Deacon Peter Venezia, a long time friend of Good Counsel, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, on the Feast of Mother Teresa.  He had prayed daily asking for the intercession of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, Good Counsel Co-Founder, for a cure of his cancer, even so, Deacon Peter was very much at peace with whatever the Lord willed.

Deacon Peter, along with his wife, JoAnn, assisted the mothers and babies of Good Counsel in countless ways in Spring Valley, New York.  The couple served on the Board of Directors of Good Counsel since 2014  and had volunteered in our homes for nearly twenty years.  Deacon Peter baptized hundreds of Good Counsel babies along with some of their mothers.  Joann is Godmother to many children who have resided at Good Counsel.  We ask for your prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul and comfort and consolation for his wife, his son James, and his daughter-in-law, Leah.  James and Leah are expecting their first child.  Having his family with him for these past few months was a comfort and blessing for Deacon Peter.

Faye Malcom, House Manager, who worked closely with the Venezia's, said, "Deacon was such a devoted person.  After he was diagnosed with cancer and in great pain, he traveled to Mt. Vernon to baptize a baby for the Daystar Home in May of this year. I went to speak with him after the baptism, and in spite of the pain he was very humbled he could help us with the baptism."

Please click here to read Deacon Peter's full obituary.  Even now, Deacon Peter is keeping watch over the mothers and babies in our homes with his request that "in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Counsel, Box 6068, Hoboken, NJ 07030 or www.goodcounselhomes.org."

God bless you, Deacon Peter.  You will be missed.

Please click here if you would like to donate to Good Counsel in Deacon Peter's honor.