Viator Newsletter 2008 Fall

Viatorian Community

Fall 2008

Volume 13, No. 3

Provincial’s Perspective “I make to God, forever, the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. I make these vows according to the Constitution of the Clerics of Saint Viator approved by the Holy See. May God and my brothers be my strength and support.” With these words, four young men permanently committed themselves as Viatorian religious for the rest of their lives. The stories of these four Viatorians can be found in this issue of Viator. I urge you to take time to read about these men and share in the joy of their call to serve God and the Church for the rest of their lives.

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

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

The journey is not easy and we are not always successful. The attractions of worldly desires and of 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 own will. Yet, I believe that with God’s help and the support found within community life, today’s religious brothers and priests make a significant difference in our world.

Viatorians today continue to be teachers of faith in schools and parishes. Viatorians today continue to serve at the holy altar, proclaiming the gospel by word and example. Viatorians today continue to serve those who often are overlooked and underloved. For those we serve, Viatorians offer a sign of hope in the midst of despair and a glimpse of God’s love and forgiveness when things seem bleak.

Religious life will continue to change as the world changes. With each new generation, new challenges will present themselves and new ways of living the gospel will surface. Yet, in all this change, I believe that when others witness young men or women placing their hands on the altar and committing themselves to Christ for the rest of their lives, a ray of hope enters the world and a whisper of God’s love fills our hearts.

Please join us in praying for vocations to religious life and especially the Viatorian Community. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.

In St. Viator and Fr. Querbes,

Rev. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV Provincial

The Viatorians greatly appreciate your financial assistance, which helps to sustain our ministries in the United States and overseas. If you would like to assist us, please send your gifts to: Viatorian Development Office 1212 East Euclid Ave. Arlington Heights, IL 60004 847-637-2124 You can either designate where your gifts will be used or delegate us to distribute the funds where they are most needed.

As a non-profit and tax-exempt organization, the Viatorians are very grateful for your prayers and financial support in “educating for the future.”

For wills and bequests: Clerics of St. Viator an Illinois Corporation

The Nazareth League of Prayers

provides an opportunity to share in the Viatorian prayer life. Prayer requests are inscribed in a special book and then placed in the chapel at the Province Center. When Viatorians gather daily in communal prayer, they specifically remember the intentions of their friends and gratefully thank everyone who has so generously supported the Viatorian ministries.

To participate in the Nazareth League of Prayers, simply list your intentions in the envelope provided and mail them to us. You can also request specific cards by calling 847-637-2124 or online at viatorians.com/prayers.

Collaborative Ministry A new model of collaborative ministry has emerged in metropolitan Kankakee. Three Sisters of the Congregation de Notre Dame (CND), Viatorians (CSV) from the parishes of Maternity BVM, St. Anne, St. George, and St. Patrick, and diocesan priest Fr. Thomas Cargo from St. Theresa Parish have joined with local lay leaders to form a collaborative ministerial team. Sisters Theresa Galvan, CND, Helen Kavanaugh, CND, and Dolores McKinney, CND, are working with the Viatorian pastors Fathers James Fanale, CSV, John Peeters, CSV, and Richard Pighini, CSV. In addition, St. Theresa Parish participates in the combined primary school system and sponsors an active teen group and religious education program.

True to the CND and CSV educational traditions, the sisters have led the faith sharing sessions with parents of children in the parish religious education programs. The format includes input and the opportunity for everyone to share their faith within a supportive environment. This respectful atmosphere invites the participants to discuss freely their faith as lived today. The discussions are often lively, leading many to read and reflect privately upon the Scriptures.

This year the program will be expanded to the parish catechists and the upcoming sessions will consider the Old and New Testaments and the Church today. The end result will be the opportunity for the catechists to deepen their faith that will enhance the religious education programs and deepen the faith life of the parish communities.

Many people have praised the insightful and prayerful Advent and Lenten reflections that Sr. Galvan has given in the local parishes. The focus was inter-parochial; it was held on Sunday at St. Anne, Tuesday morning at Maternity BVM, and Tuesday evening at St. Patrick.

