Ever wonder what lies beyond the gateway to the Viatorian Provincial Center in Arlington Heights?
Located at 1212 E. Euclid Avenue, the stone entry way gives way to the expansive grounds which are highly visible to the thousands of motorists who drive past it each day. But few have driven back to the Province Center building, which was established by the Viatorian Community nearly 60 years ago.
Now is your chance.
Join members of the Viatorian Community — including lay associates, brothers and priests — for an afternoon open house, starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, when they throw open the doors for all to learn more about religious life.
Novices from the class of 1955 making their first vows in the Viatorian chapel
The community open house is an extension of the Year of Consecrated Life, as dedicated by Pope Francis, who encouraged religious communities to “wake up the world” with their joy and witness to the gospel, and to “step more courageously from the confines of (their) respective institutes.”
At the outset of the open house, visitors will be able to join with the Viatorians at a 2 p.m. outdoor Mass on the grounds of the Province Center.
Other activities include tours of the Province Center itself, including its chapel, its collection of art work and sculpture, the community garden which grows vegetables for area food pantries, and exploring the wider provincial grounds.
Fr. Dan Hall, CSV, who originated the Viatorian Community Garden to help feed local families
There will be presentations about the congregation’s 150 years of ministering in this country, as well explanations of some of the Viatorians’ current ministries.
Finally, meet members of the Viatorian Community and learn about their individual vocations and roles throughout the region.
Parking at the Province Center is limited. Instead, visitors are encouraged to park at Saint Viator High School, located at 1213 E. Oakton Street, and to make the short walk over to the open house festivities.