Viatorian Community Fall 2010 Volume 15, No. 3

The young men and women came from across theProvince of Chicago, from places like Las Vegas andHenderson, NV, as well as from Arlington Heights,Chicago, Kankakee, and Waukegan, IL.

Together with adult leaders and college interns, theynumbered more than 70 eager teenage and youngadult men and women participants; moreover, thismuch they all knew – they called themselvesViatorians. For the first time, the members of theViatorian Community sponsored a Viatorian Youth

Congress, which drew young delegates from sevenof its major ministerial sites in the United States.Their weeklong session wove the participantstogether through prayer, song, workshops, and smallgroup sessions. Their youthful energy shonebrightly during a talent show, before they came to ahushed silence during a Taize prayer experience, andall while gathering daily for the sacred liturgy. Theyalso completed homework. Delegates workedtogether to design service projects to take back totheir parish or school, to carry out and to extendthe Viatorian charism that challenges them to worktowards peace and social justice.

At the end of the week, each delegate received amedal of St. Viator and Fr. Louis Querbes. Indeed,most delegates opted to take home a free memento– a biography of Fr. Louis Querbes, the 19thcentury founder of the Viatorian Community.

“It was an awesome, amazing week,” says BrianHansen, a senior at Saint Viator High School in

Viatorians hosted their first annual youth congress

Viatorian Youth Congress 2010 Continued on page 2

Arlington Heights. “Just seeing the differentsides of the Viatorians, and seeing how theirbrotherhood deepens their faith, made animpact on me.”

Likewise, Anthony Gugino, a student fromSt. Viator parish in Las Vegas, echoed thethoughts of others when he admitted heknew little about the religious community ofpriests, brothers, and associates that serve hisparish. “Until the youth congress camearound, I never really knew how amazing andhow inclusive of a community the Viatoriansreally are,” Anthony said.

Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, led the congress withthe assistance of Br. Daniel Lydon, CSV,Br. John Eustice, CSV, Br. Daniel Tripamer,CSV, and Viatorian Associate Karen Cutler.“There are a great number of young, enthusi-astic, Christian leaders in our parishes andschools who lead liturgical services, retreats,and service trips,” Fr. Brost said. “They makea big difference in their communities.”

“Last year, our vocation team decided itwould be important to bring these leaderstogether to focus on our Viatorian charism,”he added, “and to learn how important theyare in carrying it forward into the world.”Delegates were selected based on theirleadership and involvement in ministry attheir parish or school.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” concedesKerigan Kenny, a senior at Bishop GormanHigh School in Las Vegas, NV. “But itseemed like a great opportunity to strengthenmy faith.” In reflecting on his experience,Kerigan pointed to the prayer workshopsand experiencing Taize prayer as makingthe biggest impact on him. “I loved sharing

memories witheveryone, but mostlyI learned how toengage in prayer ina better way.”

His classmates, AnneBarnhorst, MeganFlaviano, and CaseyTiefenthaler, agreedand added that learn-ing more about thepsalms and the partsof the rosary openedup new, dynamic, andrich avenues of prayer for them. “When webroke down the aspects and styles of prayeras a form of communication,” Megan said,“I felt as if a wall between me and Godbroke down.” Casey pointed to themeditation portion of the workshop asimpacting him the most, along with learningmore about the rosary. “I learned thatmeditation was an excellent, new way forme to experience prayer,” he said. “It wasso fulfilling and relaxing.”

Midway through the week, delegatesconverged on the Viatorian Province Centerin Arlington Heights, IL, where theyinterviewed almost twenty Viatorians —lay associates, brothers, and priests — andlearned how they came to the communityfrom all walks of life. “That was my favoritepart,” says Connor Romenesko, a senior at

Saint Viator High School. “It was reallyinteresting to talk to Viatorians about whythey do what they do and what inspiresthem.” Erica Silvestri, a junior at Bishop

Gorman High School, agreed, adding thatmeeting many of the Viatorians at theprovince center stayed with her long aftertheir visit. “It was so cool to see how deeptheir faith is,” she said. “It was interesting tohear their stories about how they became aViatorian, and inspiring to learn what theywant to see happen in our Church.”

Reina Hohener of Las Vegas described beingraised in St. Viator parish in Las Vegas, butnever really understanding its rich heritage.“I thought it would be interesting to learnthe background of my church and to seewhat other kids my age are doing at otherViatorian institutions,” she says. “My favoritepart came on the second day. We were all inchurch and just looking around, when Irealized what an amazing experience thiswas, and how we were all there becauseof one thing, our faith.” Moreover, the adultleaders who moderated the week came awayamazed, too. “It exceeded all of our hopes,”Fr. Brost said. “I came away inspired by theircommitment to live their faith and accept themission of Fr. Querbes to make the world abetter place.”

Eileen Daday

Getting Ready for a Large Group Presentation

Viatorians hosted their first annual youth congress... continued from page 1

2

St. Martin de Porres Delegates

Students rehearse the music that theywill use at the liturgy.

Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, discusses an important aspect of the community.

Tim and Donna Schwarz reflect on being Associates

After 10 years as Viatorian associates, Tim and Donna Schwarz ofArlington Heights, IL, faced a milestone decision: whether to renewtheir commitments as Viatorian associates for two or five years or make adefinitive commitment. “We chose to make it definitive,” Donna says.“It simply means we have chosen to commit forever to the ViatorianCommunity as lay associates.”

Anyone who visits the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heightsor does business with Fr.Thomas von Behren CSV, Provincial,knows Donna.

She has worked for the Viatorians since 1995, and since 2000, she hasworked as the administrative assistant to the provincial. She is “thegatekeeper,” so to speak, and working side by side with the Viatorianshas left its mark. “I see the good works they are doing,” Donna says,“in Colombia, in Belize, and throughout the United States.”

Tim, on the other hand, keeps a somewhat lower profile in thecommunity, but no less important. He is a second term member ofthe Saint Viator High School Board of Trustees, having served on theExecutive Committee, the Building and Grounds Committee, and

as the chair of the Spiritual LifeCommittee. While he enjoyed allthree committees, Tim says workingwith administration to meet thespiritual needs of the high schoolcommunity is the most rewarding.

Shortly after becoming associates,the couple formed a faith sharinggroup for vowed and associatemembers of the ViatorianCommunity. Once a month, theymeet to explore the readings andgospel for the upcoming Sunday.

“Meeting with the group helps prepare us for Sunday liturgy,” Donnasays, “but it also is a great way to participate in the continuing educationabout the Word of God.”