In addition, Saint Anne parish annually hosts a novena dedicated to the mother of Mary, St. Anne, that attracts people from throughout Illinois and Indiana. Sr. Galvan with Fr. Fanale and Fr. Peeters presented reflections about answered and unanswered prayers in 2

our lives. During these reflections the participants had a chance to reflect on their own experience of prayer.

Another goal of this collaborative ministry is outreach to the homebound and to nursing home residents. Sr. Kavanaugh has conducted workshops with the local ministers where they discussed the practicalities of this ministry so as to better reach out to them in a caring and sensitive way. She also schedules the ministers to ensure that everyone is visited in a timely manner.

Before withdrawing from the project to a change in ministry assignment, Sr. Julia Lydon, CND, developed a peacemaking program for children, which was implemented with great success in the parish education programs. The children reflected on how they how they treat one another. A program like this is especially relevant today with the recent awareness of the problem of bullying.

Sister Galvan has started a woman’s group which gathers in the mornings for reflection and prayer. For those who wish, Sister is available for individual spiritual direction. This opportunity is especially useful for people who have recently completed the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and need someone to journey with them as new Catholics.

As a way to involve their husbands, the married women from this group hosted a dinner with their husbands that celebrated their mutual commitment. Bishop Sartain of Joliet was pres-

Graduation Party ent and led a prayer service where the participants renewed their marriage vows.

The members are now talking about expanding next year’s event to include a Mass.

Sr. McKinney works with the Hispanic community at the Lisieux Center of St. Theresa Parish. Recently, the Mexican consulate issued 832 Mexican passports and consular identification cards. The center, funded in part by the Viatorians, is home to several programs that benefit the residents of the local area.

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

High school graduates from three Viatorian ministries, St. Viator High School (Arlington Heights, IL) and Maternity BVM and St. George parishes (Bourbonnais, IL), gathered at the Viatorian Province Center for the event.

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

Graduates in Province Center Chapel

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

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

Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, and St. Viator High School alumna Stephanie Schwarz led the discussions, aided by other guests who included Viatorian Associates Karen Cutler and David 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 mission of Jesus, when they are busy at college, making friends, taking classes and having fun.

Immigrants at Lisieux Center The program began in 2006 through the initiative of the CND community and all the ministers – lay, religious, and clergy – are committed to implementing this collaborative model effectively. To facilitate the growth of the group, the members requested Fr. James Michaletz, CSV, who has many years of collaborative evaluation experience within the Catholic school systems of Chicago and Springfield, to guide them in their discussions, planning, and evaluation.

This new ministerial venture is but another step in the long tradition of joint CND and CSV collaborative endeavors. In 1860, three CND sisters went to Bourbonnais, IL to establish a school for girls; in 1865, three Viatorians went to Bourbonnais to establish a school for boys. This began the rich history between the two congregations that has continued to this day, over one-hundred-and forty years later. Then, as now, the focus was on the training and education of the laity to minister together.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3

Chunox Saint Viator Vocational High School 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.

Fo u n d e d 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.

occur with certain chemical substances. The demands of the curricula 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.

Fr. Christopher Glancy, CSV

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.

Mrs. Patriciana Sho

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 curriculum 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 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.

The school has modern chemistry and biology laboratories where the students can better understand the different reactions and changes that 4

Eventually, there will be orchards for oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, mangos, guavas, etc.

Pests, especially grasshoppers and crickets, are particularly troublesome. To counteract this problem, the plans include building a nursery for the seedlings and to purchase a mist blower to spray the insecticide.

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.

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.

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.

Bienvenido Fabián “I put my life in the hands of the Lord,” said Fabián Pedraza who will begin his pre-novitiate at Querbes House in Chicago this fall. He joins fellow Colombian pre-novices Carlos Eduardo Diaz, Carlos Arturo Romero, and Jorge Vargas who joined the prenovitiate in Bogotá last January.

Currently, Carlos Arturo is studying sociology at Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carlos Eduardo is studying psychology Fabián Pedraza at Universidad Conrad Lorenz, and Jorge is working at Colegio San Viator in the archives department.

ministry sites in Chicago and in the Bourbonnais-Kankakee area.

