Viator Newsletter 2014 Fall

Raising Up Teens with Faith: 5th Annual Viatorian Youth Congress “Community, justice, prayer, Eucharist.”

Those four words rarely come up in adult conversations, let alone with teens. But last August, more than 80 teenagers, young adults and youth ministers spent four days connecting this unusual grouping of words — a little more than three miles from the Las Vegas strip.

St. Viator Catholic Community, St. Thomas More Catholic Community and the Viatorians of Southern Nevada generously hosted the fifth annual Viatorian Youth Congress (VYC).

Teenagers came from several institutions where Viatorian

serve, including St. Viator Catholic Community, St. Thomas More Catholic Community and Bishop Gorman High School, all in the Las Vegas area; St. Viator Parish in Chicago, Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep in Waukegan, and St. George, St. Patrick and Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, all in the Bourbonnais/ Kankakee region of Illinois.

They came seeking to find out how they belong to the 183-year old Viatorian mission, that started in rural France, and is an extension of the Catholic Church’s mission.

The Youth Congress gave them plenty of chances to get to know Viatorians better. They even spent one afternoon interviewing individual associates, brothers and priests and learned their unique stories.

Throughout the VYC, delegates explored how prayer, Eucharist, justice and community are woven into being Christian. Prayer life was presented as an invitation from God, which needs to mature just as our bodies and minds mature with age.

They were challenged to have a daily relationship with Christ and recognize that they are always in his presence.

It was up to them to make that connection. The delegates were given actual experiences of praying with Scripture, music, meditation, journaling and many other methods.

In fact, on the third day, all participants in VYC were engaged in more than four hours of prayer.

Viatorian Associate Hector Obregon-Luna, center front, led the delegation from St. Viator Parish in Chicago to the Youth Congress.

Fr. Robert Bolser, CSV, second from left, attended many of the sessions with the teen delegates.

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More than 80 young people attended the Viatorian Youth Congress at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas.

The teens were challenged to fully explore the Eucharist because it is the source and summit of the Catholic faith. As young people surrounded by the Viatorian mission, they learned about the parts of the Mass and helped to plan every aspect of it — including guiding the priest with his homily.

Having identified themselves as people of prayer seeking a life that is fully engaged in Eucharist, they were challenged to make the world a better place through direct service and standing up for those counted of little importance. After four days, the delegations met to develop plans of action, incorporating what they gained from their Viatorian heritage. Finally, they were commissioned with medallions of Fr. Querbes and St. Viator, which challenged them to carry the mission forward — in and through their world.

Br. John Eustice, CSV

Viatorian Associate Rosy Hartz, third from left in front, led the delegation from St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas to the Youth Congress.

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Provincial Assembly: Exploring Hospitality and Community Life She also pointed to ways in which Viatorians support a local ministry dedicated to providing emergency shelter to the homeless, as well as the community garden, tended by Viatorians and staff members, which helps to feed families served by the local food pantry.

“Welcoming the other as Christ.”

That was the title of a keynote presentation in July, when members of the Viatorian Community gathered for their annual Provincial Assembly. At the heart of this year’s three-day meeting was hospitality and how it relates to the Viatorian charism.

“If hospitality is about mutual reverence, then we must respond by putting Christ at the center of our lives — personally and as a community,” said Dr. Regina Wolfe, associate professor of Catholic Theological Ethics at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, who served as keynote speaker.

“Fostering a spirit of hospitality,” she added, “will enrich our lives and our community.”

Br. John Eustice, CSV and Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV, share a lighter moment at the Provincial Assembly.

They gathered in Las Vegas, where associates, brothers and priests — from across the country and Belize — celebrated the 60th anniversary of Viatorians serving in Nevada, and the 15th anniversary of the community expanding to include lay associates.

Associate Joe Majkowski takes notes during one of the sessions at the Provincial Assembly.

“As a Catholic community, we are called to help others in need,” Donna said, “and practice Christian hospitality.”

Associate Dick Hofacker was among six lay associates to recommit themselves as Viatorians during the opening Mass.

Associate Kim Martinez described the spirit of hospitality displayed at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, where she works in campus ministry. She described Matthew’s Closet, which is run completely by campus ministry students and staff, and serves homeless individuals in the Las Vegas area. The lending closet is located within the offices of Catholic Charities in Las Vegas and provides clothing, toiletries, shoes and bags to the hundreds of people who visit it each week.

“The assembly is meant to nourish us,” said Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial, “and help us in our ministry as men and women brought together Likewise, Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, described the many in the spirit of Fr. Viatorians who worked to open the two houses of hospitality Querbes.”

Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, reconnects with Associates in Chicago for recently released immigrants while they acKim Martinez, left, and Juliann Dwyer, right. cess their legal rights. Viatorians work with members of the It turns out that a spirit of hospitality already drives many Viatorians where they Interfaith Committee for Detained Immigrants in this minserve. Some of them spoke at the assembly and described their istry. They were among the first in the nation to reach out to the undocumented, he said, who often have no place to go ministries. other than a homeless shelter.