Increasingly, however, Viatorian Community members are asking moreof Donna and Tim. For example, in February, Donna will serve as anelected delegate at the Viatorian International General Assembly inBogotá, Colombia. She will join with other Viatorian professed andassociate members from 16 countries to discuss international solidarityand to review the Charter of the Viatorian Community, a recentlypromulgated document that articulates the Viatorian charism.

While in Bogotá, both international and American Viatorians will belooking to her for her input.True to form, Donna is not intimidated,saying: “I am truly looking forward to this opportunity.”

Their commitment ceremony took place during the annual provincialassembly of the Viatorian Community in July, at a special Mass atthe Viatorian parish of St.Thomas More Catholic Community inHenderson, NV.

“We feel it is a calling,” Donna says, “and we both feel a strong call tocontinue to serve as part of this incredible religious community.”

Tim says that “being an associate has allowed me to deepen my faithand put my convictions into action. Since the beginning of thiswonderful relationship, the Viatorian Community with its philosophyand its mission has helped me in my daily life. I have been blessed bytheir friendship and have tried to give back by participating on variouscommittees. I try to live up to the standards of the Viatorian missionand its charism in all that I do. I am proud, humbled, honored, andgrateful to be a Viatorian.”

Eileen Daday

3

Donna Schwarz

Tim Schwarz

viatorian commitmentFaith Sharing Group

4

Fr. John Milton, CSV, was publicallyhonored by the administration, faculty,and students at DePaul University inChicago, IL.

During this past spring’s graduationceremonies, Fr. Milton was granted the“Via Sapientiae Award,” the university’shighest faculty honor. He was one of threerecipients of the award this year; he is theonly adjunct faculty member ever to receiveit. “Your example and efforts as a physicsteacher and mentor have prepared manystudents for advanced learning andproductive professional lives,” the citationread. It went on to commend him for his

work in developing new teaching methodsand standards for the American Associationof Physics Teachers and, more recently, forthe Illinois State Physics Project. “Yourpersonal example and generous support ofstudents and colleagues exemplify theVincentian ideals on which this universityis founded,” it concluded. “You truly havelaunched a multitude of students on the‘way of wisdom.’”

For Fr. Milton, who concedes he likesto spend his free time in physics labs,being thrust into the limelight was a bitunexpected, but not unbearable. “It wasgreat,” Fr. Milton says, “especially duringthe graduation ceremony, when therewere about 75 of my physics students inattendance. I was thrilled.”

The award capped his career at DePaulUniversity, which stretched 24 years, mostly

as an adjunct faculty member teachingalgebra-based introductory physics to biologyand pre-med majors.

His career in higher education, coming aftermore than 20 years teaching physics at SaintViator High School in Arlington Heights,IL, was a long way from his years growing upon Chicago’s West side as the oldest son of aheadwaiter at Chicago’s Lake Shore Club.Both his parents were immigrants — hisfather came from a small village in Greece,while his mother was born in London —who met while working as restaurant workersin Chicago. “They didn’t have the chance tohave an education, but they really valued itsimportance and especially scholarship,” Fr.Milton says.

While attending St. Mel High School, he wona scholarship to attend the former FournierInstitute of Technology in Lemont, IL, wherehe majored in electrical engineering.

“The Viatorians were my teachers,”Fr. Milton says, “so that’s what attractedme to the community. I always assumed Iwould teach high school students, but thingsjust sort of developed.” After taking his firstvows in 1952, and after being ordained apriest in 1957, Fr. Milton went on to earn amaster’s degree in physics from St. LouisUniversity, and it set him on a path oflifelong learning.

Some of hisfondest memoriesare of sharing hisexpertise withother teachers,beginningwith his early daysof establishing thephysics curriculum at Saint Viator HighSchool and extending to his second careerat DePaul.

In 1986, while serving as the ViatorianDirector of Novices, he received anemergency call from DePaul Universityofficials. The head of the PhysicsDepartment had suffered a stroke; theyneeded a qualified teacher to step in andcomplete the last six weeks of class. Fr.Milton’s unconditional response plungedhim into his second career that includedcomputerizing the physics labs at DePaulUniversity, counseling and mentoring newdepartment teachers and countlessundergraduate students — all the whilestaying grounded by teaching introductoryphysics to science and engineering majors.“It just kept me in touch with all the newmaterial and new approaches to teaching,”he says.

He may have retired this past June fromuniversity teaching, but not from education.This fall, Fr. Milton began volunteering inthe science department at St. Martin dePorres High School in Waukegan, IL. “Ireally believe in what they do there,” Fr.Milton says. “And besides, what else would Ido? I can’t sit here and do crossword puzzles.”

He wants to stay active, he says, andimmersed in the one activity that continuesto drive him — physics and teaching itsapplications to young people.

Eileen Daday

DePaul University grants its“Via Sapientiae”award to Fr. John Milton, CSV

Fr. John Milton, CSV

5spiritual journey

Rita King just began her 30th year teaching faith formation to students atSaint Viator High School. The Philadelphia native and University ofDayton alumna found herself uprooted from her East Coast roots whenshe and her husband Brian settled in Chicago’s suburbs. But in lookingback over her life and career, this wife, mother of three grown children,and fulltime teacher now sees God’s handiwork directing her journey.

Even more, after working alongside members of the Saint Viator HighSchool community and teaching its students, Rita says unequivocally: “Iam Viatorian.”

Q. Sowhen did this journey begin?

A. When I arrived at Saint Viator High School in the fall of 1979,little did I know that I would live and minister within theViatorian Community for the rest of my life. I am Viatorianbecause of the God who calls me, the work I have chosen, and thepeople who have sustained me in this commitment and journey.

Q. You use the word “commitment.”Was there a specific time that youmade a conscious decision to live out your commitment asViatorian?

A. Yes. About 10 years ago, Fr. Christopher Glancy, CSV, was thevocation director for the Viatorians; he gave me a card from theNational Catholic Vocation Council that read:

“If not us,who?“If not here,where?“If not now,when?“If not for the Kingdom,why?“Dare theDream.”I still have the card and over the years these words have come todefine my Viatorian experience. I can remember giving a reflectionat the St. Viator Day liturgy at school about what it means tobe Viatorian, and I used these words to support my thoughts.As I reflect on 30 years of Viatorian ministry, I believe these wordsstill ring true.

Q. Was it the Viatorians themselves who influenced you or your studentsat Saint ViatorHigh School that helped you come to this conclusion?

