Viator Spring 2023

Servant Leadership and the Viatorian Community

In early February the Provincial Council met for three days in Las Vegas at St. Viator Parish to discuss relevant business, but especially to share with one another our vision and hopes for the leadership we have been called on to provide to the Province over the next four years. We have known one another for many years as brothers in community, but this meeting gave us the opportunity to reflect on how we plan to work together, taking into consideration each one’s talents and how those talents can best serve the Viatorian Community.

The first morning of our meeting we spent some time considering what the Community and the Church was asking from us as we begin this ministry of leadership. While the Viatorian mission and charism were front and center in our minds, we began by looking at Vatican II’s document on religious life, Perfectae Caritatis. The “job description” was clearly defined. … to strive to build a community of brothers or sisters in Christ, in which God is sought and loved before all things — solicitously to care for and visit the sick, to correct the restless, to console the faint of heart, and to be patient toward all. (PC 2)

As with all ministry the “patience” part of this job description is perhaps the most challenging, and it is important to remember as we become involved with the many personalities in the Community as well as with those working with us in the mission.

One of the helpful sources for inspiration for leadership that I have found is what is now a classic book by Robert Greenleaf called Servant Leadership. After analyzing various models of leadership in both the secular world and the Church, Greenleaf proposes “servant leadership” as the most effective way

of inspiring people to work together and realize the mission of a particular group. Not surprisingly, he based this model on Jesus’ teaching on leadership contained in the Gospels. How do you know if a leader is really embracing this form of leadership? Greenleaf contends that … the best test, and the most difficult to administer, is this: Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?

The council then considered the various personalities that modeled leadership in the early Christian Community in the Acts of the Apostles. As members of the Provincial Council we pledged ourselves to a kind of leadership to which Jesus called his disciples. Because of our own weaknesses and limitations, it is not that we will always successfully be servant leaders. But this is the ideal toward which we will strive, taking seriously Jesus’ admonition to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45).

Provincial:

Fr. Mark Francis, CSV

Editor: Fr. Thomas Long, CSV

Director of Communications:

Eileen O’Grady Daday

Editorial Board:

Eileen O’Grady Daday

Br. John Eustice, CSV

Mr. Daniel Masterton

Mrs. Rebecca Skirvin

Layout and Design: Dianna Ehrenfried, Visualedge, Inc

Email: news@viatorians.com

Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial

New Provincial Council Accepts a Call to Leadership

In a process steeped in tradition, Viatorians of the Province of Chicago chose Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, as their provincial, along with members of his Provincial Council. The election took place in November, and these new Viatorian leaders were installed in December.

“I am humbled and challenged by the confidence my brother Viatorians have placed in me by my election as provincial,” Fr. Francis said. “We look upon the role of provincial as being the primary pastor of the province, elected to serve and care for all Viatorians in the U.S. and Colombia.”

Along with Fr. Francis, the membership elected Fr. Edgar Suarez, CSV, of Bogotá and Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, of Las Vegas to serve on the Provincial Council. Fr. Francis later appointed Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, of Las Vegas as Assistant Provincial and Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, who lives in Arlington Heights, as another Councilor.

After serving as Superior General of the worldwide Viatorian Community from 2000 to 2012, and leading Catholic Theological Union as its president for the last seven years, Fr. Francis now serves as the 19th Provincial to lead the U.S. Province.

“This role also entails being attentive to how we are accomplishing our mission as witnesses to Jesus Christ and followers of Fr. Louis Querbes our founder, who reached out to the poor, the young, and those on the periphery of society, assuring them of God’s love, care and concern,” he added. “I was able to say ‘yes’ to this challenge because of

my confidence in the prayers and support of all the members of the province.”

The election of a new provincial happens once every four years, drawing professed Viatorians together from throughout the United States and Colombia. According to the constitution of the Clerics of St. Viator, voting needs to be in person. Consequently, Viatorians gathered at the Province Center in Arlington Heights and nearly 20 convened in Bogotá, participating via Zoom, in electing a new Provincial Superior and members of his council.

Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, Superior General, oversaw the election, while Fr. Claudio Rios, CSV, Vicar General, oversaw the process in Colombia.

In returning to leadership, Fr. Francis brings a strong background to the role. He first met the Viatorians while attending Saint Viator High School, and he professed his first vows in 1976, five years after graduating. Fr. Francis earned a degree in history from Loyola University in Chicago, followed by his Master’s in Divinity and a Master of Arts in Theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He then earned his Doctorate in Liturgy from the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of Sant’Anselmo in Rome.

“We on the Council pledge to help the province — professed and associates — to always focus on this mission given to us,” Fr. Francis said during the installation service in December, “to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and raise up communities where the faith is lived, deepened and celebrated.”

