“I make to God, forever, thevows of poverty, chastity, andobedience. I make thesevows according to theConstitution of the Clericsof Saint Viator approved bythe Holy See. May God andmy brothers be my strengthand support.” With these

words, four young men permanently committedthemselves as Viatorian religious for the rest of theirlives. The stories of these four Viatorians can be foundin this issue of Viator. I urge you to take time to readabout these men and share in the joy of their call toserve God and the Church for the rest of their lives.

As we celebrated the perpetual vows of four menover a seven week period, I would like to take thisoccasion to reflect briefly upon the importance ofreligious life in our world and especially the importanceof Viatorian religious life as lived in the 21st century.

Religious life is foremost a gift from God. One doesnot choose to be a religious on one’s own; rather, oneis called by God to dedicate one’s life to Jesus Christand to the service of the His Church. As Viatorians,we are called to work with those who are young andto work especially with those who are “accounted oflittle importance, by some.” One does not embarkupon religious life in a casual manner. Rather, to bea religious is to be a person of deep faith, who isattentive to the promptings of the Spirit of God.To vow poverty, chastity, and obedience, for the restof one’s life, is to dedicate oneself wholly to pursueholiness, to seek and to live gospel values each day.

The journey is not easy and we are not alwayssuccessful. The attractions of worldly desires andof contemporary culture often clashes with the

fundamental orientations found within the vows:choosing to live simply, loving as Christ loved others,and being open to the will of God above one’s ownwill. Yet, I believe that with God’s help and thesupport found within community life, today’sreligious brothers and priests make a significantdifference in our world.

Viatorians today continue to be teachers of faith inschools and parishes. Viatorians today continue toserve at the holy altar, proclaiming the gospel byword and example. Viatorians today continue toserve those who often are overlooked and under-loved. For those we serve, Viatorians offer a sign ofhope in the midst of despair and a glimpse of God’slove and forgiveness when things seem bleak.

Religious life will continue to change as the worldchanges. With each new generation, new challengeswill present themselves and new ways of living thegospel will surface. Yet, in all this change, I believethat when others witness young men or womenplacing their hands on the altar and committingthemselves to Christ for the rest of their lives, a rayof hope enters the world and a whisper of God’s lovefills our hearts.

Please join us in praying for vocations to religiouslife and especially the Viatorian Community. MayGod continue to bless you and your loved ones.

In St. Viator and Fr. Querbes,

Rev. Thomas R. von Behren, CSVProvincial

Viatorian Community Fall 2008 Volume 13, No. 3

Provincial’s Perspective

The Viatorians greatly appreciateyour financial assistance, whichhelps to sustain our ministries in theUnited States and overseas. If youwould like to assist us, pleasesend your gifts to:

Viatorian Development Office1212 East Euclid Ave.Arlington Heights, IL 60004847-637-2124

You can either designate whereyour gifts will be used or delegateus to distribute the funds wherethey are most needed.

As a non-profit and tax-exemptorganization, the Viatorians arevery grateful for your prayers andfinancial support in “educating forthe future.”

For wills and bequests:Clerics of St. Viatoran Illinois Corporation

A new model of collaborative ministry hasemerged in metropolitan Kankakee. ThreeSisters of the Congregation de Notre Dame(CND), Viatorians (CSV) from the parishesof Maternity BVM, St. Anne, St. George, andSt. Patrick, and diocesan priest Fr. ThomasCargo from St. Theresa Parish have joinedwith local lay leaders to form a collaborativeministerial team. Sisters Theresa Galvan,CND, Helen Kavanaugh, CND, and DoloresMcKinney, CND, are working with theViatorian pastors Fathers James Fanale, CSV,John Peeters, CSV, and Richard Pighini, CSV.In addition, St. Theresa Parish participates inthe combined primary school system andsponsors an active teen group and religiouseducation program.

True to the CND and CSV educationaltraditions, the sisters have led the faithsharing sessions with parents of children inthe parish religious education programs. Theformat includes input and the opportunityfor everyone to share their faith within asupportive environment. This respectfulatmosphere invites the participants to discussfreely their faith as lived today. The discussionsare often lively, leading many to read andreflect privately upon the Scriptures.

This year the program will be expanded to theparish catechists and the upcoming sessionswill consider the Old and New Testamentsand the Church today. The end result will bethe opportunity for the catechists to deepentheir faith that will enhance the religiouseducation programs and deepen the faith lifeof the parish communities.

Many people have praised the insightful andprayerful Advent and Lenten reflections thatSr. Galvan has given in the local parishes. Thefocus was inter-parochial; it was held on Sundayat St. Anne, Tuesday morning at MaternityBVM, and Tuesday evening at St. Patrick.

In addition, Saint Anne parish annually hostsa novena dedicated to the mother of Mary, St.Anne, that attracts people from throughoutIllinois and Indiana. Sr. Galvan with Fr.Fanale and Fr. Peeters presented reflectionsabout answered and unanswered prayers in

our lives. During these reflections the partici-pants had a chance to reflect on their ownexperience of prayer.