A. I have met countless men and women of faith through myconnection with the Viatorian Community. I have seen the faceof God in my students, co-workers, parents, and friends of SaintViator High School. My family tells me that we cannot go anywherethat I do not bump into someone I know from the Viatorian

Community andthey are right. It issuch a joy to runinto people 10, 20,and even 30 yearsafter spending timewith them at theschool. I have alwaysbeen impressed with the way Viator grads stay connected and I am proudto be a part of that ongoing tradition.

Q. Where do you feel this commitment of being Viatorian plays out?

A. I have often asked myself “why here?” Why not move into a newexperience? It always comes down to the same thing: relationshipsrooted in faith.Through the relationships I have made at SaintViator High School, I am continually challenged to be the bestperson I can be. Saint Viator High School has given me thecourage to grow deeper in my relationship with God and others.I am who I am today because of the love of the people whosurround me in my life, and the Viatorian Community is a hugepart of that network.

Q. What are some of the things you’ve learned in your30 years atSaintViator?

A. Each day I step into Saint Viator High School, I know andbelieve that God will be with me and work through me, if onlyI let Him. It is an easy commitment to surrender yourself becauseI know that I am joined by others who feel the same way. I havereceived tremendous support from Viatorians in sharing the gospelwith young people in my efforts to make the message of Jesusalive and burning in their hearts.

Q. Finally, talk about the some of the rewards of being Viatorian.

A. Teaching about faith every day can be one of the most exhaustingand challenging things, but it also can be one of the mostrewarding, as people invite you to enter their lives and share intheir journey. I know that as a teacher, I am but a planter of seeds.I am not the Master Gardener, God is. But if somewhere alongthe way, I have offered hope and encouragement, and enabled mystudents to see the love God has for them in their lives, then Ihave been a success. The Viatorians and their mission of workingwith young people has allowed me to see this.

Eileen Daday

Rita King with a Saint Viator High School Student

Q & A with Rita King

6

We seek to become makers of a new world, asign of God’s Kingdome to come.

(Viatorian Constitutions 10)

Over the past several months, six Viatorianshave discerned God’s call in their lives inspecial ways. On June 5th, 2010, theViatorian Community prayerfully celebratedthe ordination to the transitional diaconateof Br.Moses Mesh, CSV, and Br. JasonNesbit, CSV, at Maternity BVM CatholicChurch, in Bourbonnais, IL.Most ReverendJacques Berthelet, CSV,Viatorian Bishopof the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil,Canada, presided.

Br. Mesh, a native of Corozal District,Belize, is completing graduate theologicalstudies at Catholic Theological Union inChicago, IL, while serving his diaconateinternship at St. Viator parish in Chicago,IL. As a deacon, he “hopes to have a tasteof the beauty of administering some of thesacraments, proclaiming the Gospel, preach-ing the Word of God to the faithful at Mass,and ministering in charity to the people ofSt. Viator parish in Chicago.” Br. Meshbelieves his internship will also offer him“a prayerful time to reflect on my calling tothe priesthood.”

Br. Nesbit, a native of Granite City, IL, isalso completing graduate theological stud-ies at Catholic Theological Union inChicago, IL, while serving his diaconateinternship at Maternity BVM parish inBourbonnais, IL. While reflecting on hisViatorian vocational journey, he stated,“the day of ordination was a gracedmoment in my life. I look forward tobeing present at graced moments inpeoples’ lives, whether they are significantlife milestones such as baptisms or marriagesor funerals or in the myriad of ordinary,everyday, encounters with Christ in Wordand in Sacrament.” Br. Nesbit hopes “to beused by the Lord to proclaim the GoodNews and to convey God’s grace insacramental celebrations.”

Br. Mesh and Br. Nesbit, joined with a largenumber of other Viatorians, gathered inliturgical prayer, just two weeks later, tocelebrate the perpetual profession of vows byBr. Daniel Tripamer, CSV. Surrounded byfamily, friends, and members of the ViatorianCommunity, Br. Tripamer professed theperpetual vows of poverty, chastity andobedience to God as a Cleric of St. Viator,on June 19th, 2010, during the Mass forReligious Profession at St. James CatholicChurch, in Arlington Heights, IL. Duringhis homily, Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV,Provincial, spoke of Br. Tripamer’s call, thegrace needed to respond to this call, andthe reconciliation this call demands, echo-ing the themes of the selected readings forthe Mass.

During the reception following the Mass,Br. Tripamer thanked those people whohave walked with him on his journey, espe-cially his family, the Viatorian Community,and his colleagues at Saint Viator HighSchool, where he has ministered as a teacher,coach, class moderator, and advisor for thepast ten years. “I wouldn’t be here todaywithout the love and support of so many ofyou. You have brought me to this point, and

in doing so, you have made me a better per-son. For this, I will always be grateful.” Anative of Las Vegas, NV, Br. Tripamer previ-ously taught at his alma mater, BishopGorman High School in Las Vegas, NV, forfive years before entering the ViatorianCommunity.

As stated on page 3, Associates Donna andTimothy Schwarz,made their definitivecommitments as Viatorian associates at aprayerful Mass celebrated by Fr. Thomas vonBehren, CSV, in the Viatorian parish of St.Thomas More in Henderson, NV. Whilereading their commitment statement, Donnaand Tim stated that after being associates forthe past ten years, they firmly believe that

“association has created opportunities for usto grow and to contribute to the Church andto the Viatorian Community in ways that wewould not have explored otherwise. And inturn, we have been rewarded far more thanwe have given.” Truly, the Church and the

Br. Daniel Tripamer, CSV, receives the Viatorianring, a sign of his f inal profession.

Brs. Jason Nesbit, CSV, and Moses Mesh,CSV, wait to be called forth by Bishop Jacques

Berthelet, CSV.

Viatorians celebrate diaconate ordinations, definitive commitments

Associates Tim and Donna Schwarz

7

The Viatorian Communitywelcomes Mr. William Geisas the community’s newestpre-novice. Bill was born inHawaii and grew up inKapa’a on the island ofKaua’i. Bill moved to themainland during his collegeyears and eventually settled inLas Vegas, NV. Active inSt. Thomas More CatholicCommunity in Henderson, NV,Bill began to discern his vocation tothe community several years ago.