Fr. Mark Francis, CSV

Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV

Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV Br. Michael Gosch, CSV

Fr. Edgar Suarez, CSV

From the Book of Micah: Act Justly, Love Tenderly and Walk Humbly

Amanda is an active fifth grader at St. Viator Parish School in Las Vegas, and her joy is contagious. She loves to greet her classmates and teachers alike, and she shines on the cheerleading squad and in choir. In class, she is reading and navigating her assignments on her iPad independently. Amanda has attended St. Viator since first grade, following in the footsteps of her older brother, Luke. As a student with Down syndrome, she is able to attend the school because of its groundbreaking Micah Program 6:8, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It is the only inclusion program of its kind in a Catholic school in the state of Nevada. The program takes its lead from the Book of Micah, in the Old Testament: “Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God and each other.”

The Micah Program aims to provide students with physical and intellectual learning disabilities a Christ-centered environment in which to learn. The program strives to maximize each student’s abilities by developing the whole person, academically and socially.

The Viatorian Community has supported the program from the start, with annual grants that cover the cost of a salary for one of its teachers. Members of the new Provincial Council visited the school in February, to learn more about the program, and once again they renewed their financial pledge.

“When we started the Micah Program, we — the school and parish community — thought we were doing something special to help our Micah children,” says Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, Pastor and Assistant Provincial.”

“Ten years later, we learned the Micah Children did something for us. Our students are more aware and more accepting, more generous with care and compassion,” he says. “I see the same thing in our faculty, staff and families. Twice a year, the parish takes up a special collection for the Micah Program and parishioners always respond generously,” Fr. Rinn adds, “Many have told me, ‘I am proud to be a part of a parish that has a program

like this.’ The Micah children are a tug on the heart strings, and we are a better community for it.” This rare inclusive program drew its current principal, Mrs. Katie Kiss, to St. Viator in 2021. She had worked in Catholic schools for more than 20 years, but had never experienced a program like this one.

“At our school we approach each child with the mindset of ‘different needs can and will be met here,’” Mrs. Kiss says. “We believe each child of God must have an opportunity for Catholic education and our team works together to unlock the enormous potential within these special children.”

Students in the program have had Down syndrome, epilepsy and cerebral palsy, as well as ADHD and on the Autism spectrum. Three of its graduates are now in high school, and eight are current students, with 10 on the waitlist. Of the current students, five have siblings that attend the school and two have parents that went to St. Viator, says Mrs. Angela Sligar, learning support specialist for the Micah Program.

“The program has grown tremendously,” Mrs. Sligar says.

“Our special students are also involved in extracurricular activities including sports, student government, choir, cheerleading and recorders. Two students are now in fifth grade and are Peace Pals, mentoring younger students.”

Amanda loves attending the same school as her older brother, Luke.

The St. Viator cheer squad has embraced having Amanda on the team.

Deacon Associate Michael Underwood and Principal Katie Kiss with some of the Micah students

Q.

A.

As athletic director of Saint Viator High School, can you tell us how many sports, athletes and coaches you oversee?

Saint Viator has 32 athletic programs that entails 70 different levels. Each year between 75-80 percent of students par ticipate in at least one sport (28% in two spor ts) with 110 coaches sharing their knowledge and passion with our student-athletes.

Q . You just made your first commitment as an associate last summer, tell us about the discernment process. W hat did you like about it?

A.

Q. Tell us about your decision to become an associate? You’re a graduate of Saint Viator High School and a member of the administration. What prompted you to take the next step?

A.

I am a product of a Catholic school upbringing. Attending Our Lady of the Wayside, Saint Viator and L oras College (18 years of Catholic School Education) formed who I am today! I have worked and coached in Catholic schools my entire adult life, inc luding 25 years leading young people in the mission, vision and values of the Viatorians and S aint Viator High School. It was a no-brainer in my mission as a Viatorian educator to take the next steps to become a lay associate.

Q. What were your impressions of the Viatorians when you attended the high school? Were any of them impor tant mentors to you?

A.

I only had one Viatorian teacher when I attended Saint Viator (Fr. George Harris). I have always respected and looked up to priests, deacons and nuns. I have grown closer to the Viatorians as an adult through mentorship/relationships, many who have assisted me in becoming the man and leader I am today! Specifically, Fr. Corey Brost and Fr. Charlie Bolser have been great supporters in my faith exploration and growth as an administrator for the Saint Viator Community.

Q.

The discernment process created an opportunity for me to look deep into my mind, heart and soul, chalenging some of my best practices, thoughts and beliefs. This fruitful, internal discussion, along with those whom I trust most in the Viatorian community led me to the decision to join the Viatorian community for years to come.

We always ask how you’re animating the Viatorian mission in your work. Can you tell us about how you’re incorporating those values into Saint Viator athletics?