Another goal of this collaborative ministry isoutreach to the homebound and to nursinghome residents. Sr. Kavanaugh has conductedworkshops with the local ministers where theydiscussed the practicalities of this ministry soas to better reach out to them in a caring andsensitive way. She also schedules the ministersto ensure that everyone is visited in a timelymanner.

Before withdrawing from the project to achange in ministry assignment, Sr. JuliaLydon, CND, developed a peacemakingprogram for children, which was implementedwith great success in the parish educationprograms. The children reflected on how theyhow they treat one another. A program likethis is especially relevant today with the recentawareness of the problem of bullying.

Sister Galvan has started a woman’s groupwhich gathers in the mornings for reflectionand prayer. For those who wish, Sister isavailable for individual spiritual direction. Thisopportunity is especially useful for people whohave recently completed the Rite of ChristianInitiation of Adults and need someone tojourney with them as new Catholics.

As a way to involve their husbands, the marriedwomen from this group hosted a dinner withtheir husbands that celebrated their mutualcommitment. Bishop Sartain of Joliet was pres-

The Nazareth League of Prayersprovides an opportunity to share inthe Viatorian prayer life. Prayerrequests are inscribed in a specialbook and then placed in the chapelat the Province Center. WhenViatorians gather daily in communalprayer, they specifically remember theintentions of their friends and gratefullythank everyone who has so generous-ly supported the Viatorian ministries.

To participate in the NazarethLeague of Prayers, simply list yourintentions in the envelope providedand mail them to us. You can alsorequest specific cards by calling847-637-2124 or online atviatorians.com/prayers.

Collaborative Ministry

2

ent and led a prayer service where theparticipants renewed their marriage vows.The members are now talking about expandingnext year’s event to include a Mass.

Sr. McKinney works with the Hispaniccommunity at the Lisieux Center of St.Theresa Parish. Recently, the Mexicanconsulate issued 832 Mexican passports andconsular identification cards. The center,funded in part by the Viatorians, is home toseveral programs that benefit the residentsof the local area.

The program began in 2006 through theinitiative of the CND community andall the ministers – lay, religious, and clergy –are committed to implementing thiscollaborative model effectively. To facilitatethe growth of the group, the membersrequested Fr. James Michaletz, CSV, whohas many years of collaborative evaluationexperience within the Catholic schoolsystems of Chicago and Springfield, toguide them in their discussions, planning,and evaluation.

This new ministerial venture is but anotherstep in the long tradition of joint CND andCSV collaborative endeavors. In 1860, threeCND sisters went to Bourbonnais, IL toestablish a school for girls; in 1865, threeViatorians went to Bourbonnais to establisha school for boys. This began the richhistory between the two congregations thathas continued to this day, over one-hun-dred-and forty years later. Then, as now,the focus was on the training and educationof the laity to minister together.

3

Amid all the graduation parties this summer, theViatorians held a bash with a mission, so to speak.

High school graduates from three Viatorianministries, St. Viator High School (ArlingtonHeights, IL) and Maternity BVM and St.George parishes (Bourbonnais, IL), gathered atthe Viatorian Province Center for the event.

According to one such graduate, Alyson Byrne,“All we have to do is want God in our livesthroughout our journey.”

In all, twenty-six students attended, having been identified as active ministry leaders withintheir respective Viatorian communities.

The teens knew this was not their average graduation party when they were asked to meet insmall groups to engage in substantive discussions about some of the challenges they will faceas young adult Catholic leaders in college.

Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, and St. Viator High School alumna Stephanie Schwarz led thediscussions, aided by other guests who included Viatorian Associates Karen Cutler andDavid Surprenant and Viatorian Brs. John Eustice, Jason Nesbit, and Rob Robertson.

Specifically, they asked how the young people planned to make time for living out the mis-sion of Jesus, when they are busy at college, making friends, taking classes and having fun.

Furthermore, they asked them how they hoped to stay true to Catholic values in environmentswhere casual sex and substance abuse are common.

Lauren Cavers appreciated the opportunity to reflect on her Christian leadership accomplishmentsin high school and focus on how to continue that service in college. On a personal level, shenoted, “the Viatorian Community cares for you not only when you are attending St. ViatorHigh School but also after you graduate. The community is notonly part of my past, but it is also a part of my future.”

Following the discussion, they celebrated their faith with aMass presided at by Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, who thencommissioned them to be Viatorian leaders in college.

After sharing their faith, they shared a simple meal in thecommunity dining room.

Organizers explained that the graduation celebration was thefirst of an annual event planned by the provincial vocationteam, whose members are seeking ways to help young adultsmature into adult Catholic leaders with a Viatorian vision.

“Some of these leaders, we believe, will choose life as aViatorian religious, associate or lay minister,” Fr. Brost said.

In an e-mail sent by St. Viator High School graduate Derek Kiebala, he commented that theevent “reminded me how important God’s involvement is and will be for us to overcome themany obstacles on our journey toward improving our community and implementing positivechange in the world.”

Next year, the vocation team plans to hold the graduation celebrations in Arlington Heightsand in Las Vegas. They also plan on sponsoring a Viatorian Young Adult Leadership day ofreflection during the summer.

