Spring Viator Newsletter 2024

A Time of Thankfulness and New Beginnings

Much has happened over the past months in the Viatorian Community. We have mourned the loss of three Viatorians who contributed much to our lives and ministry. We will miss the gentle presence of Fr. Al Syslo who went out of his way to serve “those considered of least importance;” Fr. Albeyro Vanegas who made a lasting impact on our educational mission in Colombia; and Br. John Dodd who served the community for many years as treasurer and whose efforts have secured our financial stability as a province. The lives of all three of these brothers gives us a reason to be thankful for God’s grace that was manifested through their presence among us. We give profound thanks this year for the 60 years of religious life and ministry of Fr. Lawrence Lentz who in serving as teacher, school administrator and pastor has immeasurably enriched the community.

We are also grateful for those of us who are beginning new ministries. Br. Jhobany Orduz, who was ordained a transitional deacon on April 6 and the upcoming ordination to the priesthood of Br. John Eustice in Las Vegas on June 8 give us reasons to look toward the future with hope as we discern how the Viatorians can be ever more effective in “living a lively and enlightened faith by serving the Word.” The appointment of Mr. Ryan Aiello as president of Saint Viator High School after a national search also marks a new beginning. His enthusiasm and vision promise a new and

productive chapter in the life of the school.

This past year, even more than others, has shown us in a powerful way that we belong to an international community. The presence of Viatorians from the Ivory Coast, Haiti, and Colombia living among us testify to the power of the Gospel to transcend national borders and to treasure the witness of our brothers from other countries who are also inspired by the legacy of Fr. Querbes.

This moment in time allows us to express to God our thankfulness for past blessings. It also gives us reasons to look toward the future with hope and confidence. Despite all the suffering and uncertainty in our world, we Viatorians have reason to proclaim that God in Christ is alive, at work among us.

Mark Francis, CSV Provincial

Saint Viator High School Welcomes New President

The newly named president of Saint Viator High School, Mr. Ryan Aiello, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having taught at the high school and college levels and worked in all areas of administration.

Yet, in introducing himself to Saint Viator’s Board of Trustees and Board of Governors, he boiled his background down to this: “I am a proud product of the teachers’ lounge, having grown up, literally and figuratively, alongside my father, an educator and coach for more than 40 years, and his colleagues. This experience has always framed my philosophy and practice, as has my Catholic faith.”

Mr. Aiello was named after a nationwide search. He officially starts his new position on May 20, when he will be the 12th president at Saint Viator High School. At the Night of the Lion, the school’s biggest fundraising event, Mr. Aiello was warmly received.

“I am so blessed to be here tonight celebrating the Saint Viator community,” he said after being introduced. “This is a truly humbling moment for me, and I am so excited for our future.”

He is a native Californian and earned an undergraduate and master’s degree in English at California State University in Chico. His teaching career includes high school positions in Erie, Colorado and Athens, Georgia, as well as teaching English classes at California State University in Chio and the University of Nebraska.

During his high school assignments, he also coached student athletes in track and field, boys’ and girls’ basketball and football.

Most recently, Mr. Aiello served as principal of Eastside Catholic High School in suburban Seattle. At the same time, he also

has worked in partnership with Eastside’s president in the areas of admissions, development, marketing, finance, planning and governance.

“Mr. Aiello is a mission-focused, student-centered visionary whose approach to leadership has been described as highly collaborative and consultative, wanting to ensure that all voices are heard,” Fr. Francis said. “His energy and enthusiasm for education are matched by his devotion to the Catholic faith.”

In describing his approach to education, Mr. Aiello again credited his father and his colleagues with getting to the heart of the matter: “Among the many lessons I learned from those committed educators, one stands out: establishing purposeful, engaged relationships with peers, parents and students is at the core of delivering dynamic learning experiences, whether in the classroom, on the court, or while serving side-by-side in the community.”

Mr. Aiello visited Saint Viator several times during the interview process, and he said he felt especially drawn to Saint Viator through its rich history, pioneering spirit, forward-thinking approach to academics and steadfast commitment to service and justice.

“I feel so blessed to be joining the outstanding, faith-filled Catholic community at Saint Viator High School as the next president,” Mr. Aiello said. “From the moment I first stepped foot on campus, I could feel the school’s deep commitment to developing students in mind, character and spirit. I look forward to partnering with our amazing students, faculty, staff, alumni and families to continue to honor the Viatorian charism and tradition, and to propel innovation and growth in the years to come.”

Fr. Thomas von Behren introduces the new president of Saint Viator High School, Mr. Ryan Aiello.

Ryan Aiello and his wife Kelly meet Principal Jon Baffico and his wife, Tiffani.

St. Viator Catholic Community Through the Years

2024 marks the 70-year anniversary of St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas. From its first location at St. Louis and Eastern Streets to the beautiful building now on Flamingo Road, here are photos of St. Viator Parish over the decades.

