Living the Vocation of Viatorian Brotherhood What does every professed Viatorian have in common? For one thing, each and every man began his religious life as a brother.
One way we’ve been able to celebrate Viatorian brothers is by their reflections in our podcast series, Viatorian Voices: Conversations on the Way. Several brothers have been a part of episodes, and we recommend in particular that you listen Typically, once a man formally begins his novitiate with the to Episode 11 – Exploring God’s Invitation with Br. Rob Viatorians, he is called “Brother” and considered a comRobertson, CSV – to get a great portrait of discernment and munity member. If he requests to profess first vows and is religious life as a Viatorian brother. approved, he then will begin his religious life as a brother and referred to with the suffix “CSV.” As we mark Religious Brothers Day on May 1, it’s a great time to thank God for the gift of our Viatorian brothers, men whose witness to our charism and faith are a gift to our communities and the Church. In Vocation Ministry, we are proud to describe the Viatorian Community as a rich place where religious brothers, priests, and lay men and women associates come together. With distinct gifts and witness, we all carry the Viatorian charism into our community life and our work. As we speak with young people and those men who are discerning religious life with us, we are proud to be a community where each group’s witness is valuable, and we believe that discerners are drawn to this communal strength. We ask you to pray for our religious brothers, and for vocations to religious life as Viatorian brothers. Fr. Daniel Hall blesses Br. Peter Lamick at his perpetual vow ceremony in 2019.
From there, Viatorians have taken many paths, which reflect the diversity of gifts, talents, and vocations among our men. Some men soon continue to study theology and seek ordination to the diaconate and priesthood early in religious life, as many of our priests have, such as Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV and Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV. Others may live their religious life as a brother for many years and then consider and perhaps pursue priesthood later, including Fr. John Peeters, CSV and Fr. Corey Brost, CSV. Many Viatorians find religious life as a brother to be their lifelong call and joyfully live out their ministry and community life as brothers, including Br. Michael Gosch, CSV and Br. Carlos Flórez, CSV. No matter their path, Viatorian brothers serve in a wide variety of roles, from pastoral roles at parishes and leadership positions at schools to roles in congregational leadership. 7
www.viatorians.com
