Viatorian Vocations Continue to Grow

A little more than 60 years after Viatorians arrived in Colombia, their numbers continue to grow, with four more religious brothers professing perpetual vows, promising a lifetime commitment to the community. Br. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV, Br. Edwin Alfonso Barreto, CSV, Br. Parmenio Enrique Medina, CSV, and Br. Juan David Ramirez, CSV, all made their perpetual professions Jan. 15, during a Mass filled with tradition. The ceremony took place in the gym at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá and drew a crowd of family members as well as Viatorian associates and professed.

Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV, Provincial, presided and received the vows as a delegate of Fr. Robert Egan, CSV, Superior General. Provincial Council members also traveled to Bogotá for the historic day, including Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, and Br. Rob Robertson, CSV. “On making your perpetual profession, I want all of you to know that we are also making a commitment to walk with you forever on this journey of faith,” said Fr. Hall during his homily. “Religious life is not always easy. We experience the same trials as everyone else. In the times we all experience, when things seem darkest; it is then that we lean on each other as brothers and together we can weather any storm.” Each newly perpetually professed spoke at the close of Mass to thank people who have supported them. Beyond their families and members of the Viatorian Community in Colombia, all four brothers credited Fr. Rafael Sanabria, CSV, who served as vocation director and pre-novice director at the time these brothers entered the community. Having died last year, his absence was clearly noticable. After the vow ceremony, the brothers shared a joyous lunch with their well-wishers. In January, they resumed their teaching duties, with Br. Edwin and Br. Enrique returning to Colegio San Viator in Bogotá and Br. John and Br. Juan David returning to Colegio San Viator in Tunja.

Fr. Daniel Hall gives his final blessing upon (L-R) Br. Juan David Ramirez, Br. Enrique Medina, Br. Edwin Barreto and Br. John Avellaneda.