Back in February, Colegio San Viator opened its doors in Tunja, Colombia as the second Viatorian school in the South American country. Now, six months later, it features a newly dedicated plaza and park which formally stamps it as a Viatorian school.
Fr. Thomas von Behren poses beside a plaque recognizing his leadership in opening Colegio San Viator in Tunja
The school community recognized Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, who served as provincial during the years when the school was acquired. A plaque bearing his name was laid in a prominent flag plaza near the entrance of the school.
Another dedication took place in the playground area where younger students enjoy recess. That’s where the park area was named after the founder of the Viatorians, Fr. Louis Querbes.
Besides Fr. von Behren, Fr. Mick Egan, CSV, provincial attended and presided over the school’s dedication, as well as Br. Carlos Florez, CSV, a native Colombian who serves as a councilor to the Superior General, Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV.
Fr. Mick Egan, Fr. Thomas von Behren and Br. Carlos Flórez all attended the dedication
“It was a real privilege to preside at the dedication of the new school in Tunja,” Fr. Egan said. “It is a growing, vibrant school community and a wonderful opportunity to share our Viatorian charism and commitment to education.”
Set amid the Eastern ranges of the Colombian Andes, the school features all the qualities of a
Viatorian education, namely one that is faith-based, co-educational, bilingual and pastoral, with professed Viatorians on staff.
(L-R) Br. Fredy Contreras, Br. Carlos Flórez, Fr. Thomas von Behren, Fr. Pedro Herrera, Fr. Mick Egan and Br. Juan Carlos Ubaque all celebrated the dedication of the plaza named for Fr. von Behren
Fr. Pedro Herrara, CSV, serves as president. Ironically, he attended Colegio San Viator in Bogotá and was the first religious vocation to come out of the school. Now, he is paying his Viatorian education forward.
Br. Fredy Contreras, CSV, serves as vice president of the school, while Br. Juan Carlos Ubaque, CSV, works in Campus Ministry.