Graduation Party

Immigrants at Lisieux Center

Graduates in Province Center Chapel

4

St. Viator Vocational High School in

the remote Belizean village of

Chunox celebrated its first graduation

this past June.Over 200 students with

their families, friends, faculty, and

staff congratulated the graduates who

received a firm educational grounding

that has prepared them to enter the

work world of Belize.

Founded

in 2004

under the leadership of Fr. Christopher

Glancy, CSV, and Ms. Patriciana Sho, the

school provides a curriculum that includes

traditional academics as well as specialized

training in agriculture and tourism, the two

main local industries. In the classroom,

the students study mathematics, English,

religion, Spanish, study skills, agricultural

science, physical education, integrated

science, social studies, and computer

science. In the third and fourth years,

students can take courses in home

economics, tourism, biology, chemistry,

and entrepreneurship.

Situated on approximately 120 acres of

land, the school campus include two

classroom buildings, a dining hall, barns,

and sheds. The two academic buildings

have recently been completed and house

classrooms, offices, science laboratories,

a computer room, and a library.

Like any new school, everyone is justly

proud of reaching this milestone and look forward to future facility

improvements that will enhance the quality of the education being

offered to the young people.

The religion curricu-

lum presents an

overview of the Church

and its teachings, with

a strong emphasis on

the role of the laity.The

curriculum includes

didactical instruction

integrated with prayer

and reflection. The

teachers emphasize that growth in faith is a lifelong process.

The school has modern chemistry and biology laboratories where the

students can better understand the different reactions and changes that

occur with certain chemical sub-

stances. The demands of the cur-

ricula are very high. Therefore,

the school is looking forward to

having the labs fully equipped in

the near future.

In mathematics, students went

twice to the capital of Belmopan

to compete in the National Math

O l y m p i a d .

They did very well both times.

Moreover, students have the

opportunity to study English and

Spanish which requires continual

communication in a variety of

human interactions. One language teacher envisions the students

using the media to record themselves broadcasting news, participating

in debates, and re-enacting dramatic selections.

The main building has a home economics room with stoves,

a refrigerator, cabinets, and some utensils. The students hope to

stock the room fully with major utensils such as pots and blenders.

This program will train many future chefs who will work in the local

tourist hotels.

Information technology is vital

in today’s society. Through

the generosity of many people,

the school has a computer

laboratory with eleven

computers; the room has a

capacity for thirty. Because

of the limited number of

computers, the teacher has

to divide the class, and each

student only has twenty minutes of class time to use the computers.

Eventually, the plans are to purchase enough computers so the students

will able to devote the full class period to learning.

The weather in Belize is very hot and humid, which shortens the

life of the computers. Another need is to air-condition the room to

preserve the equipment.

The students participate in physical education and are involved in

sports. As in all Latin American countries, soccer is very popular. Some

of the students go to primary schools and teach physical education to

the younger students.

The students spend half of their time in fields where they put into

practice the plant and animal husbandry they learned in the classroom.

They plant fruits and vegetables such as onions, broccoli, cauliflower,

sweet peppers, tomatoes, and melons. In March 2008, the students

finished an onion project, the majority of which grew to jumbo size.

Chunox Saint Viator Vocational High School

Fr. Christopher Glancy, CSV

Mrs. Patriciana Sho

5

“I put my life in the hands of theLord,” said Fabián Pedraza whowill begin his pre-novitiate atQuerbes House in Chicago thisfall. He joins fellow Colombianpre-novices Carlos Eduardo Diaz,Carlos Arturo Romero, and JorgeVargas who joined the pre-novitiate in Bogotá last January.Currently, Carlos Arturo isstudying sociology at UniversidadNacional de Colombia, CarlosEduardo is studying psychologyat Universidad Conrad Lorenz,

and Jorge is working at Colegio San Viator in the archives department.

Fabián contacted the vocation coordinator, Associate Daniel Lydon,last September from Florida. He had moved from Bucaramanga,Colombia to Florida to be close to his father and sister as heembarked on a vocational search. Fabián feels that he is at acrossroads in his life. “It is a time in my life when I need to make achoice and I am beginning a serious discernment of religious life.”

Dan and Fabián had been in contact by telephone and email; finally,they had a chance to meet face-to-face last October when Dan andFr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, traveled to Bogotá for communitymeetings.

Fabián attended a Viatorian discernment retreat in February andspent time with the community at the province center in March.During his visit, Fabián had the opportunity to visit other Viatorian

ministry sites in Chicago and in the Bourbonnais-Kankakee area.This contact with the community ratified his decision. He felt athome with the community and its mission of working with youngpeople. He especially enjoyed connecting with the youth at St.Martin de Porres High School in Waukegan.

Fabián has a background in acting, having worked for several yearsas an actor for RCN Television in Bogotá. Besides his experiencewith acting, he has studied philosophy at the Javeriana Universityin Bogotá. Fabiánenvisions himself usingall of his past experiencein his new work as areligious. He hopes touse his background intheater to catechizeyoung people. Fabiánwould also like to beinvolved in vocationministry, especiallyreaching out to Latinoyouth who might beconsidering a religiousvocation.