A.We implemented “The Viator Way” in athletics, encouraging student athletes and coaches to S.T.R.I.V.E. to do everything well so that through us Jesus may be adored and loved. The six characteristics that we created with S.T.R.I.V.E., through V iatorian doctrine, assist in forming what we believe each student-athlete and coach should exemplify.

S. - Sacrifice Intentionally

T. - Thrive Spiritually

R . - Rise Above Negativity

I. - Ignite the Community

V. - Value Adversity

E. - Embrace Gratitude

I feel blessed on a daily basis to be part of the V iatorian Community as an administrator and Athletic Director at Saint Viator High School. I look forward to the important conversations, reflections and decisions our community will make to keep the spirit of Fr. Louis Querbes and Saint Viator alive for years to come.

Associate Jason Kuffel made his first commitment as a Viatorian associate last summer, but his journey with the Viatorians goes back nearly three decades, to his freshman year at Saint Viator High School, in 1995. We wondered what drew him back to the school, where he now is the Athletic Director.

Associate Jason Kuffel

Building Vocations Awareness Through a Creative Lens

In vocation ministry, collaboration is the name of the game, with associates, professed and other community members working together to further discernment in our communities.

Take Cristo Rey St. Martin in Waukegan. Director of Campus Ministry Jim Dippold regularly invites Viatorians to be a part of retreats. Most recently, Br. Peter Lamick, CSV and Br. Jhobany Orduz, CSV joined Br. John Eustice, CSV, our Director of Vocation Ministry, at a student retreat. They shared vocation stories and helped students break open God’s invitations, including considerations of religious life or priesthood.

In Arlington Heights, Associate Ann Perez assists Fr. Daniel Lydon, CSV, President, with animating mission. Mrs. Perez and the Theology Department have been working with Br. Eustice year over year to incorporate more vocational discernment in the four-year curriculum. Br. Lamick, Associate Brian Hansen, and their colleagues have helped build perennial activities, including the vocations fair and special classroom visits by Viatorians.

Additionally, Br. Lamick, Br. Orduz, and Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, who live in Arlington Heights, are bringing vocational discernment to Viatorian communities in Nevada. The three brothers teamed with Associate Rosy Hartz and Br. Eustice to compile a video for Cristo Rey St. Viator. Administrators Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, and Br. Carlos Flórez, CSV, used the video to help students explore vocations during Catholic Schools Week. These brothers also adapted

Saint Viator High School plans to take them on the road to theology students at Viatorian-founded Bishop Gorman High School.

In Bourbonnais, Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV, enlisted Vocation Ministry to collaborate on an Advent reflection series for St. George Parish. Vocation Ministry helped create handouts and a display banner while parish Associates Paula Wasser and Curt Saindon contributed reflections to the series. Across town, Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, and Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, hosted a “Come and Be” weekend on behalf of Vocation Ministry. Br. Eustice invited several religious sisters, brothers and priests to join the parish for Masses and engage with parishioners afterwards. Additionally, Associates Michelle and Ken Barrie and colleagues at Bishop McNamara Catholic School invited Br. Eustice to talk about vocations on one of their retreats.

In the wider community, vocation colleagues often invite Viatorian collaboration. Br. Eustice has visited the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University for several vocation-related events. Viatorians also participated in St. Hubert Parish’s (Hoffman Estates, IL) major annual event with vocations outreach to their youth, and at a vocations event at St. Mary School (Buffalo Grove, IL), which is led by a former SVHS teacher.

Our provincial strategic plan aims to capture and build on this momentum with its first goal: increasing vocations to Viatorian religious life and association. Together, Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, our Coordinator of Association, Br. Eustice, and Pre-Associate Dan Masterton are leading a team of Viatorians focused on vocation ministry. The goal is to inculcate a culture of vocations awareness across the province. The group is identifying methods and formation to help Viatorians be the voice of God’s invitation to religious life and association. We believe our faithful prayer and action will continue to build vocations culture and attract people to Viatorian association and religious life.

Br. John Eustice talks about vocations at Maternity BVM Parish

Br. John Eustice joined other religious at a vocations event at Saint Mary Parish in Buffalo Grove, IL

Cristo Rey St. Viator Announces a New President

It was a momentous occasion when Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial, traveled to Las Vegas in March in his role as the chairman of the Board of Governors of Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory High School.

He came to the announce a new president of the school. Acting on the recommendation of a search committee and the school’s board of trustees, he introduced Lisa Cano-Burkhead, who succeeds the school’s founding president, Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV.

Cano-Burkhead brings a strong background as a teacher and administrator to the role, but she also is familiar with the Viatorians and their education-driven mission. She served on the board of Cristor Rey St. Viator from its opening in 2019 to 2021, before she was appointed by Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak to serve as Lieutenant Governor.