Bill resides at the Saint Viator High School community residence in ArlingtonHeights, IL, and is serving at the school as a teaching assistant as well as incampus ministry. The principal aim of the Viatorian pre-novitiate program is topermit the candidate to experience Viatorian religious life as it is lived on a dailybasis in a local community. During the pre-novitiate, Bill will be participating in avariety of specially designed formation activities such as participating in monthlyweekend meetings with pre-novices from numerous other religious communitiesof men and women. Together they will hear professional presentations aboutreligious life to enhance their vocational discernment, as well as sharing prayer andpersonal experiences that will serve as a source of mutual support. A seriesof Viatorian formation seminars on such topics as prayer, meditation, aspects ofcommunity life, the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, the lives of St. Viatorand Fr. Louis Querbes, and the history of the Viatorian Community are also apart of the pre-novitiate experience.

Bill brings a wealth of experience to the community from his work in retail salesand in real estate. His years working with youth at St. Thomas More preparedhim for his work with young people at Saint Viator High School. As Bill recentlystated, "At St. Thomas More I experienced the fullness of Louis Querbes’ visionwith regard to teaching young people. Now, at Saint Viator High School, I willexpand that role greatly, helping teens encounter God in all that they do."

We are pleased to journey with Bill as he deepens his vocational discernmentduring this pre-novitiate year.

Daniel Lydon, CSV

Viatorian Community have been enriched byDonna’s and Tim’s dedicated, talented, andgenerous service.

On September 1, 2010, Br. Daniel Lydon,CSV, professed his first vows at a Mass forReligious Profession at which Fr. Thomas vonBehren, CSV, presided. Br. Lydon, aformer teacher and administrator at SaintViator High School in Arlington Heights,IL, spent this previous year as a Viatoriannovice. During his novitiate year, Br. Lydonstudied the vows of poverty, chastity, andobedience; the issues involved in livinga communal, life; prayer and meditation;contemporary spirituality, and the Viatoriandocuments. This year of intensive studyenabled Br. Lydon to more fully discern hisvocation to become a Viatorian religious.

Br. Lydon is currently serving the communityas the director of Viatorian association andthe coordinator of vocation ministry.

Looking to the future, Br. Lydon stated,“I am eager to begin my life as a Viatorianreligious. Our mission is an important one –and greatly needed in today’s world. This isan exciting time to be a Viatorian.”

The Viatorian Community is enriched by thecommitments of Moses, Jason, Dan, Donna,Tim and Dan as they strive to further themission Fr. Querbes.

Michael Gosch, CSV

Bill Geis helps a student withhis research assignment.

A warm welcome to Bill Geisand first vows

Br. Daniel Lydon, CSV, professes f irst vows.

discernment

Fr. John N.Peeters, CSV,celebrates fiftyyears of religiouslife as a memberof the ViatorianCommunity.These past fivedecades have beenmarked by hisunfailing commitment of service. As amaster of language, whether it be English,French, Spanish, and even Italian, you canbe sure that the master of grammar willcorrect any slip of the pen.

Fr. Peeters served as secretary to theprovincial during the 1960’s and traveled toRome to become secretary to the superiorgeneral during the 1970’s. After completinghis seminary studies at Catholic TheologicalUnion in 1983, he was assigned to St. Josephparish in Springfield, IL, as parochial vicar.From 1988 to 1993 he served as master ofnovices in Bogotá, Colombia. Uponreturning to the States, he became parochialvicar at Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais

before moving to Central America to beparochial vicar at St. Francis Xavier parishin Belize. During all those years, he attendedcountless international meetings in Romeacting as translator for members ofthe Province of Chicago. To this day hetranslates countless newsletters and officialdocuments into English while still carryingout his pastoral duties.

In speaking about his ministry, he recentlystated, “I must say that I never realizedwhen I was a novice, that my projectedcareer as a mathematics teacher wouldeventually be transmogrified into Latinand French. I never dreamt that my studiesin French would bring me as a translatorto a variety of Viatorian chapters andinternational meetings in Europe and inthe Americas. I never imagined that myknowledge of Spanish would lead me to liveand to work in Bogotá and in Belize. TheLord has indeed surprised me − pleasantlyand necessarily − many times over the pasthalf century.”

Fr. PatrickW.Render, CSV,learned about theViatorians while astudent at SpaldingInstitute in Peoria,IL; he entered thecommunity rightafter graduation.He has filled all theroles that express the apostolate of theViatorian Community. During his fiftyyears as a Viatorian religious, he has servedas priest, teacher, principal, pastor, andprovincial for the Province of Chicago. Heis known by many as being as a good leaderand fine homilist. Today he says, “Thething that I am most aware of at this fiftyyear marker is how different Viatorianreligious life is today than it was in 1960.At that time Vatican II was only anannouncement. We have lived through andbeen a part of a fascinating period of changein the congregation, in the province, in theChurch, and in the world. We never couldhave imagined where the fifty years ahead

ThreeViatorians celebrate fifty yearsas vowed religious

8

Viatorian assembly members discuss mission for the 21st centuryOver eighty professed andassociate members of theViatorian Communitygathered together from July6th to July 8th, 2010, forthe annual communityassembly, which alwaysprovides opportunities torenew friendships, to sharestories, to reflect and tocelebrate what it means

to be a Viatorian, and, most importantly, to pray together.

The Viatorians in the United States have ministry sites that areconcentrated in Illinois and Nevada. They have ministered in Nevadafor over fifty years, where they presently staff Guardian Angel Cathedraland St. Viator Catholic Community, in Las Vegas, and St. Thomas

More Catholic Community, in Henderson. This year’s annual Viatorianassembly was held in Las Vegas to honor the Viatorian presence there.

Each day began with prayer followed by several input sessions fromthe keynote speaker, Fr. Robert Schreiter, CPPS, from CatholicTheological Union in Chicago, IL. His presentations offered bothan overview of and a challenge for the mission of the contemporarychurch and, in particular, for the Viatorian Community in 2010 andbeyond. He emphasized that effective evangelization requires examiningour culture, demonstrating what it means to live in harmony together,and joining with those of different backgrounds to discern how Godis calling all of us. Fr. Schreiter reminded everyone of the importanceof a famous saying attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach at alltimes and, when necessary, use words.”

Fr. Schreiter challenged the community to consciously seek where Godis calling them today, to find new and bold ways to accompany others on

Delegates Reflecting uponFr. Schreiter’s Presentation

our mission

would take us. Now with anniversaryhindsight, to look at those years as asingle block of time is to marvel at allthat has happened and how much wehave changed. It has not all beenwithout pain, but it surely has beengrowth (and fun!).”

