Minions, Disney characters and more.
Fr. Richard Rinn, left, and Fr. Larry Lentz mix it up with a minion from Despicable Me and Cinderella
They turned out to help celebrate the Taste of St. Viator — which showcases the cultural diversity at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas and leads right into Halloween celebrations.
This year’s Taste drew nearly 800 people and demonstrated the vibrant mission of the Viatorian Community, which is to raise up communities where faith is lived, deepened and celebrated.
And doesn’t that include Halloween?
Fr. James Crilly and Fr. Albeyro Vanegas dress up for Halloween in 1982 while serving at Maternity BVM Parish
Halloween is steeped in Christianity, and traces its roots back to Pope Gregory III who decreed Nov. 1 as All Saints’ Day back in the 8th Century. All Souls’ Day quickly followed, and was moved to Nov. 2 as a solemn celebration commemorating all those who have died.
Still, Viatorians have been dressing up and having fun with the non-secular part of the holiday for decades.
Consider Fr. James Crilly, CSV, who spent 12 years in Colombia as a Viatorian missionary, before working in pastoral ministry at parishes in Chicago, Bourbonnais, Kankakee and in the Las Vegas area, before retiring.
Fr. Thomas von Behren, then a seminarian, and Fr. Daniel Reardon, associate pastor at Maternity BVM enjoy the Halloween festivities
Yet, it was not all work and no play for this dedicated Viatorian. He loved to celebrate Halloween and some of his photos reveal some interesting characters.
Halloween parties now stretch across the Chicago Province, from the Halloween Carnival at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas, to the Haunted House at St. Viator Parish in Chicago, to the Halloween Fun Fair at Saint Viator High School.
Trick or treat!