As President, Cano-Burkhead will be responsible for leading and upholding academic and ethical standards of the school while supporting the school’s mission to educate young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose and service.

Additionally, Cano-Burkhead will help build partnerships and engage with Southern Nevada businesses and organizations that can offer entry-level paying jobs to Cristo Rey St. Viator’s High School students. Her efforts will help expand the school’s corporate work study program and amplify opportunities for students as they gain valuable professional experience while earning their school tuition.

“As a first-generation Latina and college student, being named president at Cristo Rey St. Viator means so much because I have the privilege to lead a school that serves other first-generation college students,” Cano-Burkhead said.

“I have dedicated my life’s work to removing barriers for students and parents, and I look forward to continuing that work for the students and families at Cristo Rey St. Viator.”

Fr. Francis and Fr. von Behren both said they looking forward to working with Cano-Burkhead, and that they value her work with the school, including when she served as a consultant, developing the academic leadership team

through coaching and mentoring, and working to establish long-term goals with administration.

“I am delighted with the appointment of Lisa Cano-Burkhead as the new president of Cristo Rey St Viator college Preparatory High School,” Fr. Francis said. “Lisa comes with a wealth of experience as a leader in education and public service. She is also a person of faith with a deep commitment to the gospel and the values that flow from Catholic Social Teaching.”

“She will be building on the foundation begun by Fr. Tom von Behren to offer educational opportunities to young people who would not ordinarily be able to receive a quality education preparing them for college,” he added. “The Viatorian Community pledges its prayerful support to Lisa as she begins this important role as President of Cristo Rey St. Viator.”

Cano-Burkhead holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and Spanish from University of Redlands, a master’s degree in Secondary Education with emphasis in Multicultural Education from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and education certifications from UNLV, Georgetown University and the Public Education Foundation. She is the recipient of several local awards within the education field including: KSNV’s “Outstanding Teacher” in 1999; Nevada Association of Student Councils’ “Administrator of the Year” in 2008; and the Heart of Education’s “Best-in-Class School Leadership” in 2016.

Cano-Burkhead has held several positions within Clark County School District since 1995, including as a teacher at Boulder City High School, dean of students and assistant principal at Eldorado High School, principal at Fertitta Middle School, teacher and principal at Foothill High School, and Area 4 administrative assistant to the superintendent.

Lisa Cano-Burkhead, new Cristo Rey St. Viator President, with her husband, Jeffrey, and daughters Raquel and Sofia, as well as Fr. Thomas von Behren, Mr. and Fr. Mark Francis

Lisa Cano-Burkhead with Fr. Thomas von Behren

Rededicating Sacred Space at Saint Viator High School

The Alumni Memorial Chapel, on the second floor of Saint Viator High School, dates back more than 60 years to the school’s opening in 1961. Over the years, it has undergone many changes going from a traditional chapel with church pews, tile flooring and religious imagery to a more contemporary setting with individual chairs, a light blue tray ceiling for more light, as well as more modern art work. Through it all, the chapel has remained the heart of the school.

Over the past six months, Fr. Daniel Lydon, CSV, President, has led a campaign to strike a balance between the two interpretations, weaving together some of the chapel’s original altars and carvings while adding a dramatic backdrop, new tabernacle, marble-topped baptismal font and an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The renovation started in August, with the arrival of a pair historic statues of Mary and Joseph holding the infant Jesus. The statues date back to the 19th Century in Italy. They are carved out of white marble and each one weighs nearly 600 pounds. Originally, they were commissioned by Viatorians for St. Viator College, which they established in Bourbonnais in 1865. However, a disastrous fire in 1906 destroyed every building on campus except the gymnasium and dining hall, but miraculously they were able to save the statues.

When Viatorians closed the college in 1938, the statues moved to one of their residences on Sheridan Road in Chicago. Viatorians sold that building in the 1980s and the statues moved with them. In recent years, the statues have been in storage in the Province Center and now they are once again seeing the light of day.

The statues are set in front of a navy, hand stenciled backdrop, which appears like fleurde-lis, subtly reflecting the Viatorians’ French heritage. Additional enhancements include the marble-topped baptismal font near the entrance – Associate Cathy Abrahamian coordinates all of the baptisms in the chapel, and there are many – and all new church chairs that match the chapel’s navy design. A focal point is its new tabernacle. The family of Associate John Paulik, a former religion teacher at Saint Viator, donated the gold plated tabernacle, with Viatorian symbols inset on its doors and set atop of an original marble altar to the chapel, with the Viatorian crest on the front. Fr. Lydon and a committee of school officials worked on the renovation with the specialists at Daprato Rigaldi Studios in Chicago, whose mission is to preserve and enhance ecclesiastical art.