Fr. Render earned a B.A. degree inEnglish from Loyola University inChicago, and an M.A. degree ineducation from the University of NorthCarolina at Charlotte. He spent the firstfifteen years of his career at Saint ViatorHigh School in Arlington Heights wherehe served as teacher, assistant principal,and president. For the next nine yearshe was elected to leadership rolesin the congregation, first as assistantprovincial for one year and then asprovincial for eight years.

From 1994 to 2001 he served as pastorat St. Joseph parish in Springfield, IL.Since 2001 he has been pastor at St.Thomas More Catholic Community inHenderson, NV.

Fr. John E. VanWiel, CSV, grewup in Moline, IL,and attendedAlleman HighSchool in RockIsland, IL, wherehe came to knowthe Viatorians.After high school,he attended St. Procopius College in Lisle,IL, before entering the Viatorian Novitiatein 1959. He holds a B.S. degree in chem-istry from Loyola University, Chicago andan M.S. degree in chemistry from the CatholicUniversity of America in Washington, DC.

As a lifetime student and learner, he earneda M.Ed. in school administration from theUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotteto prepare himself for his roles as principalof Bishop McNamara High School inKankakee and Alleman High School inRock Island and as assistant administratorat Griffin High School in Springfield.He obtained a Certificate in ReligiousFormation from St. Louis University in 1991

to prepare for his role as vocation directorand master of novices for the ViatorianCommunity. For the past seventeen years, hehas taught chemistry at Saint Viator HighSchool and participated in numerous Kairosretreats. Many of those years were also spentas chair of the science department. In addi-tion to teaching, Fr. Van Wiel also celebratesweekend Mass in parishes in the ArlingtonHeights area of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Reflecting on his many years of service,Fr. Van Wiel states, “I feel very blessed bythe many people who have befriended meand supported me along the way of fiftyyears as a Viatorian. I have many wonderfulmemories of my years in Kankakee, RockIsland, Springfield and Arlington Heights.I certainly have experienced the thousandfold that Jesus promised to those who leaveother things to follow him.”

Like so many people, there is a side of theman that many do not know. In the caseof Fr. Van Wiel, many are surprised tolearn that he is a fine watercolorist and anavid fisherman.

Donald Houde, CSV

9

their life and on theirfaith journeys, to bemindful of welcomingthe stranger into theirmidst, of making roomfor those who areaccounted of littleor no importanceby mainstream,contemporary society.

Over the course of thethree afternoons and evenings, members of the assembly visited eachViatorian parish and learned about the multifaceted ministries beingcarried out at each site. Each presentation was followed by a tour ofthe parish site and a Mass in each church. Associates Donna andTim Schwarz made their definitie commitments as Viatorian

associates during evening Mass at St. Thomas More CatholicCommunity on July 6th. The Viatorian Community celebrated thejubilee anniversaries of ten professed Viatorians during evening Massat Guardian Angel Cathedral on July 7th. Fr. Thomas von Behren,CSV, and members of the provincial council commissioned eachViatorian to “Live the Viatorian Mission” and bestowed on each amedal of St. Viator and of Fr. Louis Querbes, during an evening Massat St. Viator Catholic Community on July 8th.

While each of the three parishes is unique due to its population, theyall manifest the core Viatorian charism of enabling and promotinggood liturgy, of actively enabling lay collaboration, of education ofyouth, and of caring outreach to the poor. At each site Viatorians areworking to raise up communities of believers where the faith is lived,deepened, and celebrated.

Thomas Long, CSV

a cause for celebration...

Br. Daniel Lydon, CSV, Donna Schwarz,Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, and Tim Schwarz

In the Footstepsof Our Founder...

“An Agonizing Interlude”

The Sacred Congregation relayed its “postponement” to Fr. Louis Querbeson August 3rd, 1838. The prefect of the congregation, CardinalSala, encouraged Fr. Querbes to write to Jean Paul Gaston de Pins, thearchbishop-administrator of Lyons, France. Fr. Querbes agreed to do so. OnAugust 6th, he wrote and asked if the archbishop would, in effect,relinquish almost all rights over the society.

There was nothing further he could do but wait and pray. Fr. Querbesunderstood the “postponement” of the Sacred Congregation was not a“refusal.” However, the postponement and waiting for the archbishop’sresponse heighted his anxiety. He wrote “my stay in Rome will beindefinitely prolonged. [It] depends upon an answer from His Excellency,the Archbishop” (Robert, “Life of Querbes” 174).

Another complication arose — his physical health. Fr. Louis Querbes wasexhausted! Even before coming to Rome, he had “a terrible problem withgallstones” (Document Querbes #217, 26 February 1838). On August 6th,he wrote that “anxiety, as well as heat, are exacting my tribute to the Romanclimate” (Bonnafous, “Louis Querbes” 108). Furthermore, he wrote to hisvicar in Vourles, France, that “my health has deteriorated; an internalintestinal irritation is eating me up…” (Document Querbes #194,August 8, 1838).

His biographer, Pierre Robert, wrote: “The irritations of the intestines,from which he had been suffering for almost a month, grew worse andobliged him to remain in bed and to deprive himself of food…there werefears even for his life” (Robert 175).

To the mayor of the city of Vourles, Fr. Querbes wrote: “My activities weresuspended…while I awaited a response from Lyons, and that deadly waitingtime contribute[s] to wearing down the strength of my body” (DocumentQuerbes #197, August 25, 1838).

He sought some relief in early September by spending some days atAlbano, Italy, which is located in the fresher and airier hill country outsideof Rome. Despite fatigue, anxiety, and illness, Fr. Querbes wrote that hewas “determined to remain in Rome to the very end” (Bonnafous 107).

Father Querbes continued to wait and to pray throughout August and intoSeptember of 1838.

Leo V. Ryan, CSV

Gracious God,

be forever blest for

your gift in

Fr. Louis Querbes,

dedicated pastor in the

education of youth,

and in the service of

sacred liturgy,

and Founder of the

Viatorian Community.

10 dedication

Members of the Clerics of St. Viator bringdifferent specialties to their life in thecommunity, but Fr. Philip E. Kendall, CSV,was truly unique; he was both a talentedphysics teacher and a distinguished canonlawyer.

Fr. Kendall served as the presiding judge, orJudicial Vicar, in the marriage tribunal officeof the Archdiocese of Kansas City, KS, formore than thirty years. He died on Sunday,June 20th, 2010 at the age of 77. “I amgrateful to Fr. Kendall for his many years ofdistinguished service to the priests andpeople of the Archdiocese of Kansas City,”said Archbishop Joseph Naumann. “He wasrespected for his knowledge of the law andloved for his compassion in its application.”

