Provincial Perspective

Pope Francis, A Servant of God

herds, to embrace the sheep and

allow the lives of those we encounter
to become part of our life for he
says that to be effective shepherds,
one must be willing to smell like the
sheep for which they care.

As I begin to write this reflection for VIATOR, it has been only

48 hours since Pope Francis boarded Shepherd One to return to
Rome for a well-deserved rest after his visit to Cuba and the United
States. By all accounts, the popes visit to both countries was a
huge success. With the crowds pushing to get closer to him, it was
clear that this pope captured the spirit and the hopes of millions of
people of all religions and all walks of life.

It is clear the church of Pope Francis

is not only the magnificent basilicas
of Rome but also the fields where
immigrants work and the factories
where young and old alike toil for their daily bread. The church of
Pope Francis is found in the hearts of the People of God.

What makes this pope different? And why is he called the Peoples
Pope?
From the very first
moments of his papacy, the world got
a glimpse of a man
who wanted to be
close to the people,
moving out of the
papal residence to
live and share his
daily life with others. I suspect his life
as a religious (Jesuit)
living in community played a large part in this decision.

Two years ago, I wrote that only time will tell when asked how I
felt about the election of Francis as our new pope. Today I am confident to say time has proven that Pope Francis not only talks the
talk, but he also walks the walk.
He often ends his remarks by saying I will pray for you, please
pray for me. He knows well that he too is on a journey, needing
prayers, and needing Gods grace. But this man, who is not afraid
to get a little dirty, also points out a clear pathway that leads to
making a difference in the lives of Gods little ones with those
who are on the periphery of society. That pathway involves pulling up ones shirtsleeves and working side by side with those in
need.

When asked about his views concerning those who are gay or lesbian,
he responded who am I to judge, a response that caused many to
pause and reflect. When it was time to write his first encyclical, he
chose to embrace creation and the environment; calling each of us
to be caretakers; seeking to protect all of creation. This pope wants
to be close to the people, standing side by side on key issues that
affect our daily lives.

As a Viatorian, I suspect that Fr. Querbes would be pleased with

Pope Francis and very happy to be a servant of God in todays
Catholic Church.
In St. Viator and Fr. Querbes,

Pope Francis has called bishops, priests and deacons, as well as those
living consecrated lives to get closer to the people, to stand side by
side with those they serve. He called those who are to be shep-

In this Issue:
2 Provincials Perspective: Pope Francis, a Servant of God
3 Maternity BVM Students: Microsoft Specialists and Servant Leaders
4 Association: Las Vegas Region Adds More Viatorian Members
5 Caring for Our Common Home: Viatorians in Solidarity with
Pope Francis

6 Viatorian Community Expands: New Priest Ordained

7 Viatorian Youth Congress: Immersing Teens in Faith Experiences
8 Annual Provincial Assembly: Strengthening Viatorian Bonds
9 Viatorian Religious Witnesses of Joy!
10 Viatorian Open House: If You Build it, They Will Come
www.viatorians.com

Thomas R. von Behren, CSV

Provincial Province of Chicago

Provincial:

of 1965

Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV

Editor:
Fr. Thomas E. Long, CSV

11 From the Archives: Saint Viator High School

Charter Class

12 Back Home to Vourles

13 Celebrating our Jubilarians
14 Around the Province
15 Memoriam:
Fr. Eugene Weitzel, CSV
Fr. Francis White, CSV

16 Its a Wrap! Saint Viator High School Capital Campaign

Dedicated

Director of Communications:
Eileen OGrady Daday

Editorial Board:
Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV
Br. Donald P. Houde, CSV
Fr. Lawrence D. Lentz, CSV
Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV
Eileen OGrady Daday
Associate Joan Sweeney

Layout and Design:

Dianna Ehrenfried, Visualedge, Inc.
Email: news@viatorians.com

Maternity BVM Students: Microsoft Specialists and Servant Leaders

Max OConnor may only be in eighth grade, but already hes
thinking about how he can differentiate himself and advance his
career, in high school and college and beyond.
As a junior high school student at the parish school of Maternity
of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Bourbonnais, he has been
immersed in computer technology since he received his first laptop from the school, in the sixth grade.
Now, entering his last year, Max and his classmates are so advanced
in technology, they are studying to take tests for certifications as
Microsoft Office Specialists worth one college credit hour.
One year ago, as seventh graders, they took their first test to be
certified as PowerPoint specialists. This year, the eighth graders
will bone up to become certified as Microsoft Word specialists.
Max wants to go even further. He intends to study over the
summer to take tests to be certified as a specialist in Microsoft
Publisher and Excel. His classmate, Abigail Geoffrey, wants to
take an online course on software coding, with the thought of
possibly designing her own website.
It all relates back to a commitment made nearly 10 years ago by
Principal Terry Granger, in collaboration with Fr. Richard Pighini,
CSV, pastor, and Fr. James Michaletz, CSV, associate pastor, to
bring technology into the school.
It was more of an experiment at the beginning, Granger says, of
students having access to technology, all day, every day.
The school took the plunge in 2006 and created a one-to-one
program that put laptops in the hands of every sixth, seventh and
eighth grade student.
Students learned to take notes, read assignments, submit homework, present papers and take tests all on laptop computers, that
the school owns and families lease.
The program was groundbreaking at the time and served as a
prototype for schools in the Bourbonnais/Kankakee region,

Technology teacher Steve Langelett demonstrates to a sixth grade class

how to set up their laptops, including saving information to the cloud.

as well as the Diocese of Joliet. But as the years wore on, a

problem surfaced: students had mastered the technology so well,
they needed a new challenge.
We needed some sort of goal to shoot for, says Steve Langelett,
Maternitys technology director. Preparing for Microsoft certifications gives them sort of a college final.
Langelett began preparing students three years ago, using their
Tech Plus class each week to go over material on the test. At
the time, Certiport, which administers the certification test for
Microsoft, told Langelett that they were the first eighth grade
class in Illinois to sit for the exam.
It gives them a mastery in Microsoft that just builds confidence,
Langelett adds.
At the schools annual graduation banquet, Langelett encourages
eighth graders to share their knowledge with high school classmates. They now are certified as specialists and problem solvers
and they need to share the wealth.
I think its wonderful, says Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, associate pastor. When they graduate, theyre ready to hit the ground running.
Theyre often times ahead of their peers, but more importantly,
they are in a position to help their classmates.
Eileen OGrady Daday

Max OConnor, right, reflects with his eighth grade classmates, Colleen
Bassett, Sarah Littrell and Joey Allegro (L-R), about the benefits of being
immersed in technology during middle school.

www.viatorians.com

Association: Las Vegas Region Adds More Viatorian Members

Viatorians have served residents in the Las Vegas area for more
than 60 years, and their ministry continues to draw others into
the Viatorian charism.
That was evident in September, when members of the Henderson/Las Vegas region gathered to receive the formal commitment
oftwo new lay associate members and the renewal of a current
associate member.
The news gets better. They alsowelcomedsix new pre-associates
who are preparing the two-year discernment process before joining the Viatorian Community. As a group, they come from all
walks of life.
That brings to 43 the number of members of the Viatorian Community in the Henderson/Las Vegas region, including lay associates
and professed priests and brothers.
Lay associates were welcomed by the Viatorian General Chapter in
1997, and its numbers continue to increase. Association is open to
fully-initiated adult Catholics, men and women, single or married,
who are actively involved with the Viatorians and their ministry.
As pre-associates, they enter into a two-year discernment process
where they examine their own spirituality, reflect on the Viatorian
charism and gather regularly with the Viatorian Community in
prayer and discussion.
Associates are dedicated to Gospel values and show energy and
enthusiasm for Christs call to change the world, while sharing in
the Viatorian excitement for ministering with young people and
families.
Ultimately, being a lay associate provides a mutually enriching
and creative relationship that supports and challenges both associates and vowed religious in their response to the Gospel.