This contact with the community ratified his decision. He felt at home with the community and its mission of working with young people. 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 years as an actor for RCN Television in Bogotá. Besides his experience with acting, he has studied philosophy at the Javeriana University in Bogotá. Fabián envisions himself using all of his past experience in his new work as a religious. He hopes to use his background in theater to catechize young people. Fabián would also like to be involved in vocation ministry, especially reaching out to Latino youth who might be Carlos Eduardo Diaz, Carlos Arturo Romero, considering a religious and Jorge Vargas vocation.

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 he embarked on a vocational search. Fabián feels that he is at a crossroads in his life. “It is a time in my life when I need to make a choice 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 and Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, traveled to Bogotá for community meetings.

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

Fabián attended a Viatorian discernment retreat in February and spent time with the community at the province center in March.

During his visit, Fabián had the opportunity to visit other Viatorian

Welcome Fabián.

5

In Memoriam Fr. Raymund J. Field, CSV, celebrated a rare milestone earlier this year when he reached the 60th anniversary of his priesthood. But instead of anything fancy, he treated his Viatorian community to a hot dog lunch.

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

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

Such was the humility of his ministry which touched countless lives in schools and parishes in Illinois, New York and California.

Fr. Field began his ministry as a Viatorian brother. His first assignment took him to St. Joseph School for the Deaf in the Bronx, New York, where he worked in student affairs, while attending Fordham University.

Fr. Field died July 12 at St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly, run by the Little Sisters of the Poor in Palatine, IL. He was 87.

St. Joseph’s was a boarding school for high school teens, and Fr. Field was assigned to supervise the boys, outside the classroom.

Consequently, his role included everything from planning activities to coaching them in sports.

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

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

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

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

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

In the Footsteps of Our Founder Fr. Querbes Appeals to Rome There was an enthusiastic demand for the Catechist Brothers of the Society of St Viator founded by Fr. Louis Querbes.

Authorized by Royal Ordinance of King Charles in l830 and approved by Archbishop de Pins in l831, by 1838 the Brothers were already teaching in five dioceses. This dispersion prompted concern about future unity.

ing Papal authorization. The French Jesuits in Rome would later help 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 aims of his Institute, but also approve its Constitution/Statutes.

Normally, that approval was reserved for congregations only after long periods of proven success, certainly not after five years.

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

By January l838, he had decided to proceed. In February, he planned to send the Statutes to Rome with the Lyons Vicar General. The Vicar General proposed four corrections which Fr Querbes accepted. The documents were summarized into a one page petition to Pope Gregory XVI on February 25, l838.

They were forwarded to the French Consul in Rome for presentation to Cardinal Sala, Prefect, Congregation for Bishops and Regulars.

This threat to the unity of the new Society prompted prayerful consideration and judicious consultation by Fr Querbes about possible Papal approbation. He was especially encouraged by the Jesuits. Archbishop de Pins and his Council concurred with seek6

and Griffin High School Springfield, IL; and Spalding Institute in Peoria, IL. “He had such a way with kids; he just understood them,” Fr. White added, 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 named pastor at St. Mary Church in Beaverville, IL. Long before the days of “Dancing with the Stars,” Fr. Field’s sister recalls he started a ballroom dance program for parish students, both to give them something to do and because it reflected his own love of dancing.

Later, Illinois assignments took Fr. Field to Maternity BVM parish in Bourbonnais and St. Patrick’s Church in Kankakee; then, he headed to California to study theology at Berkeley and ultimately serve in two Northern California parishes, Church of the Ascension and St. Cyprian.

Sheila Flanagan’s classroom offered one more glimpse of Fr. Field’s ministry and of his special connection to children and the elderly.

Twice a month, he would take a few of her second graders with him to distribute communion to the homebound. “The children would love these trips and beg to go, week after week,” Ms. Flanagan said.

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

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

“They would proudly return and remind everyone that Father had told them, ‘Doing God’s work well makes you hungry,’” Flanagan wrote. “When I teased him about this, he remarked, ‘No, the phrase is: Doing God’s work well, makes you hungry to do it again and again.’”

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

We will miss him.

There was no response. Archbishop de Pins inquired. Rome responded by inviting Fr Querbes to present himself for discussion about his Society and to defend his petition. On April 30, the Archbishop informed Rome that Fr Querbes would soon appear.