Fr. Lydon formally rededicated the chapel during a family Mass in February. Right from the start, he reaffirmed the school’s mission: that as a Catholic, college-preparatory community of learning, Saint Viator is called to provide religious formation and an academic program of excellence to young men and women.

Fr. Daniel Lydon blesses the new tabernacle and the chapel’s original crucifix.

Statues of Joseph holding the infant Jesus and Mary originally were commissioned for St. Viator College, which opened in 1865.

Statue of St. Viator still holds a place of prominence.

The chapel features all new, navy chairs which blend with the hand stenciled mural behind the altars.

Fr. Daniel Lydon blesses the new baptismal font.

Steady Growth Continues at Viatorian School in Colombia

Colegio San Viator in Tunja keeps growing, both in enrollment numbers and in its campus facilities.

Viatorians are beginning their seventh year of running the school, after taking it over from another religious congregation in 2016. Set amid the Eastern range of the Colombian Andes, the school features all the qualities of a Viatorian education, namely one that is faith-based, bilingual and pastoral, with professed Viatorians on its faculty and staff.

“By the grace of God and with the constant work of our religious, the school continues to grow,” says Fr. Fredy Contreras, CSV, Rector, who works with these Viatorians: Fr. Pedro Herrera, Br. John Avellaneda, Br. Diego Carvajal, Br. Juan Carlos Ubaque and Br. Juan Ramirez.

Currently, the school has 780 students enrolled, and every year they register around 100 new students. Its sustained growth reflects the reputation the Viatorians have developed in Colombia, for their quality education offered in their schools in Tunja and in Bogotá.

“In order to better serve our students and the needs of our staff, we have been updating, improving, expanding and creating new services and places,” says Fr. Contreras.

outdoors, including soccer fields and basketball courts. When it rains – especially last year, 2022, it rained a lot – this was chaotic, with lots of breaks in our sports and physical education classes.”

Additional new spaces include offices for school counselors, administrators, teachers and admissions. School officials also enlarged the kitchen space, creating new storage rooms and providing modern equipment, while also replacing the roof of the dining hall.

The school employs 130 faculty, staff and maintenance employees. Consequently, renovation plans included providing a new dining room, instruction space and offices, as well as an adequate facility for meeting and break rooms.

The school’s pastoral team continues to be at the center of the colegio’s mission, organizing retreats, including going outside the city of Tunja to Moniquirá. The pastoral team also has started sacramental preparation courses for the first reconciliation, communion and confirmation, with the plan of celebrating these sacraments in October.

“As Viatorians, we continue to respond to our commitment to reach out to those accounted of little importance,” Fr. Contreras says, “by offering a scholarship program that supports the children of our employees, some families in need and through solidarity campaigns to other children, youth and immigrants in the city.”

Finally, the school has been consolidating its academic, sports, artistic and cultural fields, with the goal of being recognized as an International Bilingual School. Colegio San Viator also will graduate its second class of International Baccalaureate (IB) students.

He points to additional classroom space and specialized rooms for preschool students, as well as building new playgrounds for children for their physical development and recreation.

“Our school does not have a covered space for sports, we do not have a gym,” Fr. Contreras adds. “All sports activities take place

“As you can see, there are many challenges that we must continue to face,” Fr. Contreras says, “but with confidence in God, St. Viator and in Fr. Louis Querbes, we believe that everything we dream and do will always be for the glory of God and service to the Church.”

The expansion of Colegio San Viator features new classrooms for preschoolers.

Faculty have their own area for offices, dining and outdoor space. Without a gymnasium, fitness equipment for youngsters was added outdoors.

From the Archives: A Look Back at the Construction of the Residence Wing

As we celebrate the renovation of the Province Center’s Residence Wing, here are some photos showing the wing’s construction from September 1979 to February 1980. The last two photos are from the blessing ceremony on November 30, 1980.

From left: Fr. John Eck, Fr. Patrick Render, Fr. Chris Glancy, Fr. Dan Hall, Fr. Richard Pighini, November 30, 1980.

Laying the foundation, September 29, 1979. The exterior walls and the roof were completed in February 1980.

The completed residence wing, circa February 1980.

From left: Sr. Angelina Blanco, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Br. Michael Gosch, and Sr. Evangelina Sanchez, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and our Lady of Guadalupe, November 30, 1980.

Fr. John Palmer, CSV 1941 – 2023

Fr. John Palmer, CSV, was a Viatorian for 57 years and a priest for 52, but in reflecting on his many years of ministry, his confreres always described him this way: “He was a consummate musician.”

Fr. Palmer died April 2 after being hospitalized two days earlier. The Nova Scotia native was 81.

