Viatorian Community
Spring 2007
Volume 12, No. 2
Provincial’s Perspective ith this issue of Viator, we are only weeks away from celebrating our 125th anniversary as a province. Anniversaries give us the opportunity to pause, look back, and give thanks for the many blessings that God has given to us. They also provide us the opportunity to plan and prepare for the years ahead. I would like to share with you my reflections on both perspectives.
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From our earliest days in 1882, the Chicago Province of the Clerics of Saint Viator has been blessed in so many ways. From our roots in Bourbonnais, Illinois to our newest foundation in Corozal District, Belize, Viatorians have found life, meaning, grace, and love in every place we have served. In our schools and parishes, in hospitals and nursing homes, Viatorians encountered generous and supportive lay persons offering their gifts in collaboration with us as we, together, announced and celebrated the presence of Christ in our midst. In our efforts to promote justice and peace and in our efforts to embrace “those who are accounted of little importance,” Viatorians discovered the presence of Christ in the very hearts of those often forgotten by society. In our ministry of prayer and sacrament, and in the celebration of the Eucharist, Viatorians were graced by the depth of faith of those we sought to serve. We have found that as ministers and as a community, we have been given abundant life and joy by those to whom we have ministered. We are grateful to so many of you - for welcoming us, embracing us, and for
loving us. These 125 years indeed have been a blessing. Thank you. Yet, our work is not finished. In fact, as we look into the future we are challenged to grow, risk, reach out, and yes, be global. Because we have been blessed, we, the members of the Chicago Province, recognize that we are in a unique position and thus have a unique responsibility to make a difference in the lives of those beyond our borders. As we were challenged at the General Chapter of 2006, Viatorians are especially called to be attentive to the needs of those who suffer most. Through our interpersonal relationships and our sharing of human and material resources, we are called to be in solidarity with Viatorians ministering in impoverished countries such as Ivory Coast and Haiti. The challenges that lay before us are great indeed. The celebration of our 125th anniversary offers us the unique opportunity to rejoice in our gifts and rededicate these gifts as leaven for others. I often say to those around me, “together we can do great things” and “with God all things are possible.” Let us walk into the future with faith in Jesus and confidence in the Spirit. Great days are ahead for each of us. Anniversary! In St.Viator and Fr. Querbes,
Reverend Thomas R. von Behren, CSV Provincial
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