St. Viator Parish started in 1954 but did not get its first building until 1955. Groundbreaking was in mid-October 1955 and the parish celebrated its first Mass on Christmas Eve, 1955 in the new building, earning it the moniker “The 70 Day Miracle” from the Las Vegas Sun. Unfortunately, the building was constructed on an unofficial dump site, and as the landfill settled, the building became unstable and had to be razed.

After worshipping in storefront locations, as well as the Guardian Angel Shrine (now Guardian Angel Cathedral) and a multi-purpose hall, St. Viator Parish built a new church in 1977.

St. Viator Catholic Community continued to grow in the following decades and needed more space to accommodate its parishioners. In 1994, construction began on a new church. On October 22, 1995, one day after the feast of St. Viator, Bishop Daniel Walsh celebrated the dedication Mass in the new building.

Today, St. Viator Catholic Community is a vibrant parish with thousands of families in attendance and an extensive slate of ministries. It remains fully staffed by Viatorians.

Fifth Viatorian Deacon Ordained This Year

Br. Jhobany Orduz, CSV, has come a long way from his days working as a civil engineer in Bogotá. He now is one year away from being ordained to the priesthood and he is filled with joy at the many experiences in ministry he has had so far.

The latest came April 6 when he was ordained a transitional deacon, completing the last step in his formation before he transitions into priesthood. He is the fifth Viatorian to be ordained a deacon — this year.

Br. Koyé Hobbah François d’Alex, CSV, and Br. Kouadio N’Guessan Maurice, CSV, were ordained on the same day in the Ivory Coast, while Br. John Eustice, CSV, was ordained last summer and Br. Juan Carlos Ubaque, CSV, was ordained at the end of last year in Bogotá.

“This ordination is an opportunity to continue working with — and for — my community, but now through the ministry of service,” Br. Jhobany said.

The ordination took place at Maternity BVM Church in Bourbonnais, with nearly a dozen Viatorians on the altar — including some from his native Colombia — and many lay associates in attendance. The diaconal ordination Mass also drew members of the Hispanic community from St. Patrick Parish in nearby Momence, IL.

Fr. Frank Enciso, CSV, first introduced Br. Jhobany to the Viatorian Community back in 2010. At the time he was a trained civil engineer with a master’s degree in roads and infrastructure and a specialization in education administration, but he discerned a calling to religious life.

Fr. Enciso was one of the Viatorians from Colombia to attend the ordination and he found it rewarding to see Br. Jhobany continue his formation as a Viatorian.

“Jhobany’s ordination is a reason for gratitude to God,” Fr. Enciso said. “It gives me hope for the future in seeing this kind of commitment to our community.”

Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV, concelebrated the ordination Mass, with Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial, and Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, Pastor. The liturgy was enriched by the parish’s adult choir and instrumental music. Fr. Francis presented Br. Jhobany to Bishop Glancy, who through the imposition of his hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit carried out the ordination.

As part of the Mass, Br. Jhobany made his promise of obedience to Fr. Francis and to Bishop Ronald Hicks of the Diocese

of Joliet. He then lay prostrate on the floor, while the choir and the congregation invoked the intercession of the communion of saints by singing the Litany of the Saints.

“Lying prostrate before the altar was a reminder of my vulnerability before God,” Br. Jhobany says. “That time of prayer and reflection on my life was very significant for the ministry I am starting.”

Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV, was provincial when Br. Jhobany professed in perpetual vows. He was on hand at the ordination to help Br. Jhobany put on his first vestments, including a stole and dalmatic. Br. Jhobany then assisted during the consecration and distribution of the Eucharist.

Br. Jhobany will serve as a deacon for the next year at Maternity BVM, where Fr. Jason Nesbit will help him during this year of transition.

“I hope to continue to be open to God´s mercy in my life,” he added, “and become a source of his mercy for others.”

Br. Jhobany Orduz lies prostrate during the ordination.

As a newly ordained deacon, Br. Jhobany Orduz prepares to offer the consecrated wine during communion.

Q & A with Br. John Eustice, CSV

Br. John Eustice, CSV, will be ordained to the priesthood June 8 in his home parish of St. Thomas More Catholic Community in Henderson, NV. His first assignment will be to serve as Director of Campus Ministry and Chaplain of Saint Viator High School. We caught up with him to find out more about how he discerned a calling to the priesthood.

Q.

A.

You served as a religious brother for nearly 20 years before your ordination to the priesthood. How did you come to the decision to become a priest?