Associate Donna Schwarz described the hospitality that flows from the Province Center in Arlington Heights. She pointed to “We are helping to effect systemic change,” Br. Gosch said, its chapel, which welcomes visitors for monthly Taizé prayer “while offering accompaniment.” services, and its meeting rooms which host different retreats. Eileen O’Grady Daday www.viatorians.com

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with Viatorian Associate Kathy Underwood ”

Viatorian Associate Kathy Underwood brings the Viatorian charism to students, faculty and staff at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, where she directs its Student Health Center. But her story of how she came to join the Viatorians, dates back to high school.

Q. Tell me again about your history with the Viatorians. A. I have always found ministry to bring me joy and to be When did you first meet them?

A. Although I first met the Viatorians in Henderson,

I have felt a connection since I grew up in Schaumburg (Illinois) and attended Sacred Heart of Mary High School in Rolling Meadows, while my brother, Steve, attended Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights. From the very first time I attended Mass there after my move to Nevada from California, I immediately felt God’s love and presence.

I felt like I was truly “home” in this strange new city. I was moved and challenged by the Viatorians’ homilies and by their selfless service and genuine care. It was rare and special and unlike anything I had experienced in any parish before.

Q.

life-giving. I had been involved with RCIA while attending graduate school at UCLA and it was the most amazing and life-changing time for me to walk with adults who were seeking to become fully initiated into the Catholic Church.

Q.

At some point after you married, you both decided to make commitments as Viatorian lay associates.

What prompted that decision?

A.

Michael and I have felt tremendous love and support from the Viatorians both individually and later as a couple.

Fr. Mike (Keliher) and Fr. Pat (Render) concelebrated our wedding Mass and have been such signs of God’s love and mercy. As we became involved in several ministries, we What brought you out to Las Vegas — and eventually developed deeper relationships with the Viatorians, so it was to find the Viatorians again? a blessing to be asked to become associates.

A. I was living and working in California after graduating Q. Tell me what you do in Las Vegas? from college (NIU) for about 10 years and decided to move A. I am a family nurse practitioner and I have worked at to Henderson when my parents moved here to retire.

University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) for the past 14 Q. I understand you years. I am currently director of the Student Health Center

met your husband when you were volunteering with th RCIA program, and he was enrolled. What made you jump in and get involved like that with the parish?

and the Faculty and Staff Treatment Center on campus. We provide comprehensive health care to students, faculty, staff and their dependents. I treat patients as well as supervise and oversee all of the operations of both centers.

Q. For those who don’t know much about UNLV, can

you tell me briefly about the student body and the kinds of patients who come to you at the clinic?

A. UNLV has a student body of approximately 28,000

students and we have approximately 5,000 faculty, staff and dependents. I have had the opportunity to treat patients of all ages with various health conditions and injuries, including

victims of sexual assault, patients who experience homelessness and domestic violence, and patients who suffer from serious mental illness and have made suicide attempts.

Q. Finally, do you think your ministry as a

Viatorian associate impacts your job?

A.

Without a doubt, yes. I hope and pray that I am a visible witness in all that I do and say every time that I meet with a patient, staff member or colleague.

Eileen O’Grady Daday 5

www.viatorians.com

Definitive Commitment: Making it Permanent Five Viatorian Associates made their definitive commitments at the Provincial Assembly last summer, literally committing to being a Viatorian for life. As community lay members, they not only embraced the Viatorians’ spiritual tradition, they recognize themselves as co-heirs and are co-responsible for advancing the mission. Here are their stories: James May finds himself busier than ever with many aspects of ministry at St. Thomas More Catholic Community in Henderson, Nevada. He serves as a lector, Eucharistic minister and as a member of the RCIA team. He dates his involvement with the Viatorians back to the late 1980s and the early years of the parish. He credits the founding pastor, Fr. Thomas Long, CSV, with partnering with parishioners to create its early ministries and facilities, and inviting Jim and his wife, Marie, to become involved. He says that involvement in parish life over the last 25 years has influenced his work life, making him a better foreman in his job as an iron worker. “I think I am a better worker, more respectful of fellow workers and more understanding of others,” Jim says. When asked about leadership in the parish and the importance of liturgy, Jim speaks highly of the Viatorians. “Fr. Render speaks to us at our level,” Jim says.

“His sermons are inspiring and encouraging.”

parish council and volunteered for several pastoral ministries. She also has been an active member of the Viatorian Community in the western region, including serving on the Querbes Commission, and being appointed to the first Viatorian Community Council, which determines many of the activities and the overriding theme for community’s annual Provincial Assembly. “Before moving here, we had never experienced the kind of working relationship with religious,” Leona says, “that we have found with the Viatorians.”