New associates John Keating, left, and Don Wells, center, made their
first commitment as Viatorian Associates, while Brian Barrett, right,
committed to three more years.

New associates include John Keating, who practices law in Las

Vegas, and retired lawyer Don Wells, who made their two-year
commitments, alongwith Associate Brian Barrett, who is a full
time nursing student andrenewed his commitment for three
years. Sonja Brouwers made her first commitment at the provincial assembly in June.
New pre-associates who have applied to join the community run
the gamut, but they all share this much in common: They are
actively involved with Viatorians in ministry at either St. Thomas
More or St. Viator Catholic communities.
They include Megan Landis, a Bishop Gorman High School
graduate and management consultant, who is the daughter of two
Viatorian Associates (Mary and the late Dan Miller). Lisa Fairweather serves as music director at St. Thomas More, while college
student Anthony Gugino serves as
music minister at St. Viator Catholic
Community. Another St. Thomas More
parishioner, Connie Clough, is a preassociate. She is the Director of Faith
Formation for the Diocese of Las Vegas.
Finally, Deborah and Romeo Perez
are active parishioners at St. Viator in
both the school and parish. Deborah is
a returning student pursuing a degree
in secondary education at UNLV,
while Romeo Perez is an attorney in
Las Vegas.

(L-R) The new pre-associates include Megan Landis, Lisa Fairweather, Anthony Gugino, and
Deborah and Romeo Perez. (Connie Clough not pictured)

www.viatorians.com

Br. Rob Robertson, CSV

Caring for Our Common Home: Viatorians in Solidarity with Pope Francis
Even before Pope Francis made his historic trip to the United States,
Viatorians across the country began immersing themselves in his
recent encyclical, Laudato Si On the Care of Our Common Home.
Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, peace, justice and integrity of creation
coordinator for the Viatorian Community, led a group at the Province Center in Arlington Heights, while Fr. Mick Egan, CSV, pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Community in Henderson, NV,
opened a pair of adult educationsessions on the same day, which
drew 100 people.
Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV, began leading another group at St. Viator
Parish in Chicago, which began in October.
At the Province Center discussion group, Br. Peter Lamick, far right,
We are really happy with the numbers and had a very good initial
meeting,Fr. Egan said. The popes coming to the U.S. dovetails
nicely with this as well. He certainly has re-energized lots of folks.
At the Province Center, nearly
one dozen associates, brothers
and priests gathered, along with
Saint Viator High School faculty
members.
This encyclical has captured the
interest and imagination of all
kinds of groups around the world,
bothCatholic and non-Catholic,
Br. Gosch said. I think its time
to reflect on it, pray on it and to
share our thoughts on it.
Using a readers guide, the Province
Center group decided to tackle the

makes a point.

190-page, 40,000-word encyclical, one chapter at a time. Consequently, they will meet six times, one for each chapter.
I am quite impressed with how science and religion are merged,
said Fr. John Milton, CSV, a retired physics professor. Its defense
of scientific arguments is quite sophisticated.
Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, summed up the thoughts of many when he
said: Part of the reason I wanted to join this group is that it gets
me to read (the encyclical).
In this teaching encyclical, Pope Francis covers everything from the
Gospel of Creation, to climate change, fossil fuels and renewable
energy sources. Ultimately, he states that our immense technological development has not been accompanied by a development in
human responsibility, values, and conscience (105).
Im just intrigued with how the lack of care for our earth really
affects the most vulnerable people, the marginalized, Br. Gosch
added. Everything we do has a ripple effect.

A total of 50 adults per session attended the first discussion group at St. Thomas More
Catholic Community in Henderson, NV, to reflect on the encyclical written by Pope Francis.