I have known from the time I was in scouts that serving people was part of who God has designed me to be. As an adult I have been finding different expressions of this service. I joined the Viatorians after college because I found a like-minded group of men who were also committed to serve young people. This is the core of my ministerial identity. After years of ministry, both among youth and my experience in Belize, the people began to ask me if I ever considered being a priest. I sincerely responded by saying if God is inviting me to that ministry, God would let me know clearly. There were many years and many people who served as that voice of God, whether it was through my reflecting on the Word of God in the villages, accompanying people who were going through tough times and would share with me their troubles, and through planning liturgies. I can remember an unmistakable sense where I knew within my being that God clearly opened my heart with the desire to be a presider within the liturgical life of the Church.

Q.A.

What are you looking forward to being able to do after your ordination?

I look forward to continuing to minister as I have been doing, this time with another set of tools to help engage people in the sacramental life of the Church. The sacraments will be more accessible to the ministries I am a part of because I won’t necessarily need to coordinate with another priest and his schedule. I will be able to provide another layer of ministry.

Q.

What are some of the benefits of being a religious brother?

A. This call to ordination only happened because of my life as a religious brother. It is truly integral to my identity, not only as a minister, but as a human being. The call to live communally with my Viatorian brothers is the base that sustains everything else that happens in my life. Being a brother to all helps me to be attentive to God’s invitation, to my personal prayer life, and to the way I operate in the world. I believe the call of a religious brother is to be a role model to all the baptized. All of this will be brought into the ordained priesthood I will exercise. I am grateful for the past two decades that I have lived the brothers’ vocation.

Q. You served as vocations director for the last six years, how did you describe Viatorian religious life to discerners?

A. I described Viatorians religious life as the source from where we all draw energy and inspiration to minister. In the way we live, we are encouraged to become more of who we already are, and the ministries we do come from that invitation. The goal is to become Viatorian first. Living in community provides the “home base” for the ways in which we proclaim Jesus Christ and his Gospel and raise up communities where faith is lived, deepened and celebrated.

Q. Was there a mentor who inspired you?

A.

It is difficult to name just one person, because the Holy Spirit has worked through all Viatorians in my life. When I was considering joining, Br. Corey Brost (my vocation director) was certainly a mentor, especially in the area of youth ministry and my introduction into community life. Fr. Bob Bolser, through his humor, excellent preaching and sincere accompaniment of young people who felt alone in the world, remains an example of how to be a gentle presence among those who experience life to be turbulent. Both of these men were brothers for a significant time before seeking ordination.

Meet the New Residents Living Above Saint Viator High School

Ever since the start of Saint Viator High School in 1961, Viatorians have lived in its third-floor residence. Separated from the rest of the school, the living space features individual bedrooms, as well as a private chapel, dining room, a large common area — complete with a fireplace, piano, TV and multiple clusters of furniture — and a rooftop deck.

For most of those years, Viatorians serving on the faculty and in its administration lived above the school, but more recently a new community of Viatorians has come together. Joining Fr. Corey Brost, Br. Michael Gosch, Fr. Daniel Hall, Br. John Avellaneda of Colombia, Fr. Jean-DidierSohotode of the Republic of Benin in West Africa, and Fr. Dudley Pierre and Br. Marc-Innocent Prophète, both of Haiti.

“It is truly an international community,” says Br. Michael Gosch, “that enjoys lively conversation during meals, prayer and attending various events.”

On a recent Saturday, a group of them — Br. Gosch, Br. Prophete, Br. Robertson and Fr. Sohotode — attended a prayer vigil for people who were recently killed in Chicago. They were joined by Viatorian Associate Chris Gucwa and Fr. Thomas Long. The next night, the third-floor community celebrated the 50th birthday of Fr. Pierre, by going out to dinner to at a nearby restaurant.

(ESL) courses at nearby colleges. But mostly they improve their conversational English through their daily interactions and by living in community with their American confreres.

Although Fr. Sohotode is a native of Benin, he completed his formation in the Foundation of Ivory Coast, another French speaking country. When he arrived in this country, he was determined to master the language.

“I’m getting better,” he says, “but I still need to practice.”

from the third-floor community celebrated the birthday of Fr. Dudley Pierre. Clockwise from left: Fr. Jean Didier Sohotode, Br. Marc-Innocent Prophete, Br. Rob Robertson, Fr. Pierre, Br. Michael Gosch, Fr. Corey Brost, Fr. Dan Lydon, Br. John Avellaneda and Fr. Dan Hall.

Br. John Avellaneda is improving as well, after taking ESL classes. He serves in the pastoral program at Colegio San Viator in Tunja, which is striving to become the Viatorians’ second bilingual school in Colombia.

Fr. Pierre is the former Superior of the Foundation of Haiti and in that role he accepted the first vows of Br. Prophète, in 2019. Fast forward nearly four years later and the two Viatorians are together again, with a new community of Viatorians who are supporting them during their time here to learn English.

“I love the community here,” says Fr. Sohotode, whose native language is French. “I have enjoyed getting to know my confreres in this country as well as being reunited with those from Haiti, whom I had met before.”