In 2005, Marie Feeney coordinated the 50th anniversary of the Viatorians serving in Nevada, including researching the more than 100 priests and brothers who had worked in the region. She now counts herself among them, having made her initial commitment as a Viatorian Associate in 2004. Her research and attention to detail in planning the celebration reflect her work ethic and her years spent as a senior management analyst for Clark County’ Assessor’s Office. “When I first interviewed for the job, I thought I knew nothing about this,” Marie says, “but I really found it interesting and loved all the people I met.” Marie’s family moved to Las Vegas in 1964, just 10 years after the Viatorians arrived and started Bishop Gorman High School and St. Viator Catholic Community. While her parents and brothers ran a successful hardware supply company in Las Vegas, Marie initially went into the convent. When she left and ultimately built a successful career in city government, she credited the Viatorians with fulfilling her faith life.“ My definitive commitment comes as a blessed progression of my years working with the Viatorians.”

Leona Iglinski and her husband, both pharmacists, left their native Chicago in the mid-1960s, and they moved to Las Vegas to open new pharmacies there. But they also became immersed at St. Viator Catholic Community, where their four children attended school and now their grandchildren are enrolled.

Over the years, Leona has served as a religious education teacher, a member of the

www.viatorians.com

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Building the Viatorian Charism in Bogotá, Colombia Marie May credits the Viatorians with providing her more than a fulfilling faith life. They led her to convert to Catholicism, some 23 years ago. She described the many years she had been attending Mass with her husband, Jim, and raising their children as Catholics, but she never thought of converting herself until the family joined St. Thomas More Catholic Community and she met the Viatorians. She now finds herself rewarded by her daily involvement in parish ministry. As a retired librarian, she draws on her organizational skills and computer knowhow to guide the “altar families” in their roles during Sunday liturgies. She also works to welcome newcomers to the large, vibrant parish of more than 6,000 families. She points to a 10-day medical mission trip to Belize, as one of her most rewarding experiences, when she and her husband traveled with other adult volunteers to help meet the needs of parishioners in Corozal Town. When asked about her relationship with the Viatorians and whether she works with — or for — the Viatorians, Marie answers immediately: “We work with the Viatorians.”

More than 1,000 students attend Colegio San Viator, run by Viatorians in Bogotá, Colombia, including 20 girls in last year’s graduating senior class.

More than 50 years after Viatorians first arrived in Bogotá, Colombia to open a school, its Colegio San Viator, currently led by Fr. Albeyro Vanegas, CSV, continues to grow.

Two years ago, the high school transitioned into a co-ed institution and this year had 20 female graduates among its senior class.

“It has been a very rewarding experience for the entire school staff,” Fr. Vanegas says. “There is a sense of fresh air and new life that imbues the Viatorian Community.”

At the same time, Viatorians continue to work in Colombian parishes. Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, serves as pastor of San Juan María Vianney, where Viatorians have served for the last seven years, while Fr. Frank Enciso, CSV, leads the parish of Santa Inés de Guaymaral, where among other projects, he coordinated the building of a new chapel.

Ken Rosania has worked in full time ministry for 22 years at St. Thomas More Catholic Community. Currently, he is the pastoral administrator and director of social ministry. He dates his first encounter with the Viatorians back to 1992, when he was so inspired by their approach to ministry that he immediately became involved. Ken started out as youth ministry director, creating the More Youth programs for middle school students, and he went on to create the parish’s vibrant Life Teen program and LIGHT Work Camp.

He served on building committees for both the church and community center at St. Thomas More and he continues to be immersed in parish activities. Even his wife, Joyce, serves as the parish secretary. The couple has been married 37 years and have two sons and last year welcomed their first granddaughter. Ken credits the developments he has made through the years — both professionally and spiritually — to the Viatorians he has worked with. “I have been given opportunities and liberties to do what I have done,” Ken says, “and it has been with great trust and confidence.”

Br. Donald Houde, CSV

Finally, Fr. Edgar Suárez, CSV, leads the new San Viator Parish.

Though parishioners are still raising money to build a church, they have a vibrant community and work in sacrament preparation with children and adults.

Fr. Frank Enciso, CSV, is working to nurture the spiritual lives of his parishioners at Santa Inés de Guaymaral.

His latest projects included building a new chapel for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

“We hope to continue working as a congregation,” Fr. Suaréz says, “providing experiences of faith and spirituality in the style of Fr. Louis Querbes.”

Eileen O’Grady Daday

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www.viatorians.com

In Memoriam...

Viatorian Associate Daniel Miller

Viatorian Associate Henrietta Chamness

(1935-2014)

(1927-2014) Among Viatorian Associates, Henrietta Chamness was the unofficial matriarch.

She made her first commitment in 2002, and made her definitive commitment 10 years later, but it was her lifelong history with the Viatorians, that set her apart.

Viatorian Associate Daniel Miller holds a unique distinction, not just in the Viatorian Community, but in the state of Nevada, where he lived for more than 50 years.

Back in 1974, he ran for the U.S. Senate in the Democratic primary against the eventual Senate majority leader, Harry Reid.