Fabián’s first task will be to perfect his English. He will study atthe English Language Academy at DePaul University in Chicagowith students from all over the world. Many of the students in theprogram are also considering religious life.

Welcome Fabián.

Eventually, there will be orchards

for oranges, grapefruits, tanger-

ines, mangos, guavas, etc.

The agricultural program includes

the study of the proper use of soil.

The hope is to purchase a soil test

kit that will demonstrate how

fertilizer, lime, and other organic

materials work in conjunction

with each other. While the

students are in the field, they need

boots to protect their shoes from

the mud, and they need hats to

protect their heads from the

scorching sun. At the present time there is a shortage of both.

Although the school received a donation of a tractor which greatly

helps in land cultivation, it needs to be complemented with a planter,

fertilizer spreader, and a boon sprayer. Presently, the school has to borrow

the equipment from the local Mennonite community.

Pests, especially grasshoppers and crickets, are particularly trouble-

some.To counteract this problem, the plans include building a nursery

for the seedlings and to purchase a mist blower to spray the insecticide.

In addition to being in the field, the students work inside the farm

buildings where they raise cattle, hogs, and chickens. The profits help

fund school expenses.

St. Viator Vocational High School is a rural school that is grounded in

the Viatorian tradition of providing a sound education within a

professional and respectful environment. It encourages the students to

recognize their God-given gifts and talents and to utilize them for the

benefit of themselves, others, and the world at large.

Bienvenido Fabián

Fabián Pedraza

Carlos Eduardo Diaz, Carlos Arturo Romero,and Jorge Vargas

6

In MemoriamFr. Raymund J. Field, CSV,celebrated a rare milestone earlierthis year when he reached the 60thanniversary of his priesthood. Butinstead of anything fancy, hetreated his Viatorian communityto a hot dog lunch.

Such was the humility of hisministry which touched countlesslives in schools and parishes inIllinois, New York and California.

Fr. Field died July 12 at St. Joseph’sHome for the Elderly, run by the

Little Sisters of the Poor in Palatine, IL. He was 87.

In the days after his death, parishioners from St. Cyprian CatholicChurch in Sunnyvale, CA, wrote to describe his ministry intheir parish.

Sheila Flanagan taught second grade at the parish school, and sheoften welcomed Fr. Field into her room. A fond memory was histradition of coming into her classroom every St. Patrick’s Day tosing, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” for the students.

One year, the students turned the tables on him, by singing “DannyBoy” in response. Without missing a beat, Fr. Field turned to Ms.Flanagan and said: “Touché!”

Fr. Field grew up in St. Viator parish on Chicago’s northwest sideand family members believe the Viatorians who staffed the parish,as well as the many seminarians who stayed there, made a lastingimpression.

“He was always around the parish, serving Mass and all,” said hissister, Rita Field, of Oakbrook, IL. “And then he was never homeon Wednesdays because that’s when Fr. Angelo Rinella, CSV,served up spaghetti.”

Fr. Field began his ministry as a Viatorian brother. His firstassignment took him to St. Joseph School for the Deaf in theBronx, New York, where he worked in student affairs, whileattending Fordham University.

St. Joseph’s was a boarding school for high school teens, andFr. Field was assigned to supervise the boys, outside the classroom.Consequently, his role included everything from planning activitiesto coaching them in sports.

“Those were the days when the deaf communicated solely in signlanguage,” said Fr. Francis White, CSV, who taught at the sameschool. “We were trained on site and we picked it up quickly.”

Fr. Field was ordained a priest on May 16, 1948, in Chicago. Forthe first twenty years of his ministry, Fr. Field taught in a varietyof different high schools, including: St. Patrick High School inKankakee, IL; Stepinac High School in White Plaines, NY; St.Philip High School in Chicago, IL; Cathedral Boys’ High School

In the Footsteps of Our FounderFr. Querbes Appeals to Rome

There was an enthusiastic demand for the Catechist Brothersof the Society of St Viator founded by Fr. Louis Querbes.Authorized by Royal Ordinance of King Charles in l830 andapproved by Archbishop de Pins in l831, by 1838 the Brotherswere already teaching in five dioceses. This dispersion promptedconcern about future unity.

What was the concern? In his biography of Louis Querbes,Pierre Robert wrote: “There was reason to fear that the bishopswould wish to modify its rules, its composition, its spirit accordingto their individual views and needs which they desired to providein their respective dioceses.” (Robert, Life of Louis Querbes l65)

This threat to the unity of the new Society prompted prayerfulconsideration and judicious consultation by Fr Querbes aboutpossible Papal approbation. He was especially encouraged by theJesuits. Archbishop de Pins and his Council concurred with seek-

ing Papal authorization. The French Jesuits in Rome would laterhelp Fr Querbes navigate the complexities of the Roman curia.

What Fr. Querbes was about to propose was considered audacious.He proposed that the Holy Father, not only endorse the aimsof his Institute, but also approve its Constitution/Statutes.Normally, that approval was reserved for congregations only afterlong periods of proven success, certainly not after five years.