By all accounts, Fr. Kendall was headed toa long and distinguished teaching careerwhen he entered the Viatorian Communityin 1954 after earning a bachelor’s degreein electrical engineering from FournierInstitute in Lemont, IL. As a Viatorian,he went on to earn another bachelor’s degreein physics from Loyola University in Chicagoand a master’s degree in physics fromNorthwestern University with aconcentration in nuclear physics.

Early in his seminary studies, however,Fr. Kendall faced physical adversity. While hewas in his 20s, he was diagnosed with cancerand ultimately lost a leg to the disease. Histreatment and rehabilitation with a prostheticlimb interrupted his studies by a year, but hisViatorian brothers say that Phil returned ascommitted as ever to his calling.

Fr. John Milton, CSV, followed Fr. Kendallto Saint Viator High School, where he tookover as physics teacher.“I walked into a fullyequipped laboratory,” Fr.Milton says. “Fr.Kendallhad set up the school’s first physics labs,outfitting them with marvelous instruments.”

After one year at Saint Viator High School,the community asked Fr. Kendall if he wouldearn another advanced degree, this time incanon [church] law, in order to fill ateaching vacancy in the Viatorian Seminaryin Washington, DC.

“That was the kind of person he was,” Fr.Miltonadds. “They needed someone, and he went.”

Fr. Kendall earned a doctorate in canon lawfrom the Catholic University of America andhe taught canon law courses at the ViatorianSeminary in Washington, DC, for nearly tenyears, from 1963 to 1972. “He was anexcellent teacher, his students worshippedhim,” says Fr. John Linnan, CSV, anothercolleague who had taught at the ViatorianSeminary. “He had to be. Canon law canbe as dull as dishwater.”

Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV, former Viatorianprovincial and current pastor of St. Viatorparish in Chicago, remembers studying underFr. Kendall in the seminary. “What madehim different was that he knew how to usecanon law for the good of people,”Fr. Bolser says. “He was always very kindand had a human touch.”

From Washington, Fr. Kendall accepted a rolein the chancery office in the Archdiocese ofKansas City, KS, where he served for the next33 years. Colleagues in the tribunal office sayhe oversaw up to 300 annulments a year aswell as processing requests from priests to be

laicized, and inter-preting questions ofcanon law fordiocese officials.

Marilyn Mulcahy,a lay Viatorianassociate fromKankakee, reconnected with Fr. Kendall eachsummer when he faithfully returned for thecommunity’s assembly. Recently, she asked himif he ever tired of hearing so many bitterannulments. “It may be my 20th case of theweek,” Fr. Kendall responded, “but I always tryto remember, it is their only one. And then Iam re-energized.”

Fr. Kendall retired in 2005 and his departuredrew a long profile and tribute in “The LeavenCatholic Newspaper” in Kansas City. “To manyin the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Fr. Kendallwas a legend,” wrote staff writer Joe Bollig. “For33 years, he balanced the letter of the law withcompassion. He never led a parish, but he wasquite pastoral.”

Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV, Provincial,describes Fr. Kendall as an advocate for personsseeking annulments. “He wanted to remove anyroadblocks, and see the process throughsmoothly,” Fr. von Behren says.

Co-workers in the tribunal office of KansasCity concur: “By the time it gets to us, themarriages are over,” says Lucy Davis, tribunaloffice manager. “Fr. Kendall was always verycompassionate and caring. He wanted toadvance the healing process and bring peopleback to the Church.”

One of Fr. Kendall’s close friends in KansasCity, CeCe Muder, says her own story reflectshis ability to heal people. “When I met him, Iwas in a deep spiritual hole,” Muder says, “buthe pulled me up. He did that for everyone hemet. He always pointed people to Christ.”

Visitation for Fr. Kendall took place onWednesday June 23rd, 2010. ArchbishopNaumann, with Fr. Thomas R. von Behren,CSV, and over 30 archdiocesan priests,celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial atthe Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City,KS. We will miss him.

Eileen Daday

In Memoriam – Fr. Philip Kendall, CSV

11

12

In early August, Br. Carlos Eduardo Diaz, CSV, Fr. Thomas E.Long, CSV, and Erin Cox, the Viatorian representative at the 8thDay Center for Justice, along with seven other people, visited theCaribbean Coast region of Colombia, South America, to talk withthe locals who are directly impacted by the multinational coalcompanies and multinational fruit growers. The organization, called“Witness for Peace,” coordinated this ten day trip, which includedtalking with people at union halls, at community centers, incorporate offices, at banana packing centers, and in local towns andvillages. In listening to the testimonies of the local people, the onetheme to emerge and that needs to be confronted is the devastatingimpact to the local population made by the policies and by the“de facto” business practices of these multinational corporations.

The area is rich in coal and for the multinational coal companiesthis has been an economic boon. However, for the local population,the social, ecological, and health consequences have been crippling.Small farmers have been displaced from their homes and are in“resettlement” villages that lack infrastructure. The “resettled”villagers’ prospects are bleak because their land is gone [hence, thekey source of their livelihood, security, and stability] and potentialemployment opportunities are located far from the villages.

The companies have bought portions of the railroad to ship the coalto the Santa Marta harbor and, as the lengthy trains of uncoveredcoal cars rumble through the towns daily, they are spewing out aconstant stream of coal dust. This environmental negligence con-taminates the soil and crops,and causes respiratory and skinproblems to the local popula-tion. When the coal reaches theport, it is first loaded onto alarge conveyor belt, then to asmall one, and finally to a bargedocked far from shore; theharbor is very shallow. As thecoal is transported to the barge,it continues to be uncovered;this negligence allows the dustto contaminate the waters andthis contamination hasdevastated the fishing industry.

Small-scale fishermen are nowforced to go further out to seabecause of the dwindling fishpopulation closer to the shore.They now have to endure moredanger and hardship to bring

home less fish to sell. Furthermore, many lost their harborsidehomes to industrialization and have been forced to move towhatever vacant land they can find.