All the new international residents came here looking to study English. Consequently, they attend English as a Second Language

The brotherhood between these confreres advances one of the key priorities of the worldwide Viatorian Community: to strengthen the international solidarity among Viatorians and promote the vitality of the congregation.

Fr. Dan Hall, Fr. Corey Brost, Br. John Avellaneda and Br. Michael Gosch gather for prayer in the small chapel on the third floor.

Viatorians

Welcoming Discerners to a Residential Experience with Viatorians

Changes are in the works on the second floor of the Viatorian Province Center. Individual rooms are getting a makeover, a collage of photos are being prepared to hang – and most of all, Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, and Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, have moved in.

These two Viatorians are preparing what they are calling the House of Discernment, aimed at welcoming men who are discerning a call to Viatorian religious life.

Additionally, the Vocation Ministry Team hopes to offer experiences for discerners that enable them to assess their own attraction to the Viatorian mission. Long-term internship experiences will offer the opportunity for intensive involvement in the Viatorian mission, serving with professed and associate Viatorians.

The Residential Program Coordinator and Vocation Director will guide discerners through a structured discernment process that facilitates theological reflection on their experiences and equips them to make an informed decision about pursuing Viatorian religious life.

There is a precedent for a House of Discernment, going back to the 1980’s in Chicago. Now, the Provincial Council has encouraged the vocation ministry team to explore its implementation once again.

While not necessarily a new concept, the House of Discernment exemplifies a development in the Vocation Ministry Team’s vision for cultivating vocations to Viatorian religious life. After extensive reflection and dialogue about our current practices, and research into best practices of other religious congregations, the vocation ministry team recognizes the need to implement a concrete, structured, and progressive discernment program.

The House of Discernment will serve as a space for Vocation Ministry to welcome discerners for short and long-term experiences, including overnight, weekend, weeklong, summer, and a 10-month residential program. Br. Rob will be the Residential Program Coordinator and local Community Director, while also serving on the Vocation Ministry Team.

During their stay, discerners will participate in retreats, direct service, shared meals and recreation. One of the most significant factors in a person’s discernment is their rapport with the members of the community. Discerners’ participation in visits and activities will facilitate these connections.

The House of Discernment reflects a flexible but concrete vision of discernment. Vocation Ministry’s goal is to develop a mutual discernment process for both the discerners and the Viatorians that is attractive, engaging and ultimately enables an informed decision about pre-novitiate admittance.

Br. Peter Lamick and Br. Rob Robertson relax in the community room of the new House of Discernment.

Viatorians Adopt Team Ministry Approach in Bourbonnais/Kankakee Region

Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, and Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, have been serving the people at Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais, as Pastor and Parochial Vicar respectively, for the past few years. Now they and their Viatorian confreres in the area will have reinforcements.

The Viatorians announced a collaborative approach to ministry in the Bourbonnais/Kankakee region, with professed and associates helping to meet the needs of their three parishes, Maternity BVM, St. George and St. Patrick.

“I am pleased to announce that we have a new approach to the Viatorian presence in Bourbonnais and Kankakee,” says Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial.

This approach was developed after consultation with the Viatorians serving in the Bourbonnais/Kankakee region. This region is important to the Community since Bourbonnais was the first place where Viatorians began serving in the United States – arriving in 1865 – hence the concern to continue to provide a ministerial presence. Fr. Francis shared preliminary plans for this realignment of personnel with Bishop Ronald Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet, who gave the plan his blessing.

Beginning this summer, Fr. John Peeters, CSV, will continue as Administrator of St. Patrick Parish, while Fr. Patrick Render, CSV — who is already familiar with the parishioners at St. George — will serve as Administrator after the departure of Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV, who has been assigned as Parochial Vicar to St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas. In stepping up to serve as Administrator of St. George, Fr. Render said he wanted to maintain the pastoral ministry to the people of St. George, pointing to the long Viatorian presence there.

“The parish has grown in recent years under Fr. Dan Belanger’s leadership and so it is good that we can continue to build on his accomplishments,” Fr. Render said. “I was able to fill in for him during the months of his sabbatical last year and came to know the people and the positive energyof the parish and so I am happy that a collaborative

effort among the Viatorians in the region will allow us to continue serving the people there.

“I will serve as administrator,” he added, “but I am hopeful that the parish will benefit from the ministry of all of the associates and professed in the region.”

At St Patrick’s, Fr. Peeters and Fr. Render will be joined by Bishop Christopher Glancy who will also minister at the other Viatorian parishes in the region – especially helping in Hispanic ministry in this part of the diocese.

Fr. Jason Nesbit will continue to serve as Pastor of Maternity BVM Parish as will Parochial Vicar Fr. Moisés Mesh, who is planning on taking a sabbatical for several months in the fall to prepare himself to give retreats to young people. They will be joined by Br. Jhobany Orduz, CSV, who is assigned to minster at Maternity for his diaconate year with residence at St Patrick’s parish in Kankakee.