“Fr. Palmer was an extraordinary musician and a man of deep faith,” said Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial. “He was also an exceptional teacher whose students remember and appreciate him year after studying with him.”

Fr. Palmer was already a classically trained musician when he joined the Viatorian Community in 1966. His training included earning an MA in Music at Northwestern University, a performance diploma for organ at Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, a Licentiate in piano and a fellowship in organ, both from Trinity College of Music in London.

As a performer, Fr. Palmer gained recognition as an organist, giving recitals each year at Yorkminster Park Church, in Toronto, and as part of the distinguished artists series for CBC Radio in Canada. He also played at the Washington National Cathedral and the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

“While he was a seminarian he was invited to give an organ concert at the National Episcopal Cathedral in Washington DC,” recalls Fr. Patrick Render, CSV. “That was the first time many of us fellow seminarians saw his great skill and talent. His musical competence was extraordinary.”

Fr. Palmer also played several recitals in New York, from St Patrick’s Cathedral and St Thomas Church on 5th Avenue, to Columbia University. Overseas, he performed at several churches in England, including St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

For most of his career, Fr. Palmer served as professor of music at Benedictine University at Lisle, IL, where he taught from 1971 until he retired in 2004 as Professor Emeritus.

Fr. Palmer also provided sacramental ministry on weekends at St. Petronille Parish in Glen Ellyn, IL from 1987 until 2020.

Fr. Arnold Perham, CSV, recalled that Fr. Palmer was asked to play a concert at Saint Viator High School, before it merged with Sacred Heart of Mary High School.

“We were still an all boys’ school at the time, and there were some concerns that a classical concert might not go well,” Fr. Perham says. “But the combination of his narration and what to listen for – and his spectacular playing – well, you could have heard a pin drop.”

In retirement, Fr. Palmer moved in 2022 to the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights, where he lived among his retired confreres, taking part in daily Masses and evening prayers.

“One of his last projects was to study Bach’s Mass in B Minor,” Fr. Francis added. “He told me he was in awe of this great musician who wrote music that revealed a profound spirituality and confidence in God in Christ. I imagine John listening to these heavenly chords now with Bach in the divine presence.”

A Mass of Christian Burial took place April 5 at the Province Center. Fr. Palmer was interred with his Viatorian confreres at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.

He will be missed.

Viatorian Retirement Wing Experiences New Life

The retirement wing at the Viatorian Province Center has never looked better. After five months of construction, and months of planning, the long-awaited renovation was completed, allowing the retired men to move back into their suites in December – just in time for Christmas.

In the weeks leading up to it, paintings were hung, rooms were painted, carpeting laid, furniture moved in, and phones and computers set up. A blessing of the wing and open house took place in March, drawing Viatorian associates, brothers and priests from the Arlington Heights/Chicago and Bourbonnais/Kankakee regions, as well as Province Center staff.

“We’re thrilled,” says Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial, who served on the renovation committee. “We didn’t change the footprint, but it appears larger and more open because of all of the improved lighting.”

“The architect (Michael Arenson of SAS Architects) is very pleased with how it turned out,” Fr. Francis added. “He said we’ve remained true to the building’s original architecture and even enhanced it by removing all of the soffits and revealing the original sightlines.”

Fr. Mark Francis visits with Associates Jason Kuffel and Cathy Abrahamian after the blessing.

Sandy Stephenson, project manager, adjusts the pinpoint lighting over one of the paintings in the wing.

Peter Paul Zarraga, one of the CNAs who staff the wing, enjoys his new desk and monitoring station.

The hallways in the residence wing appear brighter after the construction (Photo by SAS Architects & Planners LLC)

Highlights of the project include a new HVAC system that allows individuals to control the temperature in their own suite. A new CNA station was created from the space formerly used by a private chapel. The highlight of the new updates is the new vision for the community room. A pillar wall is the focal point, with a large screen TV on one side and a stained-glass window from the private chapel on the other. Beneath both is a double-sided gas fireplace, enclosed in a brick exterior.

The reading room also was re-done, with a new built-in bookcase and comfortable chairs around a table for reading. A panel of windows facing east lights up the room with morning sun.

Many of the original paintings, from the Viatorians’ extensive religious art collection, were hung down the main corridors of the retirement wing. A sophisticated lighting system, features overhead, pinpoint spotlights suspended by wires, resulting in these timeless paintings beautifully illuminated, and all with the touch of one switch.

Fr. Thomas Long, CSV, remembered when the original retirement wing was built, in 1980, as an addition to the Province Center.

“The original intent was for retired – but active – Viatorians to live there,” he said. “By repurposing it, we’re taking better care of our aging members, with some larger suites and a CNA station.”

Besides, he adds, Viatorians living in the wing still contribute to the community and its supporters through their communal life and prayer, such as offering morning and evening vespers, and prayer intentions at daily Mass.