We also had the opportunity to talk with representatives of thebanana industry and with the local population. The banana industryin Latin American extends back over 100 years with the hugemultinational conglomerate, United Fruit Company. It hadextensive and exploitative holdings throughout Central and SouthAmerica and has left bitter memories. One example of its power,influence, and exploitation occurred in 1954; in that year, theUnited Fruit Company was instrumental in overthrowing the duly

elected Guatemalan government because the company executivesperceived it as a threat to their corporate business interests. Anotherpoignant example of such unbridled exploitation occurred in 1928.A massive massacre of striking banana workers in the city ofCiénaga, Colombia, occurred. Even though the army carried it out,many people believed they did it under pressure from the UnitedFruit Company. Gabriel Garcia Marquez immortalized the killingin his classictext, OneHundred Years ofSolitude.The UnitedFruit Companyhas since goneout of existence;its currentsuccessorsinclude Chiquitaand Dole. Their

TwoViatorians participated in a delegation toColombia to study the impact of industrialization

Worker at a Banana Processing Facility

Sign commemorating the 60thanniversary of the massacre of bananaworkers that took place in Ciènaga

in 1928 Erin Cox from the 8th Day Center for Justice chats witha young child whose family has been displaced.

social justice13

first concern is to ensure that they have sufficient land to realizecorporate profits. Toward that end, they own vast tracts of landand contract with large landowners. To ensure that the crops havean adequate water supply, the companies have used their connectionsto commandeer the water from various rivers, depriving the smallfarmer of the resources needed to live; they are, in turn, forced tosell their land at a reduced price. They are often forced to move tovillages that have no electricity, potable water, sewage system, ora school system. The homes are built with whatever material isavailable, often using mud and sticks for the walls and corrugated

metal for the roofs. Many times they will cover the outer wallswith canvas that was used to cover dynamite and is saturatedwith chemicals that later can cause respiratory problems.

Violence has plagued the area. Leftist guerrilla groups, such as“FARC,” operated freely in the area in the late 1980’s and early1990’s and, in reaction to this threat, local self-defense groups, hiredby the wealthy, began to emerge. They extorted money from thelocal population and businesses, and they staked out their territorythrough the use of certain colors. In an interesting twist, the

plantation buildings throughout the region were painted with thevarious gang colors; on the other hand, the roads were “neutral”territory that everyone could use.

In the late 1990’s, the conflict between the guerrilla groups and theself-defense forces became particularly vicious with the forces of onegroup going to towns and villages and accusing the residents of beingenemy sympathizers. This began a series of horrific mass murdersand a process of “social cleansing.” It was in this situation that thebanana companies were reputed to pay “protection” money.

The money was supposedly used not only to protect their assets butalso to eliminate anyone whom they considered a threat, such asunion and human rights workers.

This speculation was proven to be true through an extensiveinvestigation; in 2007, Chiquita Brands International was fined25 million dollars for contributing more than 1.7 million dollars tothe Colombian paramilitary. Unfortunately, people were notsurprised at this verdict given the history of its predecessor,United Fruit Company.

Throughout the trip, people had a strong sense of hope and realizedthat only through working together could they effect the necessarychange that respect their human rights. They were grateful that welistened to their stories and were willing to retell them. They wereparticularly relevant to us as U.S. citizens because many of themultinational corporations are U.S. based and we are large consumersof coal and bananas. As one person said, “The next time you eat abanana, remember the human cost that went into its production.”The same could be said each time we turn on the lights that arepowered by coal-generated electricity.

Thomas Long, CSV

A house that uses a covering that had previously been used to cover dynamiteand is saturated with chemicals that later can cause respiratory problems.

14

2010 Saint Viator High School graduate JonathanMetzinger recentlywrote a musical piece entitled "Escapades" in honor of Fr. LouisQuerbes, Founder of the Clerics of St. Viator. The composition, whichwas written to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the death ofFr. Querbes, was performed by the Saint Viator High School symphonicband during the Spring Arts Festival held at the school last May.

Bishop J. Peter Sartain presented Br.Leo Ryan,CSV, with a plaqueon May 11th in appreciation for Br. Ryan’s service as the first chairmanof the reconstituted Joliet diocesan finance council 2007-2010.

Several 2010 high school graduates joined Viatorian associates,brothers, and priests on May 26th for the third annual student ministryleader retreat at the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights, IL.

Student ministry leaders from St. Patrick and St. Teresa parishes inKankakee, IL and Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, ILparticipated in presentations, small group discussions, Eucharist, and ameal which allowed them the opportunity to focus on the challenge ofcontinuing to live their faith once they begin college in the fall.AssociateMichelle Barrie, Fr.Corey Brost,CSV,Associate KarenCutler, Br.Daniel Lydon,CSV, and Saint Viator High SchoolCampus Minister TimMasterton served as facilitators for the retreat.

Fr. JohnVanWiel,CSV,was awarded the 2009-2010 Fr. LouisQuerbes Award by his colleagues at Saint Viator High School at theannual faculty luncheon on June 2nd. The award is given to thefaculty/staff member who best exemplifies the spirit and mission ofthe Saint Viator community. Fr. Van Wiel, a chemistry teacher, retreatparticipant, and former chair of the science department, was

recognized for hiscommitment to themission of the school,his active faithresponse to others,and his consistentcommitment anddedication to thestudents.

On June 4th, thenewly formed IllinoisCoalition AgainstTorture (ICAT),co-sponsored by the Viatorian Community, offered a panel discussionon U.S. sponsored torture. Held at DePaul University in Chicago, thetiming of this educational event coincided with Torture AwarenessMonth and the trial of former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge,who was being tried for perjury in connection to the torture ofindividuals whom he and some under his command interrogated aftertheir arrest. The panel included Darrell Cannon, who was wronglyimprisoned for twenty-three years. He confessed to a crime he didnot commit after being tortured by Burge and others. Burge was foundguilty on June 28th and will be sentenced on November 5th.

St.Martin dePorresHighSchool held its fourth annual commencementexercises on June 5th. SMdP, a Viatorian endorsed school, is part of theCristo Rey Network of schools that offers students from low-incomefamilies a Catholic, college prep education made possible by its Hire4Edwork study program. This year’s thirty-six graduates, the fourth graduat-ing class since the school was founded in 2004, have been accepted intothirty-five colleges and have earned $2,100,000 in scholarships.

Fr.Corey Brost,CSV,Br.MichaelGosch,CSV, andBr.RobRobertson,CSV, joined withseveral others at theoffice of U.S.CongressmanMark Kirk onJune 7th for a pressconference callingon him to work forcomprehensive

Youth Ministry Leaders During Their Dinner Break

Fr. John Van Wiel, CSV

Graduation Ceremony of St. Martin dePorres High School

Around the Province...

15

immigration reform. Forover a year, a number of hisconstituents have requestedmeetings with him both inIllinois and Washington,D.C. Several months ago,a scheduled meeting wascancelled and follow-uprequests have been ignored.