Her introduction to the Viatorians dated back to her birth in 1927 in Bourbonnais, when she was baptized at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church by Fr. Walter Surprenant, CSV, its pastor and later provincial of the Viatorians.

Colleagues describe Dan’s run for public office as an extension of his community involvement in Las Vegas, including at both Viatorian parishes, where he played pivotal roles in their building and development.

As a child, she received all of her sacraments there, and was married to Frances “Foo” Chamness at its altar in 1948 by Fr. Surprenant. Together, they went on to become active parish members, eventually joining the Viatorians as associates.

He passed away July 28 after a long illness. He was 79.

“Dan demonstrated great humility, compassion and wisdom, and had an openness to everyone.” said Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, pastor of St. Viator Catholic Community.

Ultimately, she was laid to rest in its historic cemetery. Henrietta passed away Aug. 21. She was 86.

Dan first saw Las Vegas in the 1950s, when he was a student at the University of Notre Dame, touring with its Glee Club.

As a native of North Dakota, he fell in love with the beauty of the desert and the surrounding mountain ranges, and its warm, abundant sunshine.

“Becoming a Viatorian Associate just confirmed how Foo and Henrietta lived their lives,” said Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, at her funeral. “They were especially driven to care for those whose voices were least heard in society.”

While raising the couple’s seven children, Henrietta also worked as a registered nurse. She served as an administrator at several nursing homes in the Bourbonnais and Kankakee region, including at Our Lady of Victory Nursing Home. Even though Henrietta may have retired from her administrative duties, she remained involved in bringing health care to those who had little access to services.

He married his wife, Mary Jane, in 1962 and they raised their seven children in the Las Vegas area. Within two years of his marriage, Dan began what would be a lifelong partnership with the Viatorians.

He started as a teacher and coach at the new high school run by the Viatorians, Bishop Gorman High School, and he served on the building committee for their new parish, St. Viator Catholic Community, which both opened in 1954.

She helped to bring basic care to migrant workers living in nearby Momence, including providing monthly blood pressure and blood sugar screenings as well as eye exams.

He would go on to serve as a Eucharistic minister at St. Viator and on its parish council. When the Viatorians opened a second parish in southern Nevada, St. Thomas More Catholic Community, Dan again served on its building and finance committees.

Henrietta and her husband extended this ministry to the Viatorian mission in Belize, where they brought medical missions to the area, despite being in their late 70s.

“Dan’s early commitment to young people at Bishop Gorman, and his dedication to St. Viator Parish in all of its stages of development reflect some of the characteristics that we identify as Viatorian,” says Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, pastor at St. Thomas More.

“They loved the people of Belize and the people of Belize loved them,” says Associate Patty Wischnowski, who accompanied them.

Many Viatorians, both professed and associates, attended Henrietta’s funeral services, paying testament to her lifelong partnership with the Viatorians and extending their mission to all she met.

His dedication to the Viatorians became official when he became a Viatorian Associate in 2006. He ultimately renewed his commitment in 2008 and most recently in 2011. www.viatorians.com

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Rev. Donald Huntimer, CSV (1929-2014) The Viatorian Community lost a real Renaissance man last month with the passing of Fr. Donald Huntimer, CSV. A Viatorian for 63 years, and a priest for 55, he died Sept. 16 after an extended illness.

He was 85.

first teaching assignment, in 1954 at the former Spalding Institute in Peoria.

“Don was greatly influenced by Vatican II,” Br. Ryan added, “and especially in its promoting of a greater participation in the church by lay people.”

Fr. Huntimer’s early years in education included teaching stints at St. Benedict High School in Chicago and Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, as well as Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights.

”He was an artist, a painter, a bit of a dreamer, and at times he embraced the motif of a rebel,” says Fr. Thomas von Behren, provincial. “But in all of this, he was a very gentle man. Yes, tall in stature and kind in heart.

A pivotal role came in 1967, when Fr. Huntimer became an instructor of religious education for the Archdiocese of Chicago. From that point on, he concentrated on religious education for adults.

“I will remember him most for his constant comments of delight in returning to the Province Center in his last years,” he adds, “reveling in the beauty of its grounds and rejoicing in the reconnection of relationships within the community.”

Successive assignments included leading the Newman Center at Sonoma State, as well as serving as pastor at Our Lady of Wisdom Parish in Reno, while also ministering to students at University of Nevada at Reno. While in Nevada, he also served as pastor of St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas.

Evidence of his love of nature abounds at the Province Center itself, where several of his works in acrylic and oil, hang.

Before moving to the Province Center, Fr. Huntimer spent 20 years in Tucson, where he served as a chaplain to the Benedictine Sisters, and also worked in prison ministry.

He liked to tell the story that he didn’t start painting until he turned 40, and over the next 45 years he would produce more than 150 paintings, some of which can be found in galleries and in the homes of private collectors.

Visit Fr. Huntimer’s website to see more of his artwork, at http://donhuntimer.com.

