Religious brothers have been a part of the fabric of the Viatorian Community since its founding in 1831, when Fr. Louis Querbes envisioned a congregation of catechists, who would teach Christian doctrine and be of service to the holy altar.
Br. John Eustice, CSV, coordinates young adult ministry at Maternity BVM Parish
Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, coordinator of peace, justice and integrity of creation
According to the Vatican, religious brothers make up about one-fifth, or 20 percent of all male religious in the Catholic Church today, and that is true of the Viatorian Community, where brothers make up approximately 23 percent of its professed members.
Br. Rob Robertson, campus minister at Bishop Gorman High School
In 2017, the National Religious Vocation Conference established May 1 as Religious Brothers’ Day. Its date was intentionally set to coincide with the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
Fr. Dan Hall, CSV, Assistant Provincial, thought that religious brothers play such an integral role in the Viatorian Community, that he sent each of them a personal note.
Br. Peter Lamick teaches history and coaches at Saint Viator High School
Br. Carlos Ernesto Flórez, CSV, general councilor to Superior General
“I want to extend a congratulations and thanks for all that you
do on behalf of the community,” Fr. Hall said. “May God continue to bless you in your ministry and in your life, because you surely are a blessing in the lives of others.”
Br. Michael Rice, CSV, plant manager of St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas
Back in 2015, the Vatican’s Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, affirmed the importance of brothers, in a document focused on the role of religious brothers in the life of the Church. It was called ‘Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church.’
Br. Pat Drohan, administrator of Villa Desiderata Retreat Center
Overall, the document underlines the prophetic role of religious brothers, as well as that of consecrated women or sisters who similarly dedicate their lives to God.
Viatorians celebrate the role of religious brothers in their community and they encourage others to reach out and thank brothers who work and pray in your midst — for all they do for others and in service to the holy altar.