Earlier this month, the international Viatorian Community welcomed a new novice from Colombia, Br. Carlos Suarez. The ceremony took place in a small chapel at the Viatorians’ International Novitiate, or CLAC (Latin American and Caribbean Council) in Puente Alto, Chile.
(L-R) Fr. Eduardo Millán, Br. Carlos Suarez and Br. Edwin Barreto
The celebration was full of emotion and spirituality, and marked the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Br. Carlos. For the last two years, he has been living at Casa Querbes at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá, where Br. Edwin Barreto, CSV, was his Pre-Novice Director.. As a pre-novice, he dedicated himself to his formation and service within and outside the Congregation.
The International Novitiate represents a fundamental step in his journey of religious commitment and spiritual growth. CLAC formed in 2001 to serve the growing number of novices in Colombia and Chile. Their year in the novitiate consists of an intense training process as strong preparation for religious life, that includes studies in pastoral, spiritual and academic areas.
Viatorian associates and professed on hand for the celebration
Fr. Eduardo Millán, CSV, will serve as Novice Master, as he has done for the last several years with the steady stream of novices coming from Colombia and Chile.
Fr. Marcelo Lamas, CSV, Provincial of Chile, led the ceremony. In his homily, he highlighted the importance of the International Novitiate as a period of deepening in religious life, where the novices are immersed in the Viatorian spirituality and prepare themselves to assume greater responsibilities within the Congregation.
For his part, Br. Carlos expressed gratitude for all of the support and direction he received during his pre-novitiate years, and he expressed his eagerness to continue his formation.
Br. Carlos Suarez, left, with Fr. Marcelo Lamas, Provincial of Chile
.”This step marks a deeper commitment to my faith and my service to the community,” Br. Carlos said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to grow spiritually and contribute to the work of the Clerics of St. Viator.”
Viatorian associates and professed on hand pledged to support Br. Carlos during this next year.
“The congregation looks forward to watching Carlos continue to grow in his faith,” Fr. Lamas concluded, “and contribute to the legacy of the Clerics of St. Viator.”