Fr. Peter Berendt, CP, entered eternal life on Sept. 9, 2020, at the age of 91.
Fr. Berendt was born on June 18, 1929, in Detroit. He entered the Passionist Seminary, Our Lady of Good Counsel, in Normandy, Mo., shortly after graduating high school. Fr. Berendt took his first vows as a Passionist on July 9, 1950, and was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1957.
Fr. Berendt’s earliest assignment was as a seminary professor teaching Latin to the seminarians. After this, he spent many happy years in retreat ministry serving in Sacramento, St. Louis and Houston. Only briefly was he able to be back in Detroit until his later years when he served as a senior priest at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat Center. He was a dearly loved confessor for countless retreatants. He served occasionally as a weekend celebrant at nearby parishes, including St. William in Walled Lake. In 2019, Fr. Peter moved to Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Louisville, Ky.
Fr. Berendt is survived by his sister, Theresa Mikulec; and brother, Harry Berendt.
There will be a private funeral Mass celebrated for immediate family and local members of the Passionist Community on September 15, the Feast of Our Mother of Sorrows, at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat Center, followed by interment at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to: Passionist Community, St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 23333 Schoolcraft, Detroit, Michigan 48223.
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