By January l838, he had decided to proceed. In February, heplanned to send the Statutes to Rome with the Lyons VicarGeneral. The Vicar General proposed four corrections whichFr Querbes accepted. The documents were summarized into aone page petition to Pope Gregory XVI on February 25, l838.They were forwarded to the French Consul in Rome forpresentation to Cardinal Sala, Prefect, Congregation for Bishopsand Regulars.

7

- Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV

There was no response. Archbishop de Pins inquired. Romeresponded by inviting Fr Querbes to present himself fordiscussion about his Society and to defend his petition. OnApril 30, the Archbishop informed Rome that Fr Querbeswould soon appear.

Prior to his departure, Fr. Querbes collected letters of introduction.Fr Renault, SJ, gave him an introduction to the Jesuit SuperiorGeneral. His St. Nizier parishioner and summertime parishionerat Vourles, the and foundress of the Society for the Propagationof the Faith, Pauline Jaricot, was well-connected in Rome. Sheentrusted him with errands and arranged introductions. She alsoarranged for a Roman “insider”, Capuchin Fr. John Baptist, toorient him.

On May 8th, he sailed from Lyon to Avignon, transferring forAix and Marseilles. He visited the shrine of Notre Dame de la

Garde, on May 10th. The nextday, he sailed to Civitavecchia,the port for Rome, where acarriage brought him to Romeon May 14th.

Little did he envisage that hismission would require morethan five weeks, nor did heanticipate the vicissitudesahead. However, on his lipsand in his heart was his prayer:“Adored and Loved be Jesus”.

and Griffin High School Springfield, IL; and Spalding Institute inPeoria, IL.

“He had such a way with kids; he just understood them,” Fr. Whiteadded, who later taught with Fr. Field at Griffin High School.“Even if he had to discipline them, they knew that he loved them.”

By 1968, Fr. Field had moved into parish work, when he was namedpastor at St. Mary Church in Beaverville, IL. Long before the daysof “Dancing with the Stars,” Fr. Field’s sister recalls he started aballroom dance program for parish students, both to give themsomething to do and because it reflected his own love of dancing.

Later, Illinois assignments took Fr. Field to Maternity BVM parishin Bourbonnais and St. Patrick’s Church in Kankakee; then, heheaded to California to study theology at Berkeley and ultimatelyserve in two Northern California parishes, Church of the Ascensionand St. Cyprian.

Sheila Flanagan’s classroom offered one more glimpse of Fr. Field’sministry and of his special connection to children and the elderly.Twice a month, he would take a few of her second graders with himto distribute communion to the homebound. “The children wouldlove these trips and beg to go, week after week,” Ms. Flanagan said.

During the visits, Fr. Field would have the children join handsto pray the Lord’s Prayer with the homebound resident. Whenthey returned to school, he would treat them to a hot lunch inthe cafeteria.

“They would proudly return and remind everyone that Father hadtold them, ‘Doing God’s work well makes you hungry,’” Flanaganwrote. “When I teased him about this, he remarked, ‘No, thephrase is: Doing God’s work well, makes you hungry to do it againand again.’”

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on July 16th at theViatorian Province Center chapel. Interment services took placeat Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.

We will miss him.

Fr. Raymund Field, CSV, and Sr. Joan Brennan, CND

8

Summer was a busy time for the Viatorian community. In a spanof seven weeks, the community celebrated with four of theirbrothers who professed their perpetual vows in liturgies that tookplace across the province.

Their individual stories demonstrate the diversity and the vitality ofthe congregation.

Br. John Eustice, CSV, the youngest perpetu-ally professed brother, often brings an ignitionswitch to retreats and quips that he has FordMotor Company to thank for his calling.

It prompts his story of when he agreed to drivea friend back to Las Vegas from the ViatorianProvince Center in Arlington Heights. When their car broke down, hespent three days with the community and it opened his eyes to its workand ministry.

For Br. Jason Nesbit, CSV, perpetual professionculminated a calling that he first sensed as achild, and was nurtured by his family, parishpriests, and the Viatorians, through their manyinvitations to the visit the province center. “Aftermeeting many Viatorians, and seeing themminister to young and old, and meeting retiredmen who were still open to learning new things,” he said, “I really feltlike I could be at home in this community.”

On July 7, Br. John and Br. Jason knelt beforeFr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, and pledged theirperpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedi-ence and promised to spend the rest of theirlives in the service of others.

Their profession took place before nearly twohundred people gathered in the St. Viator High School chapel,and culminated in a procession of professed Viatorians to greet andwelcome their newly professed confreres.

“Your calling may not be as dramatic as that of Isaiah, but it is no lessimportant, no less daunting, and no less vital,” Fr. von Behren toldthem. “It is a sacred call, a holy call, originating in the heart of Godand resonating in the community.”

Reflecting on his perpetual profession, Br. Jason said, “The feeling wasoverwhelming when all my confreres came up. I don’t know wherethis path will lead, but I do know who will be with me along the way.”

One week earlier, at a Mass held at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá,Colombia, Br. Gustavo Lopez Cubillos, CSV, professed his finalvows in front of family, friends, and confreres.

His introduction to the community came through volunteering witha youth group, in the city of Libano, where Viatorians lived and min-istered. Although Br. Gustavo had previously earned a degree in

computer engineering and had worked in thebanking industry, the Viatorians made animpression.