Some of his favorite subjects included flowers, landscapes, churches, animals and most recently, galaxies in the solar system. He found the experience of capturing these images — and sharing them with others — to be a religious one.

Eileen O’Grady Daday

“Good art can engender a transformation of consciousness,” he said, “and it can elevate one to a religious plane of wonder, awe and reverence” Fr. Huntimer’s vocation started out traditionally. He pronounced his first vows on Aug. 15, 1951 and he was eventually ordained to the priesthood on May 17, 1959, by Bishop William O’Brien at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Chicago.

He was highly educated, having earned an undergraduate and master’s degree in history, as well as master’s degree in religious education, all from Loyola University in Chicago, and later a master’s degree in expressive arts from Sonoma State University and an another in spirituality and worship from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, both in California.

Fr. Don Huntimer, CSV, was commissioned to paint St. Viator Church, during its historic 125th anniversary last year. Here, he is seen in his studio at the Province Center.

“He was a serious student of theology and a little avant garde,” says Br. Leo Ryan, CSV, who welcomed Fr. Huntimer to his 9

www.viatorians.com

Origins of Association

­­In the Footsteps of Our Founder...

Fr. Querbes arrived in Vourles on Oct 31, 1822 and was installed as pastor at St. Bonnet the next day, the Feast of All Saints. The parish consisted of a small number of practicing Catholics, the remainder affected by religious ignorance or indifference.

Vourles was deeply anti-clerical. There was no school and there were no teachers. Consequently, children were almost entirely deprived of instruction. Most could not read or write, as schools in rural France were practically non-existent. The ignorance of the large majority of children and young people threatened their faith and morals. While the government re-opened the university in 1808, it ignored elementary education by not providing any programs for teacher training.

These conditions greatly challenged this educated, liturgically oriented, zealous missionary priest. He questioned where to begin. His Advent and Lenten sermons were focused on his parishioners. Women responded, but most men were deaf to his message.

His zeal to reach children and young people demanded co-workers, especially in the roles of catechists, teachers, sacristans and choir masters.

As early as 1826, he prayed over these needs and by 1828, Fr. Querbes was convinced his call to organize an association of pious laymen was divinely inspired.

Associates would be trained as teachers, live with pastors and would serve as sacristans and choir masters.

He was not planning to found a religious community.

His association would have two levels: “Confreres,” or lay men who would privately practice the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and “Agreges,” who would live in the world, could marry, perform the same duties as “Confreres” but not live in the rectory.

Fr. Querbes sought civil approval from Paris in August, 1829 for the “Association of Parochial Catechists of St. Viator.” He presented a draft of the proposed association statutes to Archbishop of Amasia, Apostolic Administrator of Lyons.

Only in 1831 did the Archbishop grant “provisional approval.” Meanwhile, on Jan. 10, 1830 by royal proclamation, King Charles authorized the association. The association then consisted of “Confreres” with private vows and lay “Agreges,” single or married without vows, performing similar ministries without parish residency.

Between 1831 and 1833, Episcopal efforts and preferences moved the associates directly to a religious congregation. When the final proposal was forwarded to Rome in 1838, the “Agreges” were dropped. His biographer, Pierre Robert wrote: “the juxtaposing of Affiliates and Confreres of pious laymen, celibate or not, was very dear to Fr. Querbes.” (Robert, p. 90) The General Chapter of 1978 adopted a new constitution conforming to Vatican II. The General Chapter addressed the founder’s dream and the Association idea re-emerged. After much discussion, the General Chapter voted to accept “as associates those who desire to share our mission, our spiritual life and our Community.” (1978 Chapter Decision #5) Fr. Querbes’ dream began to be fulfilled!

Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV

www.viatorians.com

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From the Archives — Saint Viator, Pray for Us

A historic stained glass window, a little mystery and a surge in interest in our patron saint, all combined to produce a new St. Viator prayer card for distribution to our friends and partners in faith.

Its creation was prompted by a request sent from an alumna of St. Viator Elementary School in Chicago to the Viatorian Community Archives, but interest in our 4th Century patron — and in obtaining his intercession — continues to grow in parishes and schools where Viatorians serve.

It has been many decades since the Province of Chicago has produced a St. Viator prayer card, but in designing the new card, one image came to mind: the beloved stained glass window that has inspired Viatorians for nearly six decades.

This image of St. Viator is taken from a stained glass window which currently hangs in the residence wing of the Province Center in Arlington Heights. In fact, it hangs in the community room, where retired Viatorians gather daily for evening prayers.

The window’s history can be traced back to the late 1950s.

However, a mystery remains regarding the origin of the piece, since the artist and creation date are unknown.

Its earliest roots can be traced back to Spalding Institute in Peoria, where Viatorians ministered from 1951-1973.

In the late 1950s, under the leadership of Fr. Charles Williams, CSV, the faculty residence chapel, located on the school campus, was remodeled.