Eileen OGrady Daday

www.viatorians.com

Viatorian Community Expands: New Priest Ordained

In the historic St. Viator Church in Chicago, before his Viatorian
confreres, familymembers, parishioners and colleagues from
Saint Viator High School, Fr. Daniel Lydon, CSV, received the
Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV, the Viatorians only active
bishop, came from Belize to preside at the ordination. Bishop
George Rassas, an auxiliary bishop with the Archdiocese of
Chicago, also was on hand for the Mass.
We gather today in great joy, Bishop Glancy said to those in
attendance. This is just what Pope Francis said about consecrated life: It is a joyful moment.
Fr. Daniel Lydon, CSV, lies prostrate during his ordination, symbolizing
his dependence upon God and the prayers of the Viatorian Community to
be successful in his new ministry.

As part of the ordination rite, all of the Viatorian priests on hand

processed up to the altar and laid their hands on Fr. Lydons head
in blessing. Bishop Glancy then anointed his hands.

Sometimes we never know about these turn of events, Fr. Lydon

said. If Fr. Bolser hadnt hired me in 1994, you just never know
what would have happened.

His hands are anointed because theyre set aside for a spiritual
purpose, BishopGlancy said. These are hands that will bless
people, raise up the body and blood of Christ and call on the Holy
Spirit for guidance.

Fr. Lydon celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving one day later
at St. Viator Parish, once again in the company of his confreres,
family and parishioners, and even his first grade teacher and a professor from CTU.

Fr. Lydons ordinationcamejust over40 years after he graduated

from Saint Viator High School, and 20 years afterFr. Charles
Bolser, CSV, hiredhim to teach Spanish at his alma mater.
Fr. Lydoneventually would join the administration.

Fr. Thomas Kass, CSV, offered the homily, in which he pointed to

Fr. Lydons ordination as a sign of hope in a world surrounded by
violence and conflict.

He has spent the last four years completing his seminary studies at
Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where Fr. Mark Francis,
CSV, serves as president.

Let your priestly heart be grounded in mercy, in hope and in

love, Fr. Kass said, and in the activity of prayer.

In thanking everyone after-


wards, Fr. Lydon described

the day as a celebration of

community and a reminder

for those on hand to listen to

their own calls and to act
on them.

Over the summer, Fr. Lydon traveled to Viatorian ministry sites

in Canada, Colombia and Haiti, where he was among other
newly ordained Viatorians called together to celebrate the Year of
Consecrated Life.
In August, he rejoined the faculty at Saint Viator High School,
where he teaches four sections of freshman religion classes and is
working to develop a series of faith-based experiences for parents.
Eileen OGrady Daday

As part of the ordination, Bishop

Christopher Glancy, CSV, anoints
the hands of Fr. Lydon, as a way
of setting them apart for spiritual
purposes.

www.viatorians.com

Viatorian Youth Congress: Immersing Teens in Faith Experiences

What do you get when you gather more than 60 young people from
ministry sites across the country where Viatorians serve and bring
them together for four days of faith formation and leadership training?
A powerful experience, filled with energy and life-changing moments,
thats what.
This years congress took place in the cradle of the Viatorian Community, Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Bourbonnais,
exactly 150 years after Viatorians first arrived in the area from Montreal.
Delegations came from St. Viator Catholic Community and Bishop
Gorman High School, both in Las Vegas, St. Thomas More Catholic
Community in Henderson, St. Viator Parish in Chicago, Saint Viator High School in
Arlington Heights, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep in Waukegan, IL; as well as
teens from St. Patrick Church in
Kankakee, and Maternity BVM,
in Bourbonnais.
In all, between the 50 youth
delegates, and nearly one dozen
college age leaders as well as
the nearly 20 Viatorian associates, brothers and priests there
was a sense of energy and excitement about experiencing their faith in new and
different ways.
Over the course of the four days, teens
explored different forms of prayer:
Taiz prayer, praying with Scripture,
music and meditation as well as
journaling,participating in group
discussions and attending
daily Masses.
Its a week spent in prayer
and discussion about the
Viatorian mission, says
Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, one of
the presenters. The
experience helps these
young faith leaders
realize that they are
part of a worldwide
family that is
changing the world.
Eileen OGrady Daday

Annual Provincial Assembly: Strengthening Viatorian Bonds

Viatorian associates, brothers and priests gathered in June for
fellowship and spiritual renewal. The annual provincial assembly
took place in the cradle of the community, in the Kankakee/Bourbonnais area, exactly 150 years after the first Viatorians arrived there.
But Viatorians did more than celebrate their milestone anniversary.
The assembly was a working gathering.

