Meet the Newest Viatorian Brother Vocations continue to grow in Colombia, where Viatorians arrived 60 years ago this year. Br. Luis Pedroza, CSV, is the latest to join the Viatorian Community when he professed his first vows in February. Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, who was designated by Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV, Provincial, received his vows. Br. Luis Pedroza, CSV
Fr. Herrera was the first Colombian to profess vows as a Viatorian and now serves as President of Colegio San Viator in Tunja. He notes that the Foundation of Colombia is celebrating this year its 60th anniversary since the arrival of the first three Viatorians to the country. “In these 60 years there have been 18 American religious who were part of it,” Fr. Herrera says. “The only one who still remains in Colombia is Fr. John Pisors, CSV, who arrived in Bogotá on Dec. 6th, 1967.” At the same time, there now are 21 professed Colombian religious in the Viatorian Community – and that number is still growing. Fr. Herrera confirmed that Pre-Novice Diego Carvajal arrived in Chile in March to continue his formation in the novitiate.
Br. Pedroza has just turned 26. He spent two years as a pre-novice in Tunja, before spending the last year of formation at the Viatorian novitiate run in Puente Alto, Chile.
Br. John Avellaneda, CSV, who teaches religion at Colegio San Viator in Tunja, credits the religious culture in Colombia and the family influence in the home with growing vocations in the country.
“During this time of my temporary vows, I continue to discern the true meaning of my vocation,” Br. Pedroza says, “by living under the principles of our founder in the company of my confreres, who have welcomed me fraternally and generously into our Viatorian family.”
“Colombian families, especially those in rural areas, are the ones who are helping the most to continue to establish the links between young people and their vocations to the priesthood or religious life,” Br. Avellandeda says.
After his vow ceremony, Br. Pedroza returned to live with the local Viatorian Community in Bogotá while he studies physical education at Universidad Santo Tomás. “I feel happy and very fortunate to be in this community,” Br. Pedroza adds, “and to share this experience of faith.” Viatorians have seen a steady stream of vocations since arriving in Colombia and starting their successful schools, Colegio San Viator Bogotá and Colegio San Viator in Tunja.
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He also credits a strong devotion to Mary throughout Colombia. “This devotion,” Br. Avellandeda adds, “has led to the formation of prayer groups, awakening an interest in young people to follow Christ, from the religious or priestly vocation.” Viatorians in Colombia who celebrated at the vow ceremony included: (L-R) Br. Juan David Ramirez, Br. Parmenio Enrique Medina, Br. Juan Carlos Ubaque, Br. Jhobany Orduz, Fr. Pedro Herrera, Br. Luis Peroza, Fr. Fredy Contreras, Fr. Edwin Ruiz, Br. Edwin Barreto, Br. Elkin Mendoza
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