“The stained-glass was part of the inner door of the newly renovated and beautifully decorated chapel,” says Br. Don Houde, CSV, who is a former teacher at Spalding Institute from 1958-1967 and principal from 1970-1972.

At the end of the Viatorians’ leadership at Spalding in 1973, the window moved to another institution, Immaculate Conception Parish in Kankakee, where Viatorians also

ministered. At that time the stained glass was framed and hung on the wall in the back of the chapel’s sacristy.

When Immaculate Conception Parish closed in 1989, once again the stained glass made its way to another Viatorian site — this time to Arlington Heights — where its image continues to be cherished.

Now, we are sharing this classic rendering of our patron saint with you. The prayer on the back is an adaptation of the community’s vocation prayer. We hope you keep the Viatorians in your prayers, and know that you are in our daily prayers, as well. To order prayer cards for you, your family, friends, teachers, students and loved ones, check out the prayer cards tab on the Viatorian web site, at: http://viatorians.com/prayer/massand-prayer-cards/.

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Joan Sweeney, Viatorian Associate and Archivist

www.viatorians.com

Marie Joseph House of Hospitality: Meet Its Guests Out in the garden recently, at the Marie Joseph House of Hospitality, “John” laughs and speaks easily about his job with Catholic Charities and his love of translating for the residents at the house, who come from as many as 15 countries.

But times weren’t always so upbeat for him. Back in East Africa, where he attended university and worked for a nongovernmental agency, he was jailed after he spoke out about injustices he had witnessed. His family raised money to bail him out, but he fled the country as soon as he could.

In the United States, he was detained briefly by immigration officials, and with no family in this country, he eventually drew the support of the Interfaith Committee for Detained Immigrants — of which the Viatorians are members — and moved into one of their houses of hospitality.

“Sometimes, life takes you into different directions,” he said, “John,” a native of East Africa describes his job with Catholic Charities as he stands in the garden with Josh van Cleef, coordinator of the House of Hospitality. reflecting on his journey to the United States.

Back in May, the Interfaith Committee finally realized its pair of case managers — Becky Sinclair and Cynthia Hisgen dream of opening two houses of hospitality — the men’s house — meet with residents to help them access their rights and in a former convent in Cicero and the women’s in the residen- advance their asylum cases and changes in status. tial building at Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park — and their rooms quickly filled up.

“This is a pilot program as an alternative to detention,” says Josh van Cleef, coordinator of the men’s house.

Residents must meet the criteria of being older than 18, have no criminal background and with nowhere else to go. Most start attending classes once they arrive, either ESL classes or GED. They also start volunteering at a variety of non-profit organizations in Chicago and help with care of the house.

At press time, 16 men found refuge at the house in Cicero.

They came from Kenya, Haiti, El Salvador, Eritrea, Uganda, Mexico, Nigeria, Liberia, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Egypt, China, Guatemala, Honduras and Pakistan.

“Sitting around the table with them at dinner, it’s like a regular United Nations,” quips Fr. Thomas Long, CSV, who is a member of the Interfaith Committee for Detained Immigrants and currently is helping the organization obtain grant money to sustain their housing mission.

Surprisingly, there is no communication barrier.

“Everyone is excited to learn English,” van Cleef says. “It’s empowering.”

While van Cleef coordinates daily activities at the house, José Ignacio lives on site and helps with pastoral ministry, while a 12

“James,” 48, is a native of Liberia. He was trying to fly to Philadelphia to be with his siblings, when he was stopped at O’Hare International Airport and eventually put in detention.

However, being welcomed by the Interfaith Committee and finding a room in their house of hospitality gives him hope.

“I’m the most fortunate person,” he said. “They provide everything for me here. Things are going well.”

Josh van Cleef concedes that beneath the surface, these men often arrive with scars from persecution and even torture, and their uncertain future weighs heavily on their minds.

“My biggest job is listening,” says van Cleef, who has a master’s degree in divinity. “These men are away from family, they don’t have a job, they don’t know how their case is proceeding and they’re learning to live with strangers.

“I’m trying to prepare them for the future,” he adds, “by teaching them skills and helping them to become more independent.”

Eileen O’Grady Daday

Exploring Guatemala and Root Causes of Migration The Viatorian Community is one of 30 religious congregations that support the 8th Day Center for Justice in Chicago. Chris Eagan, one of its staff members, represents the Viatorians in areas of social justice, equality and human dignity at the agency.

He traveled last summer with a group of activists to Guatemala to learn more about its struggle for justice. Here is his report briefly describing his trip and what he experienced.

Delegation members pause to talk to local residents about their struggles for justice.

Arbenz in 1954.The terror subjugated on the Guatemalan people during the civil war, especially on the indigenous, left a legacy of fear and skepticism. Many sympathetic to the resistance movement grumble that the peace accords signed in 1994, officially ending the civil war, served as a smoke screen to disarticulate the non-violence movement and open the country back up for multi-nationals to renew business with the government.

