By Pete Vasquez
Pvasquez@cherryroad.com

Emotions ran deep on Sunday, June 29, as the faithful community of St. Peter Catholic Church gathered to celebrate their parish feast day and say goodbye to two beloved priests: Father Christopher E. Becerra and Father Lukose Thirunelliparambil.

Held at 221 E. Salazar St., the farewell was part of a spiritually rich day of reflection, celebration, and gratitude. For the parishioners of this close-knit Ben Bolt community, saying goodbye was not easy — especially to two priests who have walked beside them in faith, responded to every call to serve, and became a vital part of their daily lives.

They weren’t just priests. They were family. Always present, always listening, and always praying with the community and for them.

As part of the farewell, the church also celebrated the Feast Day of St. Peter, honoring the patron of their parish with a special mass followed by a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. in the parish hall, where all were welcome.

Tables were filled with laughter, tears, shared memories, and gratitude for priests Chris and Luke — men who truly left their mark on the soul of the community. They were used to their voices at the pulpit, their hands in service, and their hearts among them. Ben Bolt has been blessed to call them their shepherds.

As they move forward in their ministries elsewhere, both priests leave behind a deeply spiritual and devoted parish that will forever remember their leadership and love.

The entire St. Peter community sent them off with prayers, blessings, and heartfelt thanks