By any measure, 60, 50 or

25 years of religious life is
no small achievement; it is
a life of commitment, Fr.
Kass said. Not one of us
knew how it would turn
out. This lifes journey of
religious life is fraught with
Associate Hector Obregon-Luna asks
risks, yet these milestones Viatorian
a question during the working sessions of the
are important.
provincial assembly.

As we look to our future, we must find ways to bring discipleship

and evangelization of whom we believe Christ to be in our
world today, said Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial. How
can we be disciples in our world today and how can we be
They allow us to pause and take stock, he added, and renew us
disciples as Viatorians?
for the rest of the journey. The assembly also featured the recommitment and first time commitment of Viatorian associates.
Collectively, they included a nurse, financial specialists, educators
and a television executive. Yet, this much they sharedin common:
they have come to identify with the Viatorian mission, spirituality
and community life.

(L-R) Jubilarians Fr. Thomas Kass, CSV, Fr. William Haesaert, CSV, and
Fr. John Eck, CSV, concelebrate Mass.

One highlight was acknowledging the Viatorian religious

celebrating jubilees. This year, the three who were on hand represented 160 years of religious life.
Fr. John Eck, CSV, a retired teacher and counselor who is now engaged in pastoral work, celebrated 60 years of religious life.Now
living at St. Patrick Church in Kankakee, he helps out with
sacramental ministry at surrounding parishes.

Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, takes in the historical

displays mounted for the assembly by Archivist
Joan Sweeney.

Fr. William Haesaert,

CSV, celebrated 50
years of religious life.
The former teacher
and pastor continues
to minister at Viatorian
parishes in Las Vegas,
taking special interest in
campus ministry programs for young people.

Sonja Brouwers, a
longtime parishioner
of St. Viator Catholic Community in
Las Vegas, made her
first commitment as
a Viatorian associate. Associates who
(L-R) Fr. John Peeters, CSV, Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, and
Bishop Christopher Clancy, CSV, relax during the first
recommitted themnight of the assembly.
selves as Viatorians
for a period of three years, included Julie Baker, Faith Dussman,
Linda Nishi, Hector Obregon-Luna, and Joan and Jim Thomas, all
from the Arlington Heights/Chicago region; as well as Cheryl and
Daniel Schwarz from the Henderson/Las Vegas region.

Associates who recommitted themselves as Viatorians include: Faith Dussman, left,

and Julie Baker in the back row, as well as from left to right: Linda Nishi, Hector
Obregon-Luna, Cheryl Schwarz, Dan Schwarz, Jim Thomas, Joan Thomas and
Sonja Brouwers, who made her first commitment.

Fr. Thomas Kass, CSV, May you continue to be inspired by the mission of Fr. Querbes,
also celebrated 50 years of religious life. The former professor at and live that out through prayer and ministry, Fr. Thomas von
St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, now lives in Behren, CSV, added, in partnership with the Viatorians.
Chicago and he offered the homily at the jubilee Mass, held at
Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church.
Eileen OGrady Daday
www.viatorians.com
8

Viatorian Religious - Witnesses of Joy!

Viateurs du monde, temoins de la joie! Viatorians around the world,
witnesses of joy!
That was the theme of the Congress on Viatorian Consecrated Life
held in August in Haiti, in response to a mandate from Pope Francis,
to Wake up the World.
This international meeting of professed Viatorians took place in
Port-au-Prince and coincided with a celebration of 50 years of Viatorians serving in Haiti.