At the blessing in March, Fr. Francis declared it to be a “joyful day.”

“In your name, Lord, may we make this home a place of love and hospitality, for all who live and enter here.”

The community room was opened up, with a brick pillar wall featuring a large TV screen on one side and a stained-glass window from the private chapel on the other. A two-sided gas fireplace is below and it opens up into a kitchen area and island, with seating arrangements (Photo by SAS Architects & Planners LLC.)

The reading room bathed in blue tones and floor to ceiling windows, which face east (Photo by SAS Architects & Planners LLC.).

Celebrating Our Jubilarians

Fr. Arnold Perham, CSV 75 Years of Religious Life

He is the senior member of the Viatorian Community in this Province, and a career mathematician who has inspired countless students. But it’s not vectors and equations that Fr. Arnold Perham, CSV, reflected on in a recent podcast episode for the Viatorians. It was his story of how he came to join the Viatorian Community, 75 years ago.

And it’s a veritable history tour, from his birth two weeks after the stock market crash in 1929 — the same year St. Viator Parish in Chicago was dedicated — to his years at St. Viator School during World War II, to the bombing of Pearl Harbor in his sophomore year.

“The priests and nuns (at St. Viator School) took it upon themselves to be beacons of hope,” Fr. Perham says. “They developed an environment where the kids felt at ease, welcomed and safe.”

In his own long teaching career, including 50 years at Saint Viator High School, Fr. Perham has paid that welcoming spirit forward. While he formally retired in 2002, he still helps prepare math team students for the difficult oral competition as part of the state championship series.

When he’s not working with mathletes, Fr. Perham designs problems of his own for members of Saint Viator’s Querbes Scholars program. He corresponds with students through Google Classroom on these problems which are designed to weave in technology with the students’ understanding of mathematical concepts.

“I love it,” Fr. Perham says. “It gives me a reason to get up in the morning. Any time you can work with young people, it’s a good thing.”

This year’s project is especially challenging, since it will be introducing students to ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot, or software that simulates human conversation. It was developed by Microsoft and Open AI and just launched in November. Students will be asked to answer some quantitative questions about the characters in Pride & Prejudice, using the ChatGPT tool.

Understanding artificial intelligence and the latest Microsoft programs do not intimidate Fr. Perham. At 93 years young, he is the epitome of a lifelong learner.

Last year, Fr. Perham developed a project using Palladio, a software visualization tool developed by Stanford’s Humanities + Design Lab. This unique tool helps illustrate maps, network graphs, and data tables. It’s all in a day’s work for this Viatorian, who celebrates 75 years of religious life and 67 years of priesthood this year. He has devoted his life to advancing the Viatorian mission of accompanying young people in the church, and remaining committed to their faith development and active membership in their respective faith communities.

Fr. Daniel Nolan, CSV 50 Years of Religious Life

Fr. Daniel Nolan, CSV, celebrates 50 years of religious life this year. A native of Las Vegas, he first met the Viatorians as a student at Bishop Gorman High School. He made his first profession of vows in 1973, after graduating with a degree in secondary education from University of Nevada at Las Vegas. He would go on to study at Loyola University in Chicago for one year before earning his Master’s in Divinity at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Fr. Nolan began his ministry as a teacher, at Alleman High School, from 1974-1979 before heading into parish ministry, serving as Parochial Vicar of St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas from 1982-1988. His next assignment would take him back to his alma mater, Bishop Gorman, where he served as a teacher, counselor and Campus Minister from 1998-1993.

From there, he would succeed Fr. Thomas Long, CSV, as the second pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Community in Henderson, NV, both from 1993-2001, and again from 2017 to 2019, when he retired.

During the ensuing 16 years, Fr. Nolan served in vocations and as Director of Formation for the Viatorians, before serving as a dormitory rector at the University of Notre Dame for three years. He also served as a chaplain at hospitals in California and Chicago, and in Campus Ministry at Mercy College of Health Ministry in Des Moines.

In retirement, Fr. Nolan moved last year into the residence wing of the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights.

Arnold Perham, CSV

Fr. Daniel Nolan, CSV

Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV 50 Years of Priesthood

Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV, celebrates his 50th jubilee as a priest this year – and 60 years of religious life -- and his devotion to proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ seems as strong as ever. In reflecting back on the year 1963, when he professed his first vows and left his fulltime job at the U.S. Post Office, he describes it as a “very interesting year.”

“This journey has been an education about life; the struggle for growth and possibility,” Fr. Bolser says. “I have learned that everyone is different; the diversity of creation, always moving ahead; evolving. Each of brings our own strengths and weaknesses to the whole as we struggle to become who we are meant to be, and to assist others along the way as others assist us.”