Garde, on May 10th. The next day, he sailed to Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, where a carriage brought him to Rome on May 14th.

Prior to his departure, Fr. Querbes collected letters of introduction.

Fr Renault, SJ, gave him an introduction to the Jesuit Superior General. His St. Nizier parishioner and summertime parishioner at Vourles, the and foundress of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, Pauline Jaricot, was well-connected in Rome. She entrusted him with errands and arranged introductions. She also arranged for a Roman “insider”, Capuchin Fr. John Baptist, to orient him.

Little did he envisage that his mission would require more than five weeks, nor did he anticipate the vicissitudes ahead. However, on his lips and in his heart was his prayer: “Adored and Loved be Jesus”.

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

- Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV 7

Perpetual Vows Summer was a busy time for the Viatorian community. In a span of seven weeks, the community celebrated with four of their brothers who professed their perpetual vows in liturgies that took place across the province.

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

Br. John Eustice, CSV, the youngest perpetually professed brother, often brings an ignition switch to retreats and quips that he has Ford Motor Company to thank for his calling.

It prompts his story of when he agreed to drive Br. John Eustice, CSV a friend back to Las Vegas from the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights. When their car broke down, he spent three days with the community and it opened his eyes to its work and ministry.

For Br. Jason Nesbit, CSV, perpetual profession culminated a calling that he first sensed as a child, and was nurtured by his family, parish priests, and the Viatorians, through their many invitations to the visit the province center. “After meeting many Viatorians, and seeing them Br. Jason Nesbit, CSV minister to young and old, and meeting retired men who were still open to learning new things,” he said, “I really felt like I could be at home in this community.”

On July 7, Br. John and Br. Jason knelt before Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, and pledged their perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and promised to spend the rest of their lives in the service of others.

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

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

Reflecting on his perpetual profession, Br. Jason said, “The feeling was overwhelming when all my confreres came up. I don’t know where this 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 final vows in front of family, friends, and confreres.

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

computer engineering and had worked in the banking industry, the Viatorians made an impression.

“What I noticed during my discernment was that they were dedicated to working with children and young people,” Br. Gustavo stated.

“Education and parish work, as catechists and lectors, are their strength in ministry.”

Br. Gustavo Lopez

Br. Gustavo entered the novitiate in 2002 and Cubillos, CSV professed his temporary vows one year later. Since then, he has taught theology and computer classes at Colegio San Antonio Maria Claret in Libano and at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá.

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

Finally, Br. John, Br. Jason, and Br. Gustavo traveled to the seaside community of Corozal Town in Belize to witness the perpetual profession of Br. Moses Mesh, CSV. Surrounded by family, friends, Viatorians, and parishioners, Br. Moses professed his perpetual vows on August 9th at St. Francis Xavier Church. Since 1998, Viatorians have administered the parish that serves 17,000 members from the town and twenty-three surrounding villages.

Br. Moses Mesh, CSV

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

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

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

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

The Viatorian Community is truly graced with the perpetual commitments of such dedicated and enthusiastic men to continue the mission of the community for the rest of their lives.

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Assembly 2008 What is best to keep in mind when incorporating spiritual and physical exercises into one’s often overcrowded schedule? What is the key to maintaining psychological well-being? How does a celibate 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 in Arlington Heights for their annual assembly, which focused on holistic health.

Intermingled with the input sessions were times for prayer, sharing, and celebration. During a Tuesday’s liturgy, Daniel Lydon and David and Susan Surprenant renewed their commitments as associates for a period of three years. Donald Abrahamian, Michael and Susan Bourgeois, Francis Chamness, Karen Cutler, Joseph Majkowski, Euchrist Marcotte, and Geraldine Roller renewed their commitments as associates for a period of five years. All seek ways to share in the mission, spiritual life, and community life of the community.

On July 8th, keynote speaker Fr. Raymond Dlugos, OSA, emphasized emotional awareness and the need to value one’s emotional self as essential to maintaining one’s integrity. In his presentation entitled Evangelizing Our Emotions, he underscored the importance of moving from shame to humility, fear to trust, anger to compassion, and sadness to gratitude in order to live a healthy life.