Fr. Alain Ambeault,CSV, center in white shirt, led the international Congress on
Viatorian Consecrated Life in Haiti.

Each Viatorian province and delegation sent two recently ordained

or professed religious to reflect on the evolution of consecrated life in
the Viatorian Community and to seek ways to revitalize vocations.

Viatorians of the congress theme song, composed and arranged by

Fr. Paul Pierre, CSV.
The Congress included a tour of Viatorian schools and communities
in Gonaves and Saint-Marc, two cities north of the capital, before
concluding with a Mass held on the sight of the former Villa Manrse, a retreat house run by Viatorians which collapsed during the
2010 earthquake.

The Viatorian religious who gathered felt that we Viatorians are

called to continually scrutinize out lifestyle in order to be closer to
those to whom we are sent, said Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV, superior
general.
The young religious which included Fr.
Daniel Lydon, CSV, and Br. Fredy Contreras,
CSV, and Br. Juan Carlos Ubaque, CSV, from
Colombia invited all Viatorians to risk the
joy of the Gospel, to risk taking new and undiscovered paths, even when there are challenges
and difficulties. In short, over and over again,
delegates to the congress heard how essential it
is for Viatorians to radically follow Jesus.

Villa Manrse had been an important center for renewal and

formation of religious and laity from Haiti and throughout the
Caribbean. During the liturgy, plans for a new Villa Manrse were
released, and it became obvious how important a rebuilt Villa Manrse will be for the Viatorians of Haiti.
Perhaps the theme song of the 50th anniversary Mass best expresses
the prayer of those who attended:

Br. Juan Carlos

Ubaque, CSV, was one
of two newly professed
Viatorians to attend.

Lord, may you be praised for your great kindness to us,

Because in your hands we are clay filled with your Spirit!
Lord may you be praised forever.
You have made us laborers for the gospel
in order to proclaim your Kingdom.

Newly professed Viatorians came from the countries of Burkina Faso,

Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Haiti, Honduras, Peru and
the United States to attend the congress.
One evening was dedicated to paying tribute to the Viatorians of
Haiti. A highlight of the evening was the performance by the African

Fr. Daniel Lydon, CSV

Fr. Daniel Lydon, third from left in front row wearing the red cap, gathers with members of the international Viatorian Community.

www.viatorians.com

Viatorian Open House: If You Build It, They Will Come

A new spin on the old adage turned out to be true, when the Viatorian
Community threw open the doors of its Province Center in Arlington
Heights, and more than 200 people turned out. They included neighbors,
alumni of Viatorian schools, vendors, benefactors and members of the
general public, all curious to see what goes on inside the building and
explore its grounds.
Huge banners placed along Euclid Avenue, invited passing motorists to
come inside and see what lies beyond the stone entryway. Invitations went
out as well, with Viatorians figuring that most people would have no idea
of the expansive grounds and the Province Center building itself, which
was established by the Viatorian Community nearly 60 years ago, after
purchasing an 80-acre farm.

Guests at the open house filled the meeting room of the Province

Our children were educated by the Viatorians, and now some of our Center, to watch the movie, The Search, narrated by Hollywood
grandchildren, said Marge Foreman of Arlington Heights, in attendance actor, Pat OBrien, about discernment and the Viatorian Novitiate.
with her husband, Joe. We had to come.
The day started with an outdoor Mass, celebrated under a tent and within eyeshot of the original farmhouse that stood on the property when
the Viatorians purchased the land with the intention of moving its novitiate there from Chicago.
In this Year of Consecrated Life, we are asked by Pope Francis to Wake up the World, said Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial,
during his homily. During this special year, Pope Francis asks us to listen to those who have given their lives to a life of service and to
being a religious.
Viatorians also followed up on recommendations by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, for religious communities in the United
States to hold a day with religious as a way to educate the public about religious life and carry out the intent of Pope Francis.
Visitors explored the Province Center and looked over historical displays from its early days as a novitiate. They also took in a movie,
The Search, narrated by Hollywood actor, Pat OBrien, about discernment and the Viatorian Novitiate. During the day, they met Viatorian
associates, brothers and priests, who described some of their current ministries.
Of special interest were the enlarged photos displayed throughout the building, featuring images from the early novitiate classes, from their
vow ceremonies to daily routines. The organizing committee which included Br. Carlos Ernesto Flrez, CSV, Br. Rob Robertson, CSV,
Br. Peter Lamick and Associate Karen Cutler also recreated a novices room, complete with cassock and prayer book.
This property has developed over time, from a novitiate that was teeming with young novices, Fr. von Behren added, to the religious
community that it is today made up of men and women, still called to education and to serve those accounted of little importance.

