Democrat and Chronicle Newspaper Article - May30, 2006
Rhythmic Tranquility
Weekly Journal- First Person section on Fr. Peter Abas
which includes Flash Presentation with narration
by Fr. Peter Abas called Rhythmic Tranquility.
Democrat and Chronicle - May 7, 2006 - Rochester, New York
Father Peter Abas drums out message of hope to young, old
Wendy Weeks
Democrat and Chronicle
Guest essayist
(May 7, 2006) — I would like to acknowledge the energetic passion and patience that the Rev. Peter Abas has demonstrated since his ordination 20 years ago in his native country of Borneo, Malaysia.
A vital contributor to the international and national communities, he has traveled extensively throughout Asia and Europe, counseling youth against violence and substance abuse. After arriving in the United States, Father Peter acquired advanced degrees at Fordham University and Manhattan College, and he received the Scandling Fellowship in the doctorate program at the Warner School of Education and Human Development at the University of Rochester.
Father Peter is often very noticeable in the community working for nonprofits such as the St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center in downtown Rochester, and counseling at Saint Anne Church, where he is an assisting priest, as well as at the UR.
In addition to counseling youth, he focuses intently on senior citizens. Bornean culture, like many Asian cultures, emphasizes filial piety otherwise known as respect for elders. Father Peter believes that his multicultural background and faith empower him to act as a liaison between the church and its Asian congregation as well as between the church and elders of Rochester. He attends such educational conventions as those for Alzheimer's disease, as well as cultural meetings.
Father Peter founded the Intergenerational Peaceful Rhythmic Hand Drumming Session that meets twice monthly at St. Anne Church. The purpose of this session is to enable senior citizens to express their emotions in a safe, supportive environment. "In my country, the drum is used to call people to prayer. Drums help people reminisce and relieve stress," Father Peter says.
This philosophy is the focus of his dissertation at the Warner School, where he hopes to complete his doctoral studies. Father Peter also has established the program "Sacred Stories: Healing Journeys" at St. Anne Church, which caters to those 65 years and older.
We are in deep appreciation for the zealous efforts of Father Peter Abas, and I am fortunate to recognize him on behalf of the Rochester community.
Weeks, of Brighton, is on the Sounding Board, advisers to the Democrat and Chronicle Editorial Board
Pierina Basile (left) and Lee Beaudrault, parishioners of Rochester’s St. Anne Parish, play along to a calming drum beat during an Aug. 10 reminiscing session for seniors led by Father Peter Abas (right). Over seven classes, participants recalled and discussed their most important memories. (Courier photo by Mike Crupi)
Parish pulsing with activities
(Publication Date: 08-20-2005)
By Rob Cullivan/Catholic Courier
ROCHESTER -- In the atrium of St. Anne Church, hundreds of items were displayed for a next-to-new sale where one could buy a $3 photograph of the sea mounted on a wooden plaque inscribed with the words "We do not remember days, we remember moments."
One floor below, Father Peter Abas was helping a group of elderly women do just that by leading them through a hand-drumming session designed to unleash a flow of pleasant memories. A native of Borneo, Malaysia, the priest works and studies at the nearby University of Rochester and ministers at St. Anne. He said drums were part of Catholic liturgies in his homeland and that he also has coordinated an all-ages drumming group at St. Anne.
"In my country, the drum is used to call people to prayer," Father Abas said. "Drums help people to reminisce their feelings and relieve stress."
That notion was seconded by group participants Joan Seccombe and Mary Jane Marton, both of whom noted that they liked the way drumming relaxed them. Another participant, Lee Beaudrault, added that participating in the group's exercises, which include jotting down pleasant memories, has helped to heal her from the loss of her husband, son and father over the years.
"When I came here, there was a lot of negative things on the surface I knew I was dealing with," she said. "(Father Abas) helped me to get through the surface and find the positive things."
St. Anne is filled with positive reminiscing as the parish marks its 75th anniversary. According to a parish history, St. Anne was founded to serve the Catholic population in the Mt. Hope-South Avenue area, and its first pastor was Msgr. George J. Schmitt, who had been serving as assistant pastor at St. Boniface, located nearby off South Avenue on Gregory Street.
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