Dr. Daniel O’Grady, a clinical psychologist, spoke about how psychological health directly influences one’s capacity to love, work, play, and pray in his keynote address on July 9th.

He also highlighted four critical skills for processing conflict in order to maintain one’s mental health: avoiding a judgmental attitude, standing up for oneself without putting the other person down, finding the understandable part of the other person’s communication, and identifying and explaining what is at stake for oneself. He ended his presentation by discussing healthy sexuality using John O’Donohue’s work with Anam Cara, a process in which one shares one’s inner-most self.

Afternoon workshops offered by medical doctors, spiritual directors and clinicians addressed issues of addictions and physical and spiritual well-being. In one such session, Fr. Robert Erickson, CSV, stressed that one is always much more than herself/himself in any given situation. He warned against overidentifying with the negative aspect of oneself and reminded his audience that one is in a relationship with an ultimate mystery that is greater than oneself.

A business meeting concluded the assembly on July 10th, during which members discussed international solidarity, association, communications, and financial matters. Time was also set aside for the membership to address specific questions relative to life of the province.

9

Viatorian Fathers John Puisis, Arnold Perham, John Pisors, Alan Syslo, and Christopher Glancy celebrated seventy, sixty, fifty, and twenty-five years of religious life while Fr. Daniel Nolan, Fr. John Peeters, and Fr. Thomas von Behren celebrated twenty-five years of priesthood in Wednesday’s Mass for Jubilarians.

In his homily, Fr. Peeters reminded members of the community that, “Without arrogating unto ourselves the power to work miracles, we can certainly say that we have done marvelous and wonderful things.” Indeed, this year’s jubilarians have done marvelous and wonderful things for others in the name of God. These three days spent together further cemented the bonds of community that have been established over many years. Stories were shared. Support was offered.

Friendships were rekindled. Hopes were articulated. It was no wonder that at the end of the assembly, members could be overheard saying, “It was great to be back home again.”

Around The Province Br. Daniel Tripamer, CSV, coached the St. Viator High School Varsity Boys’ Tennis Team to an East Suburban Catholic Conference championship this past spring. In addition to coaching, Br. Tripamer keeps busy as a full-time Math teacher at SVHS while working on his Master of Mathematics degree at DePaul University in Chicago.

In an effort to focus on immigration reform, Viatorians joined over 1000 people in the We Are God’s Family immigration march from the University of Illinois-Chicago campus to Holy Family Church, where an interfaith prayer service was held. Many in attendance at this May 29th event had firsthand experience of detention and deportation.

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

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

On June 7, Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV, awarded diplomas to the first graduation class of students who attended St. Martin de Porres High School for all four years. SMdP, a Cristo Rey Network School, and endorsed by the Clerics of Congratulations Graduates St. Viator, began its fifth year on August 11th with a training program for incoming ninth graders and transfer students.

Associate Francisco Magaña, Patriciana Sho, and Fr. Christopher Glancy, CSV

Staff and students of Chunox St. Viator Vocational High School, in Corozal District, Belize, dedicated the Fr. Christopher J. Glancy, CSV, Building during the first graduation ceremony of the school on June 14th.

Fr. Glancy was honored for his work in establishing 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) traveled together to the One Bread One Cup liturgical leadership conference held at St. Meinrad School of Theology in Indiana, June 27th-July 1st.

They were accompanied by Viatorian youth ministers including Fr. Daniel Belanger, Br. John Eustice, Br. Jason Nesbit, and Associates Michelle and Ken Barrie.

Superior General, Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, a member of the Province of Chicago, offered a workshop entitled Multicultural Liturgical Planning for Simbang Gabi. Simbang Gabi is a Filipino Advent practice. The workshop, held on July 12th, focused on using this celebration as a way to invite non-Filipinos to share in the spirituality and religious traditions of the Philippines.

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

Joining athletes from twenty-five countries, thirty-five students from Colegio San Viator in Bogotá, Colombia, participated in the world’s largest amateur soccer tournament held mid-July in Minnesota. Afterwards, Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, hosted the students for four days at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights. Fr. Carlos Luis Claro, CSV, and Associate Daniel Lydon planned several activities for the students that highlighted American culture.