“What I noticed during my discernment wasthat they were dedicated to working withchildren and young people,” Br. Gustavo stated.“Education and parish work, as catechists andlectors, are their strength in ministry.”

Br. Gustavo entered the novitiate in 2002 andprofessed his temporary vows one year later. Sincethen, he has taught theology and computer classes at Colegio SanAntonio Maria Claret in Libano and at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá.

For the last three years, he has been studying theology with a viewtoward ordination. His goal is to serve on the administrative team ofColegio San Viator.

Finally, Br. John, Br. Jason, and Br. Gustavotraveled to the seaside community of CorozalTown in Belize to witness the perpetual profes-sion of Br. Moses Mesh, CSV. Surrounded byfamily, friends, Viatorians, and parishioners, Br.Moses professed his perpetual vows on August9th at St. Francis Xavier Church. Since 1998,Viatorians have administered the parish thatserves 17,000 members from the town andtwenty-three surrounding villages.

Br. Moses was raised in one of those surrounding communities, inthe village of Chunox. His first teaching assignment, at age sixteen,was at the village school in Copper Bank, across the lagoon fromChunox. In order to get to school, he canoed.

Br. Moses entered the community as a pre-novice in 2002. Afterteaching at St. Francis Xavier school in Corozal Town, he came tothe United States to make his novitiate at St. Patrick parish inKankakee, IL. After professing first vows in 2005, he returned toBelize to teach in the village of Concepcion.

“I have come to know and love the Viatorians. And, I am proud tobe counted among them as a perpetually professed member,” saidBr. Moses immediately after his profession.

Currently, Br. Moses is preparing for ordination to the priesthood,studying philosophy and theology at Catholic Theological Union inChicago. He looks forward to the day that he will return to Belize

as a parish priest.

The Viatorian Community is truly gracedwith the perpetual commitments of suchdedicated and enthusiastic men to continuethe mission of the community for the restof their lives.

Perpetual Vows

Br. John Eustice, CSV

Br. Jason Nesbit, CSV

Br. Gustavo LopezCubillos, CSV

Br. Moses Mesh, CSV

9

What is best to keep in mind when incorporating spiritual andphysical exercises into one’s often overcrowded schedule? Whatis the key to maintaining psychological well-being? How does acelibate religious express her/his sexuality in a healthy way?Such questions were discussed when Viatorians from Belize,Colombia, and the United States gathered July 8th-10th inArlington Heights for their annual assembly, which focused onholistic health.

On July 8th, keynote speaker Fr. RaymondDlugos, OSA, emphasized emotionalawareness and the need to value one’semotional self as essential to maintainingone’s integrity. In his presentation entitledEvangelizing Our Emotions, he underscoredthe importance of moving from shame tohumility, fear to trust, anger tocompassion, and sadness to gratitudein order to live a healthy life.

Dr. Daniel O’Grady, a clinicalpsychologist, spoke about howpsychological health directlyinfluences one’s capacity to love,work, play, and pray in hiskeynote address on July 9th.He also highlighted four criticalskills for processing conflict inorder to maintain one’s mentalhealth: avoiding a judgmentalattitude, standing up for oneselfwithout putting the other person down, finding the understandablepart of the other person’s communication, and identifying andexplaining what is at stake for oneself. He ended his presentationby discussing healthy sexuality using John O’Donohue’s work withAnam Cara, a process in which one shares one’s inner-most self.

Afternoon workshops offered by medical doctors, spiritualdirectors and clinicians addressed issues of addictions andphysical and spiritual well-being. In one such session, Fr. RobertErickson, CSV, stressed that one is always much more thanherself/himself in any given situation. He warned against over-identifying with the negative aspect of oneself and reminded hisaudience that one is in a relationship with an ultimate mysterythat is greater than oneself.

A business meeting concluded the assembly on July 10th, duringwhich members discussed international solidarity, association,communications, and financial matters. Time was also set asidefor the membership to address specific questions relative to lifeof the province.

Intermingled with the input sessionswere times for prayer, sharing, andcelebration. During a Tuesday’sliturgy, Daniel Lydon and David andSusan Surprenant renewed theircommitments as associates for aperiod of three years. DonaldAbrahamian, Michael and SusanBourgeois, Francis Chamness,Karen Cutler, Joseph Majkowski,Euchrist Marcotte, and GeraldineRoller renewed their commitmentsas associates for a period of fiveyears. All seek ways to share inthe mission, spiritual life, and communitylife of the community.

Viatorian Fathers John Puisis, ArnoldPerham, John Pisors, Alan Syslo, andChristopher Glancy celebratedseventy, sixty, fifty, and twenty-fiveyears of religious life while Fr. DanielNolan, Fr. John Peeters, and Fr.Thomas von Behren celebratedtwenty-five years of priesthood inWednesday’s Mass for Jubilarians.In his homily, Fr. Peeters remindedmembers of the community that,“Without arrogating unto ourselves the powerto work miracles, we can certainly say thatwe have done marvelous andwonderful things.” Indeed,this year’s jubilarians havedone marvelous and wonderfulthings for others in the nameof God.