On June 16th, the ProvincialCouncil of the Clerics of St.Viator added its name to acomplaint that was filed withthe Office for HumanResearch Protections (OHRP)in the Department of Health and Human Services. The complaintasks the OHRP to investigate allegations that the “CIA’s Office ofMedical Services (OMS) conducted research and experimentation ondetainees in U.S. custody and, in the process, likely violated federalregulations governing human subjects carried out by United StatesGovernment entities.” For additional information, please visitwww.phrtorturepapers.org.

Associates Cathy andDonAbrahamian coordinated Saint ViatorHigh School’s participation in the Arlington Heights, Illinois Relay forLife held June 18th-19th. The twelve hour event raised awareness andmoney for cancer research and assistance for families affected by cancer.SVHS’s team of 106 students raised over $13,000 for the AmericanCancer Society.

On June 20th Br.Gustavo Lopez,CSV, received theministry of acolyteduring Mass at theViatorian ProvinceCenter in ArlingtonHeights duringwhich Fr.MarkFrancis,CSV,

presided. The ministry of lector, which Br. Lopez received last year, andthe ministry of acolyte are required for of all persons seeking ordinationto the priesthood.

Br. Lopez, who is studying for the priesthood in Bogotá, Colombia, spentthree weeks practicing English and visiting the province in June and July.

2005 Saint Viator High School graduate John Leahy began a tenmonth volunteer stint with the Viatorian Community in Belize, CentralAmerica on August 10th. John, who has agreed to pilot the ViatorianService Corps, volunteers at St. Francis Xavier parish where he assists

Br. JohnEustice,CSV, and Fr.ChristopherGlancy,CSV,with liturgical,social, and youth ministry. John is writing a blog based on his experienceswhich can be found at www.viatorianservicecorps.blogspot.com.

At its August meeting, the Provincial Council of the Clerics of St.Viator of the Province of Chicago added their names to two nationalletters that address issues of poverty and immigration. A letter to theNational Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform urges theprotection of low income and middle income individuals/families as ittackles reducing the federal deficit. A letter to members of congressrequests support of the Dream Act, which provides “a path to legalstatus for individuals brought to the U.S. as children.” Both letters maybe read on the What’s New page at www.viatorians.com.

As is their custom, Viatorians intheMidwest gathered at Queen ofHeaven Cemetery in Hillside, ILand Maternity BVM Cemetery inBourbonnais, IL to honor thoseViatorians who are buried there.This annual pilgrimage affordsmembers of the community theopportunity to reflect on the many

blessings of those who came before and to give thanks for the richlegacy they leave behind them.

Michael Gosch, CSV

Michael Gosch, CSV

viatorian charism

Advocating for ComprehensiveImmigration Reform

Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, and Br. Gustavo Lopez, CSV

Viatorians gather at Queen of Heaven Cemetery for the prayer service.

Viator is published three times ayear by the Office of MissionAdvancement for the Clerics ofSt. Viator, Province of Chicago.Email: news@viatorians.comWebsite: www.viatorians.com

Provincial:Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV

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.

2

Clerics of St. Viator1212 E. Euclid AvenueArlington Heights, IL 60004-5799

Newsletter – Fall 2010

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 7160PALATINE P&DC, IL

Viator is published three times a yearby the Office of Mission Advancement for theClerics of St. Viator, Province of Chicago.Email: news@viatorians.comWebsite: www.viatorians.com

Provincial Perspective

Every year I gather with my leadership team (theprovincial council) and we “pull away” from our dailyschedules and activities to spend three days togetherpreparing for the new year. Of course, as educators,we think of the new year as starting in September,the beginning of a new school year. Once a teacher,always a teacher!

During our time together this year, we shared ourthoughts and some possible responses to the currentissues facing our world, our society, our Church, andour religious community. It was a wide-rangingdiscussion that included many of the same issuesthat confront each one of us every day. We spokeof the present state of our economy and the resultingincrease of poverty – locally and globally; the highrate of unemployment; the immigration crisis andhow to embrace those most affected; the windingdown of the war in Iraq and the advancing war inAfghanistan; the growing polarization and angerwithin our political system; human rights violationsand its effects especially in Africa, Asia, Central andSouth America; and the many other challenges thatconfront our nation and our Church.

Recognizing that it would be impossible for us tofocus on every issue, the provincial council chose toidentify three specific areas as priorities for the2010-2011 academic year. These priorities will bethe focus of our energies as we seek ways to offerour support and our commitment to action.

These three issues are:

• The adoption and passage of a fair and humaneimmigration policy that allows families to staytogether and young people to remain in theirschools with their peers;

• The elimination of torturein all of its forms andin all places;

• The development ofprograms to alleviate the suffering caused by poverty,especially as it affects young people.

These three imperatives are the priorities that we,as a leadership team, feel we can embrace and actupon. We will ask the Viatorian Community ofthe Province of Chicago to share in this commitmentand to work proactively in promoting these socialjustice priorities and to get involved personally inhelping our society to reach these goals.

Through this column, I reach out to each of you topray, to reflect, and to consider joining the provincialcouncil and the Viatorian Community in adoptingthese three priorities as your personal priorities aswell. As Christians and Catholics, we are called towork for justice and to seek peaceful means of raisingothers up and of giving others hope, especially thosewho are suffering and most in need.

I close by thanking you for your partnership, yourfriendship, and your support. Because of yourprayerful support, the Viatorian Community is trulyblessed. Be assured of our prayers and friendship aswell. I close with the words of our Founder: Adoredand Loved Be Jesus.

In Saint Viator and Fr. Querbes,

Rev. Thomas R. von Behren, CSVProvincial

Inside

Page 2Viatorians hosted their first annual

youth congress

Page 3Tim and Donna Schwarz reflect on

being Associates

Page 4DePaul University grants its

“Via Sapientiae” awardto Fr. John Milton, CSV

Page 5Q & A with Rita King

Page 6

Viatorians recently celebrateddiaconate ordinations , definitivecommitments, and first vows

Page 7A warm welcome to Bill Geis

Page 8

Three Viatorians celebratefifty years as vowed religious

Viatorian assembly membersdiscuss mission for 21st century

Page 10

In the Footsteps of Our Founder

Page 11In Memoriam:

Fr. Philip Kendall, CSV

Page 12Two Viatorians participated in adelegation to Colombia to studythe impact of industrialization

Page 14Around the province

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED