It happens only once every six years. That’s when Viatorian delegates from around the world gather for the congregation’s General Chapter meeting. This historic gathering — the 31st in the history of the Viatorian Community — will take place in July 2024 in Ariccia, Italy.
Fr. Claudio Rios, left, listens during a plenary session at the General Chapter in 2018.
The General Chapter is described as the supreme governing body of the Viatorian Community, when its delegates discuss challenges facing the congregation and cultivate ways to animate its mission in the future. In preparation Viatorians have been asked to contemplate a series of questions to be discussed at the meeting, and to pray for its success.
Each Viatorian received a packet that included a prayer to reflect upon in the coming months as the General Chapter draws closer. However, Fr. Claudio Rios, CSV, Vicar General of the General Direction, has suggested taking it one step further. He conceived the idea of making a video of Viatorians from different provinces and foundations, or from 13 countries around the world, all saying the prayer in their native language.
He hopes to weave the different voices together, to feature each of its stanzas recited by a diverse group of Viatorians.
Br. Peter Lamick records the prayer.
In the Province of Chicago, three Viatorians set out to film themselves saying the prayer, including Fr. Dan Hall, CSV, Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, and Fr. Daniel Lydon, CSV. They positioned themselves in front of a podium, in front of a portrait of the founder of the Viatorians, the Venerable Fr. Louis Querbes, whose charism will be at the heart of the General Direction.
Br. Rob Robertson
“This is a very important process, as we look to the future,” Br. Robertson said. “It’s an important time in our community, when we need to make decisions about the direction we need to take, and look for ways to sustain us and keep us viable.”
Br. Lamick, who is the Director of Vocation Ministry, agreed, saying: “The Chapter can be a launching point to reinvigorate the Viatorian mission, all around the world.”