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

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

Fr. Daniel Nolan, CSV, has accepted the position of Rector of Keenan Hall at the University of Notre Dame. Due to the responsibilities of his new role, he had to resign from the Viatorian Provincial Council. Replacing him on the council is Fr. William Carpenter, CSV. Fr. Carpenter currently serves the community as Director of Priestly Formation as well as Director of Mission Appeals.

Fr. James Michaletz, CSV, has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. CTU is the largest graduate school of ministry in the United States.

Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV, led a tour Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, and for Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, and Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, with San Victor students Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, of several Belizean communities where Viatorians serve. Included in the tour was the school of San Victor Village where students greeted the visitors with smiles and the request, “Take my picture, please.”

Archbishop Joseph Naumann appointed Fr. Philip Kendall, CSV, Ecclesiastic “Take my picture, please!”

Judge and Ecclesiastical Defender of the Bond for the archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas. Fr. Kendall works with couples seeking annulments of their marriages.

Br. Leo Ryan, CSV, and Richard J. Hunter co-authored A Field Report on the Background and Processes of Privatization of Poland that was recently published in Global Economy Journal. Br. Ryan spent several years teaching business courses at the university level in Poland.

The National Religious Campaign Against Torture is gathering signatures of its Declaration of Principles calling for an executive order 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 supporting Faith Can Move Mountains: Vote the Common Good, a campaign that emphasizes the common good over partisan politics.

Several Viatorians have joined the campaign. For more information, please visit www.votethecommongood.com.

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

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

Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, is preparing himself for his new duties as Rector of Colegio San Viator in Bogotá, Colombia. He will replace Fr. Carlos Luis Claro, CSV, who will finish his term at the end of the year. Fr. Claro will Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV

A Reflection on Immigration A fundamental Viatorian value is respect for the dignity of each person and the responsibility to work toward making that value a reality. This fundamental value is grounded in the Viatorian constitution: “Christ impels us to go especially to those who are accounted of no importance in our world.” (No. 9) In reaching out to whom some people account as being of little or no importance, one Viatorian focus is on the millions of

immigrants who, because of legal status, are deprived of the rights to livelihood, family unity, physical and emotional safety, and the due process of law. Many immigrants have fled from crushing poverty and from environments where terrorism is rampant. They come here hoping to be free Nicaraguan children scavenging in a garbage dump

Barrio Antonio Lleras Buenaventura, Colombia

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Clerics of St. Viator 1212 E. Euclid Avenue Arlington Heights, IL 60004-5799

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE

PAID

Newsletter – Fall 2008

PERMIT NO. 7160 PALATINE P&DC, IL

Viator is published three times a year by the development office of the Clerics of St. Viator, Province of Chicago.

Email: news@viatorians.com Website: www.viatorians.com Our purpose is to present the mission, ministries, news and needs of our community to those who are interested in and supportive of our works.

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Editor: Fr. Thomas E. Long, CSV

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

Contributing Journalist: Eileen O’Grady Daday

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

A Reflection on Immigration…Continued from Page 11 conditionally released but must wear GPS ankle bracelets.

from these conditions, only to find that they are still impoverished and still victimized with threats of imprisonment.

Acknowledging the need for comprehensive reform while at the same respecting basic human rights, Viatorians recently participated in an ecumenical prayer service at Holy Family Church in Chicago with many immigrants on May 29th. Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller led the service in which both native born and immigrant prayed for a legal system that respects the human rights of both the powerful and the weak.

Buenaventura, Colombia

Chicago, IL

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

The human cost to the arrested is staggering to them and their loved ones.

With the primary wage earners in custody, family members are left without funds for food, housing or legal fees.

Some families still do not even know where their arrested members were taken.

Recently, panic-stricken family Postville, Iowa members, along with supporters that included Viatorians, participated in an ecumenical prayer service at which time they meditated on Leviticus 19:33-34: “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall do him no wrong. The stranger who sojourns with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” Viatorians, along with many other religious congregations, Catholic dioceses, and many Christian and Jewish denominations, believe that respect for the humanity of each person is the only foundation on which a new immigration policy can be built.