The Peru Gazette

On Sunday, March 30^th, Rev. Alan Shnob, Pastor of St. Augustine’s Church, honored two parishioners when he presented the Golden Rose Award to Peggy Banker and Peter Keenan.

Peggy Banker was honored for her 28-½ years of service as parish secretary and for her faithful ministry to the parish community.  She also received a Papal Blessing signed by Pope Francis recognizing her generous and faithful service.

Peter Keenan has been an active member of St. Augustine’s Parish and the Peru community throughout his life. Keenan, a charter member of St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273, was the Applefest barbeque chairman for 33 years, served as a Peru Town Justice for 24 years and was elected to the Clinton County Legislature in November 2011.

Father Shnob stated the Golden Rose Award in past centuries was a sign of respect and appreciation. Recipients have included churches, royalty, military figures and governments. As a youth Father Shnob was a member of St. Anne’s Parish in Mooers Forks where his pastor, Rev. Msgr. George Philips, presented the award during each Lenten Season. Rev Shnob thought it was a wonderful tradition and has followed Msgr. Philip’s example.