Finally, because of the growing need for office space at Maternity Parish in Bourbonnais, an ad hoc committee has been appointed to investigate new housing for the Viatorians of the region. During the coming months Fr. Jason Nesbit, Br. Jhobany Orduz and associate Curt Saindon will be investigating existing housing in the area that would better serve as a community house and also as a suitable place for bringing Viatorian associates together. There is also a possibility that a new residence may be the answer. In this case, building a new house may be the answer that could accommodate the personnel from Maternity, but also other Viatorians in the area.

Many of these Viatorians who were on hand for the diaconate ordination of Br. Jhobany Orduz are stepping up in the Bourbonnais/Kankakee region to offer a team ministry approach.

Fr. Jason Nesbit and Fr. Moses Mesh will be getting help from a new ministry team forming in the Bourbonnais/Kankakee region. (Photo by Cheryl Bevis)

Journeying Beyond Hope Through Art

Viator House of Hospitality exists to accompany young immigrant men seeking asylum. Yet, earlier this spring, the organization hosted a rare series of art shows. That’s right, art shows. They featured the work of two former participants, Erick and José, whose vibrant paintings expressed their experiences journeying to the United States and their time at Viator House.

“This is a special opportunity to recognize the talent that young men we accompany bring to our nation,” said Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, Executive Director, “talent that they often discover and hone at Viator House.”

Their artwork was exhibited at a gallery called The Empty Corner in Arlington Heights, which is committed to expanding the arts and humanities in Chicago’s Northwest suburbs.

“The Empty Corner is thrilled to partner with Viator House on this show,” said Liz Schrenk, co-owner of the space, when she welcomed guests to one of the open houses. “It’s an honor to have their artwork here in this space.”

Erick, a native of El Salvador, credited Viator House with giving him the opportunity and support to explore his interest in painting. He lived at Viator House as a participant for one year before working there for five years. He described how he always admired art from a distance but never had the tools to start painting.

“My art here explores themes of hope, home and ancestry,” Erick the crowd. “As I get older, I’m trying to reconnect with my roots from my Mayan ancestry and create art that honors my indigenous heritage.”

José, a Guatemalan native, also pointed to his Mayan roots in describing his art. His paintings reflected the pain and darkness he left behind as well as his anxiety about the future. One image he created was particularly vague, but that was intentional, he said. “It looks like a sunset, but it’s not the moon or the sun,” José said.

“It represents the future. I’m so anxious about what’s going to happen, that it’s unclear.”

The series of three open house events drew a lot of interaction between guests and the artists themselves. Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, commented on one conversation: “When asked what a particular piece of art means, one of the artists said, ‘whatever you want it to mean.’ That is the amazing thing about art.”

The two artists collaborated on the largest piece in the exhibit. The large circular painting features individual planets, with an image of Viator House — with varying rooftops pointed in all directions — and a mysterious bird.

“The planets represent all the places around the world where people have come from,” Erick explained.

“Viator House is a hub, that sends people to do amazing things around the world.”

Fr. Corey Brost describes the image of Viator House and its impact around the world, that was created as a collaboration by both artists.

José pointed to some rough patches of paint that were only seen when standing close-up. They symbolize how hard it is for people to travel to this country, he said. The bird, with its outstretched wings, symbolizes the national bird of Guatemala.

“I think it evokes a sense of freedom,” Fr. Corey said.

Acrylic paintings by Erick, who said he was inspired by murals in Chicago.

José describes his painting to guests at the exhibit.

Celebrating Our Jubilarians

Fr. Larry Lenz, CSV

60 Years of Religious Life

Fr. Larry Lentz, CSV, was in the first freshman class at Griffin High School for Boys when it opened in 1959 in Springfield, IL, and he was taught nearly entirely by Viatorians.

“There were only two lay teachers on staff,” Fr. Lentz recalls, “the rest were all priests and brothers.”

Among those who made an impact were Fr. Eugene Lutz, CSV, who taught him chemistry, Fr. George Neych, CSV, the librarian at Griffin, as well as Fr. Wayne Dupuis, CSV, and Fr. Gerald Leahy, CSV.

“They were just nice guys. They got along well with one another,” Fr. Lentz says. “How they lived in community made a big impression on me.”

They made such a big impression that he entered the novitiate in 1963, after graduating with the first class at Griffin High School.

Fast forward to this year when Fr. Lentz celebrates 60 years as a Viatorian.

In his early ministry he followed in the footsteps of his high school teachers. He earned an undergraduate degree in English and did graduate work at Cambridge, before carving out a career at Saint Viator High School, where he went from English teacher to department chair and ultimately to principal and president.

Yet, he would go on to spend even more time during his 60 years as a Viatorian in pastoral ministry, serving at St. Viator Parish in Chicago and Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais, before heading west to serve as rector of the Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Vegas.