These three days spenttogether further cemented thebonds of community that havebeen established over many years. Storieswere shared. Support was offered.Friendships were rekindled. Hopes werearticulated. It was nowonder that at the end ofthe assembly, memberscould be overheard say-ing, “It was great to beback home again.”

Assembly 2008

Br. Daniel Tripamer, CSV, coached the St. Viator High SchoolVarsity Boys’ Tennis Team to an East Suburban Catholic Conferencechampionship this past spring. In addition to coaching, Br. Tripamerkeeps busy as a full-time Math teacher at SVHS while working on hisMaster of Mathematics degree at DePaul University in Chicago.

In an effort to focus on immigrationreform, Viatorians joined over 1000people in the We Are God’s Familyimmigration march from the Universityof Illinois-Chicago campus to HolyFamily Church, where an interfaithprayer service was held. Many inattendance at this May 29th eventhad firsthand experience of detentionand deportation.

Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, received hisMaster of Arts in Counseling andHuman Services degree from Roosevelt University at the end of May.Br. Robertson currently ministers as a counselor at St. Viator HighSchool where he is known as a strong advocate for his students.

In early June, the Governing Board of Saint Anselm College bestowedupon Fr. Thomas Kass, CSV, academic rank of Professor Emeritus ofEnglish Literature in recognition of his “valued service as a teacher,scholar, advisor, and friend.” Fr. Kass is currently preparing himself tobecome the Director of Novices for the Province of Chicago.

On June 7, Fr. Charles

Bolser, CSV, awardeddiplomas to the first gradu-ation class of students whoattended St. Martin dePorres High School for allfour years. SMdP, a CristoRey Network School, andendorsed by the Clerics ofSt. Viator, began its fifthyear on August 11th with a training program for incoming ninthgraders and transfer students.

Staff and students of Chunox St.Viator Vocational High School, inCorozal District, Belize, dedicatedthe Fr. Christopher J. Glancy, CSV,

Building during the first graduationceremony of the school on June 14th.Fr. Glancy was honored for his work inestablishing the school four years ago.

Youth from St. Viator High School(Arlington Heights, IL),

St. Viator Parish (Las Vegas, NV),Maternity BVM Parish (Bourbonnais,IL), St. Patrick Parish (Kankakee,IL), St. Francis Xavier Parish(Corozal Town, Belize) traveledtogether to the One Bread One Cupliturgical leadershipconference held at St.Meinrad School ofTheology in Indiana,June 27th-July 1st.They were accompa-nied by Viatorianyouth ministersincluding Fr. Daniel

Belanger, Br. John

Eustice, Br. Jason

Nesbit, and Associates Michelle andKen Barrie.

Superior General, Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, a member of the Provinceof Chicago, offered a workshop entitled Multicultural LiturgicalPlanning for Simbang Gabi. Simbang Gabi is a Filipino Adventpractice. The workshop, held on July 12th, focused on using thiscelebration as a way to invite non-Filipinos to share in the spiritualityand religious traditions of the Philippines.

Fr. John Peeters, CSV, preached the Saint Anne novena at SaintAnne parish in Saint Anne, Illinois July 17th-26th. The novenadraws hundreds of people from Illinois and Indiana each year.

Joining athletes from twenty-fivecountries, thirty-five students fromColegio San Viator in Bogotá,

Colombia, participated in theworld’s largest amateur soccertournament held mid-July inMinnesota. Afterwards,Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV,

hosted the students for four daysat St. Viator High School inArlington Heights. Fr. Carlos

Luis Claro, CSV, and Associate

Daniel Lydon planned severalactivities for the students thathighlighted American culture.

Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, served as a group leader for Catholics on CallAugust 3rd-8th. Sponsored by Catholic Theological Union ofChicago and funded by the Lily Foundation, this discernment pro-gram is geared for young adults who are considering a life of serviceto the Church as either lay ministers, religious, or priests.

Around The Province

10

Congratulations Graduates

Associate Francisco Magaña,Patriciana Sho, and

Fr. Christopher Glancy, CSV

The University of Notre Dame Alumni Club of Lake County andSt. Martin de Porres High School hosted the 2008 Hesburgh LectureSeries on August 24th. Held at SMdP, Allert Brown-Gort, AssociateDirector of the Institute for Latino Studies at Notre Dame, led a dis-cussion on Catholic social teaching and immigration, the economics ofimmigration, and the current immigration debate in the United States.

Fr. Daniel Nolan, CSV, has accepted the position of Rector ofKeenan Hall at the University of Notre Dame. Due to the responsi-bilities of his new role, he had to resign from the Viatorian ProvincialCouncil. Replacing him on the council is Fr. William Carpenter,

CSV. Fr. Carpenter currently serves the community as Director ofPriestly Formation as well as Director of Mission Appeals.

Fr. James Michaletz, CSV, hasbeen reappointed to the Board ofTrustees of Catholic TheologicalUnion in Chicago. CTU is thelargest graduate school of ministryin the United States.

Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV, led a tourfor Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, andFr. Thomas von Behren, CSV,

of several Belizean communitieswhere Viatorians serve. Included inthe tour was the school of San VictorVillage where students greeted the visitorswith smiles and the request, “Take mypicture, please.”