Chris Eagan, third from right, sits in a discussion with delegation members who traveled to Guatemala.

Since last October, roughly 63,000 unaccompanied minors have been detained at the U.S. and Mexico border, heightening awareness among concerned citizens in the wake of this latest chapter of the immigration debate. Activists are calling current conditions a humanitarian crisis. The sheer volume of youth migrants recently upset the collective consciousness of everyone from advocates to casual observers of the news. The Viatorians recognize this emergent justice issue is partially due to the ripple effects of unscrupulous foreign intervention in Latin American affairs. Consequently, they decided to send me on a delegation to Guatemala to better understand the root causes of migration in order to offer a social justice complement to their many charitable ministries which serve the immediate needs of immigrants.

The focus of the trip was to explore the themes of militarism and resource extraction, but the topics also served to inform me as to why youth continue to make perilous migrations from their home countries. What I encountered was startling. The Guatemalan elites exert a disproportionate control over land and resources. The rest of the citizenry remain impoverished with little chance for social mobility. Guatemala is inundated with weapons as a result of an over 30-year civil war that followed the U.S. led coup of democratically elected president Jacobo

Our delegation encountered many instances that justified frustration around post-war violence. For example, it is common practice for multi-national corporations to veil human rights abuses, such as forcibly removing people from their homes, as being in compliance with government issued land contracts.

Correspondingly, the government rationalizes the terms of the contracts as a necessary condition to attract foreign investment.

The brutality present in this kind of hollow municipal progress forces families to seek opportunity far away from home.

Hearing stories, standing on contested land, and experiencing the warmth of the Guatemalan people imbue a tenacity for justice. The trip highlighted the ways my life was already directly connected to those living in Guatemalan and even elevated the link to a visceral level. Lastly, it emboldened my position that the U.S. government and other entities, by virtue of their direct involvement in the country, are morally obliged to facilitate a just pathway for those seeking refuge.

Chris Eagan

13

Around the Province...

This issue of Around the Province offers updates on the latest assignments of Viatorians and highlights their ministries around the country.

Fr. Dan Hall, CSV, was among the more than 25,000 runners who took part in the San Francisco Marathon. It was his fourth time running it — and 44th marathon overall. The scenic course wove runners through such iconic spots as Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, Haight Street and Mission Bay. San Francisco’s notorious hills made the marathon especially challenging, but that’s what Fr. Hall wanted.

It prepared him for football season, where he coaches special teams for Saint Viator High School’s Lions. That is, when he’s not teaching social studies and global economics, and coordinating a community garden to feed hungry families.

Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, offered the homily all nine days of the St. Anne Novena, which was well attended, with more than 200 people on the final day. During the Mass of the Annointing, he drew help from Viatorians throughout Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, anoints a worshipper during the St. Anne Novena last summer. the region, including Fr. Daniel Belanger, Fr. John Eck, Fr. James Fanale, Br. Daniel Lydon, Fr. John Peeters, Fr. Richard Pighini and Fr. Donald Wehnert. There were no miracle healings reported, but the spontaneous testimonials of faith offered by people who had made the trip, after hearing Associate Marilyn Mulcahy’s presentation, were inspiring.

fountain was built outside of St. Joseph Hall. “It’s a start,” Fr. Bolser said. “There are many more things to do, but at least it’s a start.”

Students from the Las Vegas area work in a food pantry as part of Camp LIGHT Work Camp last summer.

Summer offered hands-on service opportunities for teens where Viatorians serve. At St. Thomas More Catholic Community in Henderson NV more than 100 teens participated in Camp LIGHT Work Camp. They stayed at the parish and worked in teams at a variety of different sites throughout Las Vegas and southern Nevada.

Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV, continues to remain involved in capital campaign projects. His latest is at St. Viator Parish in Chicago where he is pastor. The Generations of Faith campaign has been working to raise $1 million and already projects are being completed on the church campus.

Over the summer, scaffolds went up on the east side of the church to begin refurbishing the stained glass windows, while new land- The stained glass windows at St. Viator scaping was installed around the Church in Chicago were refurbished last church and a new plaza with a summer as part of their ongoing Generations of Faith capital campaign.

Teens clear away brush during Camp MOSH, run by Maternity BVM Church in Bourbonnais.

In Bourbonnais, at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, teens converged on the parish grounds for Camp MOSH, or Maternity Outreach Service for Humanity.

While the rest of the community focused on the Chicago Bears’ training camp at neighboring Olivet Nazarene

University, Maternity teens focused on service.“There are more than 6,000 people in Kankakee County who are below the poverty line, and experiencing financial difficulty, medical difficulties, or may be elderly and in need of a helping hand,” says Patty Bailey, youth minister. “These are the very people we strive to help.”

Saint Viator High School teens worked in the Viatorian Community Garden during the Song & Service Camp in July.

At Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, 120 current students combined with junior high teens to participate in the second annual Song & Service Camp. Young people in the song track learned different liturgical music, while students in the service track did a variety of hands-on projects.