Currently, he serves in part time sacramental ministry at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas after having served from 2013 to 2017 as Assistant Provincial of the Viatorian Community, and in particular overseeing the development of new associates.

If there is one common link to these different ministries, it’s Fr. Lentz’s belief in the power of a religious community, such as the Clerics of St. Viator.

“It’s not just about my God and me,” Fr. Lentz says. “It’s about my brothers and sisters — and me — in community that makes all of this apostolic work able to be lived out in a genuine way.”

Fr. Lawrence D. Lentz, CSV

Fr. Lentz continues to help out with sacramental ministry at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas.

Br. John Dodd, CSV 1940 – 2024

Br. John Dodd, CSV, would have celebrated 65 years as a Viatorian this year. As the former treasurer with the Viatorian Community for 20 years, his business and management skills impacted many Viatorian parishes and schools.

Br. Dodd passed away March 6 after an extended illness. He was was 83.

“We owe John much gratitude for his good stewardship,” says Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, Superior General. “What we have today is due to John’s good work.”

Br. Dodd had a keen sense for business, and he provided a steady hand to many Viatorian and diocesan institutions during his more than six decades as a Viatorian. He graduated from Cathedral Boys High School in Springfield, where he first met the Viatorians. He went on to earn a BA in Economics from Loyola University Chicago and an MBA from George Washington University in Washington DC.

Br. Dodd first served as treasurer and teacher at Spalding Institute in Peoria from 1965 to 1970. While in Peoria, Br. Dodd was comptroller of the Peoria Area Catholic High School Board from 1970 to 1972, which included 10 parish schools.

In 1972, he began serving as business manager at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights and later served as Provincial Treasurer for 20 years, from 1974 to 1994.

In his last assignment, Br. Dodd served the Diocese of Las Vegas as its chief financial officer after Pope John Paul II established the diocese in 1995.

The longtime Viatorian brother helped guide the growth of the diocese, which now includes more than 30 parishes, seven elementary schools, one high school, a hospital and more than 20 social service centers.

At his retirement luncheon, then Las Vegas Bishop Joseph Pepe commended Br. Dodd’s wise financial stewardship and integrity.

“He was forever faithful, always working to ensure that the diocese would be financially stable,” Bishop Pepe said, “which allowed us to continue our mission as a people of God. It’s never

easy making some of these financial decisions, but people always found Br. Dodd to be fair and honest.”

During his tenure in Las Vegas, Br. Dodd also served on the board of trustees of Bishop Gorman High School and helped oversee the building of the school’s new campus in 2005.

“When I was principal and president of Bishop Gorman, Br. Dodd was a wonderful mentor and support,” said Associate Connie Gerber. “He was a great go-to person with the diocese in those days.”

Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, previously served as principal and president of Bishop Gorman, and he too relied on Br. Dodd’s business advice, when Br. Dodd served as provincial treasurer.

“I came to him for help with budgeting, accounting, and building and grounds,” Fr. Rinn said in his homily at Br. Dodd’s funeral.

“John was a constant and reliable guide.”

Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, who was provincial when Br. Dodd retired, described him this way: “John was an accomplished professional, who came with a lot of gifts and shared them with the diocese. One of his gifts, was to let people see leadership — not in the person of a bishop or priest — but in a working brother.”

Br. Dodd thanks guests at his party in 2014, including Bishop Joseph Pepe, when he retired as CFO of the Las Vegas Diocese.

Br. John J. Dodd, CSV

In Memoriam:

Fr. Alan Syslo, CSV

1939 – 2024

Fr. Alan Syslo, CSV, spent his final years at the Viatorian Province Center, where even in retirement he lobbied for social justice. When Russia invaded the Ukraine in 2022, Fr. Alan appealed to his Viatorian confreres to post a sign in front of the property entrance, saying “We Stand with Ukraine.” With its location along busy Euclid Avenue in Arlington Heights, thousands of motorists passed it each day.

Sadly, Fr. Syslo passed away Jan. 7 at Addolorata Villa in Wheeling, IL. He was 84. He had spent 66 years as a Viatorian religious, and 58 years as a priest.

His last assignment was as Associate Pastor of St. Thomas Catholic Community in Henderson, NV. He was there just three years, from 2016-2019, but parishioners still remember him and his dog, Kona, and just how welcoming he was.

“People enjoyed his homilies and found him very approachable,” says Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, who was pastor at the time. “Al had genuine pastoral instincts and he would often be seen sitting on the bench outside the church engaging in conversation with whomever came to pay a visit to the church.”

Staff members at St. Thomas More agreed, saying on the parish’s Facebook page: “We all loved Fr. Alan, and we remember him as one of the gentlest and kindest human beings! He loved our Life Teen Program and always donated his own money toward retreats because he was so impressed with our young people.”

