Br. Pat Drohan, CSV

Br. Pat Drohan, CSV, holds the unique distinction of remaining in the same ministry site

Villa Desiderata on Pistakee Bay

for more than 50 years. He coordinates programs at Villa Desiderata Retreat House, a scenic respite spot located on the Chain-O-Lakes in Pistakee Bay, IL.

Br. Pat Drohan, CSV

Br. Pat first became associated with the Viatorians as a high school freshman, when he attended Spalding Institute in Peoria.

He arrived at Villa Desiderata in 1963, just after taking his first vows as a Viatorian brother. Within two years, Fr. Gene Lutz, CSV, was assigned to the Villa, charged with developing more retreats and working with local parishes.

Br. Pat Drohan, CSV, left with friend and mentor, Fr. Gene Lutz, CSV

Br. Pat worked along side of Fr. Lutz — whom he considered his mentor and inspiration — first on high school retreats and for the last 40 years with groups associated with Alcoholics Anonymous, adult children of alcoholics and other addictive behaviors.

Fr. Lutz died in 1996, but Br. Pat continues to carry on his legacy of offering a spiritual setting for programs leading to recovery.

“God gave me a gift to be a Viatorian religious,” Br. Pat says. “In my 50 years as a Viatorian at Villa Desiderata I have seen a lot of miracles in the 12-Step Retreats here at the Villa.

“May God continue to bless my ministry,” he adds, “and all Viatorian religious and associates in their ministries.”