Spirituality, Community Life and Mission – Drive Annual Viatorian Assembly
8/14/2012
Spirituality, community and mission. These three pillars drove the annual Viatorian assembly, held Aug. 7 and 8 at Saint Viator High School. In all, 80 delegates — associates, brothers and priests — from across the Province of Chicago attended, including from Arlington Heights, Bourbonnais, Chicago, Kankakee, Las Vegas and Belize.
Several years after committing themselves to a Viatorian community made up of associate and professed members — valued equally — and affirmed by the 2012 General Chapter meeting in July, delegates took a closer look at making that ideal a reality.
“Over these next two days, we will enter into dialogue, prayer and celebration,” said Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial, “as we continue to transform the Viatorian Community of the Province of Chicago.”
The first day closed with the definitive commitments of five Viatorian associates, including: Cathy Abrahamian, Randy Baker, Henrietta Chamness, Lynda Connor and Patty Wischnowski.
“I stand here today, committing myself to those dreams of Fr. Louis Querbes,” Patty said , echoing the thoughts of the other associates. “I am truly blessed.”
The final night honored this year’s Viatorian jubilarians, who collectively brought 450 years of religious life to the celebration. They included Fr. Francis White, CSV, (75 years), Br. Donald Houde, CSV, (60 years), Fr. John Linnan, CSV, (60 years), Fr. James Michaletz, CSV, (60 years), Fr. John Milton, CSV, (60 years), Fr. Daniel Mirabelli, CSV, (60 years), Fr. Thomas Long, CSV, (50 years) and Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, (25 years).