Fr. Syslo brought a variety of experience to his pastoral role. Since professing his first vows, his assignments took him from teaching roles at Saint Viator High School and the former Spalding Institute in Peoria to the West coast and the Las Vegas area, where he ministered to those suffering with HIV/AIDS and veterans with post-traumatic stress syndrome.

“Reflecting on the past 60 years, I see three events that have had a great impact on my life,” Fr. Al said at his 60th jubilee celebration as a Viatorian, in 2018. “The first was being involved in the lives of people suffering and dying from AIDS. The second was learning and helping veterans affected with post-traumatic stress syndrome. The third is an ever-growing knowledge and deeper appreciation of the liturgy, both in the Word and in the Eucharist.”

During his retirement years at the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights, Fr. Syslo enjoyed being reunited with some of his Viatorian confreres, especially Fr. John Van Wiel, CSV, with whom he had attended the seminary, as well as having the ability to walk the extensive grounds at the Province Center.

Still, in thinking of Fr. Syslo, two words kept coming to mind: kind and gentle.

“He was the kindest man I ever met,” Br. John Eustice, CSV, said of Fr. Syslo.

Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, agreed, adding: “He was just a gentle soul.”

Fr. Alan Syslo, CSV

Fr. Syslo greets parishioners after Mass.

In Memoriam:

Fr. Albeyro Vanegas, CSV

1957 – 2024

Fr. Albeyro Vanegas, CSV, passed away Jan. 7 after a short illness. He was 66. Fr. Vanegas had been a member of the Viatorian Community for 44 years and a priest for 34. He is being remembered as the driving force behind moving Colegio San Viator in Bogotá into a highly regarded school. He also holds the distinction of being the first Colombian Viatorian to serve on the Provincial Council.

Fr. Vanegas pronounced his first vows Jan. 6, 1980 and was ordained a priest Dec. 1, 1990 at Parroquia Divino Salvador in Bogotá by Bishop Fabio Suescún.

While a member of the community, Fr. Vanegas earned a BA in Philosophy from Universidad de San Buenaventura in 1986 and a degree in Theology from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in 1990, in Bogotá. In 1995 he earned his degree in Management and Administration of Schools from Universidad de la Sabana in Chía, Cundinamarca, and he put those skills to good use in his years with the Colegio.

Over the course of his more than 25 years at the Colegio, Fr. Vanegas served as a teacher, director of the scholarship program, transportation coordinator, counselor and advisor, and chaplain. He was named President of the Colegio in 1994 and served until 2002, before being named President again in 2012 and serving until 2020.

Fr. Vanegas’ vision of a Viatorian school was one that provided all students with access to a quality education. Consequently, during his years as President, the school implemented great changes: It went from an all-male school to a coeducational institution, it successfully became certified as an International Baccalaureate (IB) school and transitioned into a bilingual institution.

Near the end of his term as president, he was delighted to share with the entire school community that Colegio San Viator had earned a rare 5-star distinction from an international accrediting agency.

“I am delighted to share with you the great news of a new award for our school,” Fr. Vanegas said. “We have been recognized by the European Foundation for Quality Management with the European Seal of Excellence 500+ (5 star), a distinction that only four schools in Colombia hold.”

Just three months later the school received more recognition. One of the largest daily newspapers in Bogotá, El Nuevo Siglo, or The New Century, came out with its rankings of the top 100 schools in Colombia for the 2019-2020 academic year. Colegio San Viator ranked 17th on the list.

“He has moved the institution forward,” said Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV, former Provincial, “into a position that is setting the standard in Bogotá and throughout Colombia,”

After stepping away from the school in 2020, Fr. Vanegas continued to emphasize service to the growing number of Venezuelan immigrants fleeing across the border into Colombia, something he started with Colegio students in 2018.

Fr. Vanegas with faculty members when he served as rector of Colegio San Viator in Bogotá.

Fr. Albeyro Vanegas, CSV

Clerics of St. Viator

1212 E. Euclid Avenue

Arlington Heights, IL 60004-5799

Newsletter –Fall 2023

Newsletter –Spring 2024

Around the Province...

Around the

Province...

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Members of St. George Parish in Bourbonnais threw a farewell party for their pastor, Fr. Daniel Belanger, CSV, on the weekend of Cinco de Mayo. Parishioners shared their favorite stories of Fr. Dan during his 15 years as pastor, and there were many. He now heads back to the Las Vegas area, where he first met the Viatorians, to serve as Parochial Vicar at St. Viator Catholic Community. Fr. Dan describes it as bittersweet: “After 15 years, I’m melancholy about leaving, but I’m excited to start a new ministry in Las Vegas.”

With an unprecedented number of migrants arriving in cities across the country, Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, and members of Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants combined with Dominican University to present a workshop, on Sept. 23, on how to faithfully respond. The one-day event drew faith leaders and dignitaries from across Chicago, including Beatriz Ponce de Leon, Deputy Mayor of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights for the City of Chicago. She summed up the city’s response this way: “Our goal is to welcome new arrivals with dignity, help meet their basic needs and connect them to resources that put them on a path to self-sufficiency and resettlement.”

