HONG KONG (SE): Father Helmuth Peter of the Society of the Divine Word [SVD] passed away in the early hours of May 20 at the age of 93 due to complications from pneumonia. His life was marked by humble and faithful service to the Lord and his people.
Father Peter was born on 26 August 1933, in Graslitz, Czechoslovakia, which was then part of Germany, making him a German citizen. In 1947, he entered the Seminary of St. Peter in Tirschenreuth, and he made his first vows on 1 May 1955. He was ordained a priest on 4 August 1965, during the Eucharistic Congress in Munich.
After studying English, he was assigned to the Philippines. From 1962 to 1965, he was prefect of discipline at the diocesan seminary in Palo, Leyte. He then moved to the seminary in Binmaley, Pangasinan, serving as prefect until 1968.
From 1969 to 1984, Father Peter was at Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City, where he held various positions, including prefect, dean of studies, vice rector, and procurator. During this time, he was also the praeses of Villa Cristo Rey, the retirement home for SVD missionaries in Quezon City.
In 1984, he requested a transfer to Hong Kong to serve as the chaplain for German-speaking community and provided priestly services to the Marist Brothers.
Additionally, he ministered to the community of Filipino overseas workers and was the school manager of Sing Yin Secondary School for more than 10 years.
In 2017, he returned to the Philippines to retire at Villa Cristo Rey, a retirement house in Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City. He became a much-loved figure among the seminarians and their parents.
His funeral Mass and burial rites were celebrated on May 23 at the seminary.
Father Johnson Dhos, district superior of the SVD in Hong Kong and Macau, said that Father Peter was known for his creativity and excellent organisational skills as a procurator.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Many fondly remembered him for his jovial spirit and fatherly care. A requiem Mass for Father Peter is scheduled to take place at Holy Family Church in Choi Hung at 2:30 PM on May 31.
May he rest in peace.
