Meet the Newest Viatorian Brother

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

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