Archbishop Joseph Naumann appointedFr. Philip Kendall, CSV, EcclesiasticJudge and Ecclesiastical Defender of theBond for the archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas. Fr. Kendall workswith couples seeking annulments of their marriages.

Br. Leo Ryan, CSV, and Richard J. Hunter co-authored A FieldReport on the Background and Processes of Privatization of Poland thatwas recently published in Global Economy Journal. Br. Ryan spentseveral years teaching business courses at the university levelin Poland.

The National Religious Campaign Against Torture is gatheringsignatures of its Declaration of Principles calling for an executiveorder to ban torture. Several Viatorians have signed the declaration.Please visit www.nrcat.org to learn more.

During this election year, several Catholic organizations are supportingFaith Can Move Mountains: Vote the Common Good, a campaignthat emphasizes thecommon good overpartisan politics.Several Viatorianshave joined the campaign. For more information, please visitwww.votethecommongood.com.

The Viatorian Arlington Heights-Chicago region is hosting a month-ly speakers’ series at the province center which began last month witha presentation by Br. Leo Ryan, CSV, on the life of Fr. Querbes. Thismonth,Dr. Deborah Scerbicke, Dean of Students at St. Viator HighSchool, used Catholic social teaching to discuss faithful citizenship.

Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV,will have completed six half marathons and sixmarathons in a six month period of time by the end of the year. Whenasked why he runs marathons, Fr. Hall, age 60,replied, “Why not?”

Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, is preparing himselffor his new duties as Rector of Colegio SanViator in Bogotá, Colombia. He will replaceFr. Carlos Luis Claro, CSV, who will finishhis term at the end of the year. Fr. Claro will

A fundamental Viatorian value is respectfor the dignity of each person and theresponsibility to work toward making thatvalue a reality. This fundamental value isgrounded in the Viatorian constitution:“Christ impels us to go especially tothose who are accounted of no importancein our world.” (No. 9)

In reaching out to whom some peopleaccount as being of little or no importance,one Viatorian focus is on the millions of

immigrants who, because oflegal status, are deprived of therights to livelihood, familyunity, physical and emotionalsafety, and the due process oflaw.Many immigrants havefled from crushing povertyand from environments whereterrorism is rampant. Theycome here hoping to be free

A Reflection on Immigration

Continued on back page

Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, andFr. Thomas von Behren, CSV,with San Victor students

“Take my picture, please!”

Nicaraguan children scavengingin a garbage dump

Barrio Antonio LlerasBuenaventura, Colombia

Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV

11

Clerics of St. Viator1212 E. Euclid AvenueArlington Heights, IL 60004-5799Newsletter – Fall 2008

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 7160PALATINE P&DC, IL

If you are receiving multiple copies of this newsletter and/or wish tobe removed from the mailing list, please call the development office at847-637-2124 or fax your request to 847-637-2145.

Viator is published three times a yearby the development office of theClerics of St. Viator, Province of Chicago.Email: news@viatorians.comWebsite: www.viatorians.com

Our purpose is to present the mission,ministries, news and needs of ourcommunity to those who are interestedin and supportive of our works.

Editor:Fr. Thomas E. Long, CSV

Editorial Board:Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSVBr. Michael T. Gosch, CSVBr. Donald P. Houde, CSVFr. Thomas G. Kass, CSVBr. Leo V. Ryan, CSV

Contributing Journalist:Eileen O’Grady Daday

Layout and Design:Dianna Ehrenfried, Visualedge, Inc.

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

from these conditions, only to findthat they are still impoverished andstill victimized with threats ofimprisonment.

Acknowledging the need forcomprehensive reform while atthe same respecting basic humanrights, Viatorians recentlyparticipated in an ecumenicalprayer service at Holy FamilyChurch in Chicago with manyimmigrants on May 29th. BishopGustavo Garcia-Siller led the serv-ice in which both native born andimmigrant prayed for a legal sys-tem that respects the human rightsof both the powerful and the weak.

Moreover, appalled by the May 12th raid by U.S. Immigration andCustoms officials at Postville, IA, Viatorians signed a statement,sponsored by the Chicago New Sanctuary Coalitions, condemningthe raid. Three-hundred-ninety employees at the AgriProcessorsmeatpacking plant were arrested. Approximately eighty have been

conditionally released but must wearGPS ankle bracelets.

The human cost to the arrested isstaggering to them and their loved ones.With the primary wage earnersin custody, family members are left with-out funds for food, housing or legal fees.Some families still do not even knowwhere their arrested members were taken.

Recently, panic-stricken familymembers, along with supporters thatincluded Viatorians, participated in anecumenical prayer service at which time they meditated on Leviticus19:33-34: “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shalldo him no wrong. The stranger who sojourns with you shall be to youas the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for youwere strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”

Viatorians, along with many other religious congregations, Catholicdioceses, and many Christian and Jewish denominations, believe thatrespect for the humanity of each person is the only foundation onwhich a new immigration policy can be built.

A Reflection on Immigration…Continued from Page 11

Chicago, IL

Postville, Iowa

Buenaventura, Colombia