Viatorians in the United States have begun preparing for the fourth General Assembly of the Viatorian Community, the worldwide gathering of professed Viatorians and lay associates that will take place in October in France.
Fr. Nestor Fils-Aimé, CSV, Superior General, convoked the General Assembly in a February message to the worldwide community, setting the theme as “How to Be a Fraternal, Synodal, and Missionary Viatorian Community Today.”
“In this changing world in which we live, we give ourselves the opportunity to share our experiences and explore new paths to proclaim Jesus Christ and his Gospel and to raise up communities where faith is lived, deepened and celebrated,” Fr. Fils-Aimé said.
In the US, Viatorians met in each of our three regions to prepare, according to the Superior General’s instructions. First, we learned about synodal “conversations in the spirit” that focus on a pattern of silence and prayer coupled with sharing and listening. Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial, recently announced that, in consultation with the Viatorian Community Council, the province’s assembly this summer will focus on this theme, too. “I’m enthused and optimistic for this because, as Pope Francis puts it, it’s a new way of being Church,” Fr. Francis said.
Associate Kim Martinez (top left) helped facilitate the session of prayer and discussion, with time for comments from the associates and professed who gathered, including Associate Daniel Schwarz (bottom right).
The regions’ discussions focused on our experience of Viatorian life, especially since the last General Assembly in 2016 in Spain, and our hope for the future.
In the Bourbonnais-Kankakee region, Viatorians’ reflections gravitated toward the oneness of the community of professed and associates. The group emphasized looking forward with shared leadership models and apostolic creativity in emerging missions, such as Spanish-language ministries and our new stewardship of Sacred Heart in Pembroke Township.
In the Henderson-Las Vegas region, Associate Kim Martinez helped facilitate the gathering on behalf of the regional leadership team. Associate Patrick Aller has been enjoying his first year of commitment and finds inspiration in these discussions. “Seeing how everyone understands the trajectory of our community excites me. I think we’re going in a great direction as we evolve how we share the Viatorian charism with others and what our identity is looking like for the future not only as a province, but worldwide,” Patrick said.
Associate Chris Gucwa (left) recorded notes from the discussion; Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial, explains the synodal process (top right); Fr. Arnie Perham, CSV, shares some thoughts while Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, Br. Marc-Innocent Prophete, CSV, and Associate Karen Cutler listen in (bottom right).
In the Arlington Heights-Chicago region, Fr. John Van Wiel, CSV noted the composition of present membership. “Our community is taking on a different character – Father Querbes envisioned a lay community with a few religious, and now our Province is heading in that direction,” Fr. Van Wiel said, noting the ideas of our founder.
“As time goes on, we really see the value and gifts that our associates have given us through their vocation as co-heirs to the charism,” Fr. Dan Hall, CSV added.
Our province will compile the input to share with our General Council. Then, delegations from each country where Viatorians serve – including the American delegates elected by Viatorians in the US – will gather in France this fall to continue the conversations.