Viatorian Community
Winter 2006
Volume 11, No. 1
Provincial’s Perspective From Congregation to Community: A Reflection hat’s in a word? Some would say nothing, and others would say everything, and still others would say, “It all depends on the context.” I would like to focus on two seemingly innocent words that have been part of religious life Fr.Thomas R. von Behren, for a long time. These words, congregation and community, CSV, Provincial speak of a particular reality that has defined the Clerics of St. Viator (Viatorians) for over 150 years. Today, these words offer new insight into the living, changing reality of our community. Let me explain.
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Within the Church, there are religious orders, congregations, communities, societies, confraternities, and pious associations. In fact, throughout the history of the Church thousands of “religious groups” have been formed to “do the work” of the Church. Most of these groups prospered for a period of time and then dissolved due to reasons uniquely their own. Fortunately, the Clerics of St. Viator is alive and well, actively engaged in the mission of the Church and embracing the charism of our founder, Father Louis Querbes. Fr. Querbes initially intended to found a religious association of pious lay men to teach the young people who were living in the countryside of France. This group was to be known as the Association of the Parochial Catechists or Clerics of St. Viator. Upon encountering ecclesial opposition to his initial concept of a “lay group”, Fr. Querbes quickly adapted to the reality of his times and changed his focus (while never really giving up on his initial dream). After many trials
and some disappointment, Fr. Querbes finally convinced the Church to grant approval of his religious congregation. On September 21, 1838, the Parochial Catechists or Clerics of St. Viator (soon to be known as the Clerics of St. Viator) was approved by the Holy See. In time, the Clerics of St. Viator grew in number. As the congregation grew, new missions were accepted. Viatorians were not only flourishing in Europe, but also across the Atlantic in Canada and the United States. (The congregation eventually expanded to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.) It was clear that, finally, the Congregation of the Clerics of St. Viator was firmly established. During the 20th century, the Congregation – especially in the United States – was comprised of priests serving the needs of the local church in schools and parishes. They were vowed men firmly entrenched in the mission of the Church, working under the authority of the local bishop. The Viatorian Novitiate was filled to the brim. After the Second Vatican Council, the Congregation of the Clerics of St. Viator experienced a significant decline in religious vocations. However, “When God closes a door, God often opens a window!” As the congregation was experiencing diminishment in terms of vowed members, the Viatorian Community began experiencing new birth and new life, with the welcome addition of a “lay group” called Viatorian Associates. Yes, the Viatorian Community is growing, expanding, and experiencing new vocations. The dream of Fr. Querbes is once again coming to life. Throughout the international community, lay men and women are joining the Viatorians. Sharing in the Viatorian mission, community and spirituality, a new reality is being realized as the 21st century breaks upon us. continued on page 2