Officially retired, he regularly celebrates Mass at Holy Family Catholic Community in suburban Inverness, with the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago and for the developmentally disabled adults of St. Coletta’s Foundation of Illinois. He also celebrates Mass at two area senior living communities in Arlington Heights, the Lutheran Home and the Moorings.

Yet, even in retirement, he continues to stay busy. He leads two Bible study groups, one for men and another for women, but he also shares his insights into the gospels during regular liturgies.

He also serves as chaplain of Saint Viator High School, regularly offering Mass for students and faculty, and attending athletic, fine arts and other extracurricular activities where he delights in catching up with alumni and their families.

“Lives are filled with joy and love, anxiety and pain, but most of all – wonder,” Fr. Bolser says. “To be able to stand on our little earth, on the edge of a massive universe that is constantly changing and growing is to stand in wonder at the beauty and miracle of life itself and to realize that we are all part of that journey.”

Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV 50 Years of Religious Life

Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, holds a special place in the Viatorian Community. He was among the first group of students to attend a private school started in 1963 by Viatorian missionaries in Bogotá, Colombia, Colegio San Viator. He would go on to be the first vocation to come from the school.

Fr. Herrera entered the Viatorian Community in 1973, after completing his degree in modern languages at Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, and just five years after graduating from the colegio. He ultimately earned degrees in philosophy and theology and a master’s degree in counseling before being ordained in 1980 into the priesthood.

While pursuing advanced degrees, Fr. Herrera returned to his beloved colegio to teach. He taught religion and served as the director of the elementary school before serving as its president. Fr. Pedro also grew in leadership within the foundation of Colombia, serving as treasurer, director of novices and as superior.

Over his many decades in religious life, Fr. Bolser has spent most of his career in high schools, first as a teacher at Griffin High School in Springfield before joining the administration at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights and at Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep in Waukegan. He also has spent years in pastoral work, serving as pastor of Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais and St. Viator Parish in Chicago, his last parish assignment.

Last fall, Fr. Pedro accepted a new assignment, to serve as president of the Viatorians’ second school in Colombia, Colegio San Viator Tunja.

“I think the Viatorians have demonstrated a high standard of quality education,” Fr. Pedro says, “and an immense concern for Christian formation during their 60 years of presence in Colombia.”

Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV

Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV

Clerics of St. Viator

1212 E. Euclid Avenue

Arlington Heights, IL 60004-5799

Newsletter –Spring 2023

Around the Province...

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Parishioners at St. Patrick Parish in Kankakee planned a special celebration for two of their Viatorian priests: Fr. John Peeters, CSV, their pastor who is celebrating 40 years of priesthood this year, and Fr. Donald Wehnert, CSV, a former associate pastor still in residence, who celebrates 60 years of priesthood. The liturgy took place April 30 and a reception followed at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, Superior General, welcomed Viatorian provincials from around the world to the Extraordinary General Council on April 24. The gathering takes place every year and draws provincials from all of the Viatorians’ international provinces, including Canada, Chile, Spain, the United States and the delegation of France. This year’s meeting took place at the Province Center in Arlington Heights. The meeting is conducted in the spirit of international solidarity and intended to share ways to promote the development of the Viatorian mission around the world. Provincials described the status of Viatorian institions and personnel in their countries to Fr. Egan and his councilors, including Br. Benoit Tremblay of Canada, Fr. André Crozier of France, Fr. Claudio Ríos of Chile and Fr. Carlos Orduna, a native of Spain serving in the Ivory Coast.

Br. John Eustice, CSV, will be ordained a transitional deacon in July. It’s one of the major orders toward ordination. As a transitional deacon, he can preach, baptize and witness marriages. Br. Eustice currently lives and helps out at Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais.

Fr. Donald Fitzsimmons, CSV, worked as a teacher and counselor in his active years of ministry, including assignments at Spalding Institute and Saint Viator High School. But he also stayed focused on his favorite hobby: photography. This spring, he donated several hundred color slides to the Viatorian archives. The slides were taken in the late 1970s and early 1980s and show an array of subjects, including still life prints, cityscapes and nature scenes, as well as closeups of plants and flowers in

area.

the Chicago

Fr. John Peters, CSV

Fr. Donald Wehnert

Fr. Robert M. Egan, second from left, with members of the General Direction, including (L-R) Br. Benoit Tremblay of Canada, Fr. Claudio Rios of Chile, Fr. Carlos Orduna of the Ivory Coast and Fr. Andre Crozier of France

Br. John Eustice

Fr. Donald Fitzsimmons beside his photo of an orchid which took first place in a contest held at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL.

Photo of a bumble bee on a dahlia by Fr. Donald Fitzsimmons

Photo of a purple gloxinia by Fr. Donald Fitzsimmons