Viatorian Community
Winter 2011
Volume 16, No. 1
Viatorians working in youth ministry Youth ministry at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Corozal Town, Belize, encompasses an extensive educational system of 13 preschools, 19 primary schools, and Chunox St. Viator Vocational High School. The combined school enrollments equal more than 5,000 students. Furthermore, the parish
While the principals are responsible for the day-today operations, Francisco oversees the direction of the schools and ensures that academic standards are maintained. His methods include periodically visiting the schools, talking with the personnel, and studying the school records and teacher evaluations. Francisco describes the school system as a community of principals, teachers, parents, and students working together for the children’s benefit. The results sometimes manifest themselves in pleasantly surprising ways. For example, Francisco related that he
Students putting the roof beams in place
sponsors a very active parish youth ministry program. For the success of such a diverse program, dedicated and competent leaders are required; they are found in Associate Francisco Magaña and Br. John Eustice, CSV. Francisco Magaña directs the schools—all but three are located in the rural areas and are staffed by 225 teachers. Having over 25 years of educational experience and working together with the 20 school principals, he ensures that the schools run efficiently. 2
Francisco Magaña with the Fireburn School graduates
was recently driving and encountered a roadblock. The soldier walked up to the window and immediately recognized Francisco from his student Continued on page 2