
Fr Peter notes the need to keep up with one’s prayer life, because just as the body needs to be refuelled with food each day, the soul also needs its daily spiritual nourishment. “I’m quite sure, though, that God doesn’t look at our successes, but rather at our sincere efforts, and, just as he increased the five small loaves and two fish that the boy had, He will always supplement with His great abundance, the little that we have to offer.”
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