“Our intention was to let students directly serve those most in need in the local community,” said Fr. Corey Brost, CSV. Finally, for the 15th year, Viatorian Associates Ken and Michelle Barrie led teens from St. Patrick Parish to help residents in one of the poorest areas in the country: Pembroke Township, located less than 30 minutes from their homes in Kankakee and Bourbonnais. They set up camp at Sacred Heart Church, run by the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary sisters, and worked in teams on a variety of projects.

“I truly feel that working in Pembroke is carrying out Fr. Querbes’ vision,” Michelle says, “of working with those accounted of little or no importance.”

Members of the Viatorian Community joined with more than 170 faith leaders in Illinois in signing a letter dispatched to Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk on Capitol Hill.

The letter was written by the leaders of Bread for the World, a Washington-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to mobilize Christian leaders in urging Congress to end hunger. The letter urged Senators Durbin and Kirk to take

a leadership role in reforming international food aid, so it does a better job of helping hungry people and responding to humanitarian disasters around the world.

The Viatorian Provincial Council joined with nearly 150 national organizations and faith communities, as well as nearly 175 state and local groups, in signing a letter dated July 21, that endorsed the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2014, before it was introduced to Congress.

The act builds on the advancements of the Affordable Care Act, in eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities.

Eileen O’Grady Daday

Email: news@viatorians.com Website: www.viatorians.com Provincial:

Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV Editor:

Fr. Thomas E. Long, CSV Director of Communications: Eileen O’Grady Daday Editorial Board:

Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV

Br. Donald P. Houde, CSV

Fr. Lawrence D. Lentz, CSV

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­ lerics of St. Viator C 1212 E. Euclid Avenue Arlington Heights, IL 60004-5799 Newsletter –Fall 2014

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INSIDE Page 2

Provincial Perspective

H

appy Anniversary!

It started with the vision of our founder, Fr. Louis Querbes, a visionary long before the official church was prepared to embrace his new idea for a religious community. There is no doubt that Fr. Querbes, from the very first moments of founding the Viatorian Community, envisioned professed religious and committed lay persons ministering and sharing community life, as Viatorian partners committed in Christ.

As we celebrate 15 years of association within our province, we remember and celebrate that initial intuition of Fr. Querbes and we continue to fashion his vision according to the signs and times of our day.

We have come a long way in the development of the “new Viatorian community.” From those early days of 1999, when there were five associates, to today, with 73 associates and 17 more who are in the process of becoming new associates, the Viatorian Community is growing in number and vitality in Illinois and Nevada.

Raising Up Teens with Faith: 5th Annual Viatorian Youth Congress

rooted in their baptismal call of being committed to Jesus Christ, and share in the same charism of Fr. Querbes.

In the Charter of the Viatorian Community, we are reminded that all associates are to be acknowledged by the name and identification of “Viatorian.”

They are “co-heirs of the founder’s charism and coresponsible for its development.”

All Viatorians, professed and associates alike, strive to carry out our mission through their work as educators and through other pastoral, professional and domestic activities. Together, we embrace the spiritual heritage of Fr. Querbes, living out our mutual commitments in community through interaction, creativity and bonds of affection and support.

Page 4 Provincial Assembly: Exploring Hospitality and Community Life

Page 5 Q & A with Viatorian Associate Kathy Underwood

Page 6 Definitive Commitment: Making it Permanent

Page 7 Building the Viatorian Charism in Bogotá, Colombia

Page 8 In Memoriam:

Viatorian Associate Daniel Miller Viatorian Associate Henrietta Chamness

And who are these Viatorians that we call associates? In reality, associates come from many walks of life. They are educators, nurses, businessmen and women, social workers, farmers, retired parishioners, deacons and volunteers serving those in need. Some are single, others are married, and still others widows and widowers. All are

Yes, we regard the Viatorian Community, in a certain sense, as a “new community,” because it constitutes a new way of being community in “the church, the people of God.” We affirm the diversity of our vocations, while acknowledging our equality, unity, communion, complementarity and sense of belonging together in this new entity that we call the “new Viatorian Community.”

Henrietta Chamness made her definitive commitment as a Viatorian Associate in 2012 in the chapel at Saint Viator High School during the annual Provincial Assembly.

As we celebrate 15 years, let us celebrate the past that has given us new life and let us look forward to new possibilities that promise even greater hope for years to come.

From the Archives: Saint Viator, Pray for Us

And so we say, “Happy Anniversary” to the new Viatorian Community. Ad Multos Annos!

Marie Joseph House of Hospitality: Meet Some of its Residents

In St. Viator and Fr. Querbes,

Rev. Donald Huntimer, CSV

Page 10 In the Footsteps of Our Founder...

Origins of Association

Page 11

Page 12

Page 13 Exploring Guatemala and Root Causes of Migration

Thomas R. von Behren, CSV Provincial – Province of Chicago

Page 14 Around the Province...