A little more than two weeks after Br. Carlos Suarez went from the Pre-Novitiate in in Bogotá to enter the Viatorians’ International Novitiate in Puente Alto, Chile, two more Pre-Novices in Colombia took his spot. The welcoming ceremony took place Jan. 29 in the chapel at Casa Querbes at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá.
(L-R) Jeisson Camilo Benitez, Br. Edwin Barreto (Pre-Novice Director) Fr. Edgar Suárez, Br. Juan Carlos Ubaque, Julián Camilo Torres
Jeisson Camilo Benítez and Julián Camilo Torres began their first year as Pre-Novices in a ceremony presided over by Fr. Edgar Suárez, CSV, and Br. Juan Carlos Ubaque, CSV, Director of Vocations of the Foundation of Colombia.
Just like Br. Carlos, Jeisson and Julián now will begin their formation under the direction of Br. Edwin Barreto, CSV, Pre-Novice Director. As Pre-Novices they will dedicate themselves to their formation and service, in and outside of the Congregation.
Fr. Marcelo Lamas receives first vows of Br. Octavio Césped.
Just one day earlier, another Viatorian brother professed first vows, this time in Chile. Br. Octavio Céspedes, CSV, a native of Chile, professed his first vows in the chapel of Colegio San Viator in Macul. Fr. Marcelo Lamas, CSV, Provincial of Chile accepted his vows. At the same ceremony, seven associates recommitted themselves to the Viatorian Community for another three years.
At about the same time, Br. Luis Pedroza, CSV, renewed his first vows — from his hospital room in Bogotá. The intimate vow ceremony took place at Santafé Foundation Clinic where he had been treated for a health condition. Fr. Fredy Contreras, CSV, who had accompanied Br. Pedroza during his formation and serves as the local superior in Tunja, received his vows. Also there supporting Br. Pedroza were his confreres, Br. Juan David Ramirez, CSV and Br. Juan Carlos.
Br. Luis Pedroza renews his vows for another three years.
All of these vocations will benefit from the International Novitiate, or CLAC (Latin American and Caribbean Council) in Puente Alto, Chile, which formed in 2001 to serve the growing number of novices in Colombia and Chile.
Entering the Novitiate represents a fundamental step in his journey of religious commitment and spiritual growth. Their year in the novitiate consists of an intense training process as strong preparation for religious life, that includes studies in pastoral, spiritual and academic areas.