Br. John Eustice, CSV, completed his fifth marathon Oct. 8, crossing the finish line in Grant Park at the 45th annual Chicago Marathon. What made the day even more rewarding was his role serving as chaplain for Team SALUTE, a suburban nonprofit that provides everyday essentials to injured veterans and military families. He and his 140 team members raised $250,000 for injured veterans and their families.

Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, concelebrated the 50-year reunion Mass at Saint Viator High School, with Fr. Daniel Lydon, CSV, a member of the Class of 1973. Alumni were thrilled to see Fr. Render again, since during their four years he had served in a variety of roles in the administration, including principal and president.

Fr. Arnold Perham, CSV, has seen a lot of interesting things in his 94 years — including 76 as a Viatorian — but a drone flying over the Province Center is not one of them. Sure enough, during an afternoon walk he encountered a senior-level theology class from Saint Viator High School. Called Environmental Justice, the class explores current environmental issues as part of the “integral ecology” as addressed by Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical, Laudato si. Fr. Perham was thrilled to meet them: “This is fascinating,” Fr. Perham said after watching the drone hover over the building and then seeing the footage it captured. “The video is so clear. It’s the most exciting thing I’ve seen since the eclipse.”

Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, continues to promote students in the Micah 6:8 Program at St. Viator Parish School in Las Vegas. The program is the only inclusive program of its kind at a Catholic school in the state of Nevada, and takes its lead from the Book of Micah, in the Old Testament: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Micah students have a variety of learning differences, from Down syndrome and autism to epilepsy

Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV, returned to the classroom this semester at Saint Viator High School as moderator of the Lion Learning Program. Structured like a study hall, Fr. Hall helps students succeed through intensive, short-term intervention. His return came

and cerebral palsy. At St. Viator, they are included and involved in all aspects of the school, including faith formation. At the Holy Thursday liturgy, Fr. Rinn washed the feet of one of the Micah students, Amanda, moving school officials to describe the ritual as embodying humility and inclusion.

after a six-month sabbatical after completing his term as Provincial. “I wasn’t ready for retirement,” Fr. Hall says. “I was looking for a way to make a difference — and I love working with the kids.”

Fr. John Pisors, CSV, arrived in 1967 at the new Colegio San Viator in Bogotá, four years after it opened, and he is still there. Over his many decades he has served in many capacities, teaching religion, math and English, as an administrator and in pastoral ministry. He is the last of the 18 North American Viatorians who served in Bogotá. Now, as part of the Colegio’s 60th anniversary year, he has published a collection of his writings, drawing from his nine books and 45 pocket-sized booklets that he has written. Fr. Pisors calls it: “For the Wise Person that Wants to Think.”

Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, and Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, were among the award winners in February at the Hearts of Gold dinner in Arlington Heights. Specifically, they were chosen to receive the Heroic Heart of Gold award, for their work in accompanying young, immigrant men seeking asylum. The award “recognizes a person whose actions changed the trajectory of another person’s life.” For these two Viatorians, who work tirelessly behind the scenes at Viator House of Hospitality, it was a rare moment to be recognized. Br. Gosch put it this way: “It was a humbling experience to be recognized with so many other people from Arlington Heights, doing amazing work accompanying others. At the same time, we are grateful to the Village of Arlington Heights for recognizing the work and value of immigrant youth seeking asylum.”

Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV, may be retired from full-time ministry but don’t tell him that. He says Mass nearly every day for different religious communities and at senior residences. He also continues to serve as chaplain and booster for Saint Viator High School, long after he served as president. He attends many sports events, including every home football game, as well as fine arts presentations, and in late September was on hand for the Pat Mahoney Golf Classic, along with its namesake, Associate Pat Mahoney

A new book about Fr. James Crilly, CSV, and his influence on education in Colombia came out in April. Its author, Prof. Victor Zuluaga, was a member of the early faculty of Colegio San Viator, who became the first lay Rector of the school. Fr. Crilly was one of three Viatorians who traveled to Colombia in 1961. They went on to establish a Viatorian presence in Colombia and within two years open Colegio San Viator. Fr. Crilly passed away in 2018, but he always described his time in Colombia as the most profound of his years in ministry.

Fr. Arnold Perham and a pair of Saint Viator High School seniors watch a drone take off at the Province Center.

Fr. Richard Rinn washes the feet of Amanda Hodges during the Holy Thursday liturgy at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas.

Fr. Corey Brost and Br. Michael Gosch accept their Heroic Heart of Gold Award.

Br. John Eustice

Fr. Daniel Lydon, left, with Fr. Patrick Render

Fr. Daniel Hall

Fr. John Pisors

Associate Patrick Mahoney, left, with Fr. Charles Bolser