Florida Catholic | Father Sousa Leaves Retreat Center

Father Peter Sousa leaves retreat center

Redemptorist reassigned to Virginia by his order; changes are in store for center.

BOB REDDY | FLORIDA CATHOLIC VENICE BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 07.18.08

Calling his work at Our Lady of Perpetual Help a special mission, Father Sousa said it was very different from his previous work as an Army chaplain serving in Iraq. “This place really changed me, as Mary’s presence is all around. I know being here changes everyone.”
BOB REDDY | FC

VENICE | When Redemptorist Father Peter Sousa celebrated Mass June 27 in the St. Joseph Chapel at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center along the banks of the Myakka River it was true celebration, but it was also a farewell.

“Our Lady of Perpetual Help has provided an outpouring of love for all of us. She gives us the trust to know that she is going to help us on our journey of faith,” Father Sousa said. He leaves after less than two years, called by his order to work in Virginia.

Sister Carmella DeCosty, Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, said Father Sousa has been a gift to the center and to the many people who find solace during the numerous retreat activities that occur throughout the year.

Father Sousa’s departure is due to the fact that the Redemptorists need him to cover two parishes in Hampton, Va., and the community does not have someone to serve as a permanent replacement.

He arrived at the retreat center in September 2006, but soon had to take over as priest-in-charge when the center’s founder, Father Charlie Mallen, became too ill to continue his work.

Calling his work at Our Lady of Perpetual Help a special mission, Father Sousa said it was very different from his previous work as an Army chaplain serving in Iraq.

“This was so different and special,” he said. “It was a very important time in my life. I remember when I first got here the thunderstorms would wake me up and I (would) think I was back in Iraq. This place really changed me, as Mary’s presence is all around. I know being here changes everyone.”

During the Mass and in a reception afterward, he noted the special support and help he received from the staff and volunteers, affectionately called “Charlie’s Angels.” His father, brother and sister-in-law were able to come from Bradenton for this final Mass and celebration.

“I have experienced how Mary has helped keep this place something special,” Father Sousa said. “I have seen this through the service and the love of you, our ‘Angels.’ You prove that when we give to others, we get so much more in return.”

Father John Ludden, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte, concelebrated the Mass and led those who participated in a prayer for Father Sousa.

Sister DeCosty said her heart is heavy at the departure, in part because it is nearing the end of her 40 years of her service in conjunction with Redemptorist priests.

Even with the departure of Father Sousa, Our Lady of Perpetual Help will continue to operate as usual. A Redemptorist priest will be placed temporarily at the retreat center for the fall season, and Bishop Frank J. Dewane has made arrangements with a different order, the Carmelites, to provide a permanent priest for the retreat center for the start of 2009.

“Things will change, but God is going to help continue the good work that is here,” Father Sousa said. “There is a certain synergy that goes on here. The individual effort of so many people has helped to make this a holy place where the presence of God can always be felt. This retreat center will continue to be united in the arms of Mary.”

For more information about Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center, call 941-486-0233 or visit the Web site at www.olph-retreat.org.

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