Dedicating a New San Viator Parish in Bogotá

The Viatorian Community and the Province of Chicago celebrated the dedication of its newest namesake parish: San Viator Parish in Bogotá, Colombia. “It was so motivating for the parish community to celebrate in our new place,” said Fr. Edgar Suarez, CSV, Pastor. The dedication was a dream come true for Fr. Suarez and his congregation of more than 1,000 families, but it also came exactly 60 years after the Viatorians first arrived in Colombia to start Colegio San Viator, a parochial school educating students through high school in Bogotá, and another school, Colegio San Viator in Tunja, in 2016.

This is the first parish in Colombia named for the community patron saint, St. Viator. Its construction began in September 2020, after years of fundraising and waiting for building permits. Fr. Suarez and his parishioners celebrated in their new church for the first time last year on Easter, despite it not being fully finished. They also gathered again July 16, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which was their deadline to complete most of the work. The formal dedication took place on December 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in a solemn ritual handed down by the ancient church. Msgr. German Medina Acosta, Auxiliary Bishop of Bogotá, led the blessing and concelebrated the Mass with Fr. Suarez. In all, the Mass drew nearly one dozen priests and deacons, including many Viatorians, to gather around the altar. Before the Mass began, Bishop Acosta consecrated the altar and its relics and then blessed the rest of the sanctuary and other parts of the church, as prescribed by the sacred rite. The celebration concluded with a special ceremony honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, including songs of praise by a mariachi band.

The timing of the dedication was no coincidence. It provided the chance to celebrate the new church on one of the many feast days of Mary, the patroness of Colombia.

Fr. Edgar Suarez offers the final benediction at the dedication Mass.