Eileen OGrady Daday

www.viatorians.com

Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial, celebrated Mass under a tent during the
province open house in July. Br. William Pardo, CSV, right, assisted him.

10

From the Archives: Saint Viator High School Charter Class of 1965
Members of Saint Viator High Schools Class of 1965 celebrated
their 50th reunion in August. They were the Charter Class the
first graduating class that attended all four years at the school, which
opened in 1961 in Arlington Heights. Without realizing it at the
time, the clubs and traditions they started helped to form todays
Saint Viator High School. A closer look at their senior yearbook, the
1965 Viatome, explains a lot.
The table of contents indicates key areas of interest: a dedication, the
administration and faculty, and the classes and activities. Here are
some examples:
The first indication of their class spirit was the yearbooks dedication
to Rev. Daniel J. Mirabelli, CSV. Along with his duties as treasurer,
Fr. Mirabelli was moderator of the Lettermens Club, and moderator
of The Pride, a service club designed to strengthen loyalty to the new
high school.
A yearbook message from school administrators gave students a tangible image to take with them, that continues to resonate with students:
To the members of the Charter Class, to all students of Saint Viator,
these (school) doors are a symbol and a reality: a doorway to life and
to learning.

Members of the Pride Club posed for the yearbook in the auditorium
with their moderator, Fr. Daniel Mirabelli, CSV, first row, right.

The Charter Class of 65 consisted of 184 young men and it produced an unusual number of leaders. It held a strong academic record,
led athletic teams to victory and helped develop the extracurricular
organizations. According to the yearbook, this class has had an
exceptional opportunity to mold the life of the school and has used
the opportunity to good advantage. In academic, athletic and
extracurricular life, it has set the standard.

The school philosophy was to make good

Christians, in mind, in heart, in will and
in strength and to integrate each young
man as a valuable asset into society as a
As far as extracurricular activities, for a fairly new school, they
whole. This responsibility fell to the
were numerous. Consider, that in 1965 students could participrincipal, Rev. Francis E. Williams, CSV,
pate in Student Council, Chorus,
since deceased, who led the school from
Pride Club, Lettermans Club,
its beginning until 1966 with the help of
Debate, Dramatics, Chess, Great
his staff of Viatorian priests, brothers and Boys did everything during
lay men and women. Viatorians, who as- the early years of SaintViator Books, National Honor Society,
Proctors, Sodality, Astronomy,
sisted him in the 1964/65 school year and High School, including servwho are still going strong today are Rev. ing as cheerleaders at football Radio, Lion Lector newspaper staff,
Viatome yearbook staff, prom comJames Michaletz, CSV, assistant principal; games.
mittee, intramurals, hall guards,
Rev. Arnold Perham, CSV, mathematics department chair; Rev. John
office
staff, cheerleaders and athletics
Milton, CSV, science department chair; and Rev. John Eck, CSV,
which included football, cross country,
math instructor.
wrestling, basketball, swimming, tennis,
baseball, track and bowling teams.
Today, Saint Viator High School in 2015, coed since 1987, is still
growing in size, advancing in curriculum, with updated facilities and
state of the art technology under the direct supervision of the Viatorian Community. The foundation laid by the Class of 65 has stood
the test of time. Congratulations, Charter Class of 1965 - for leading
the way!

Joan Sweeney
Viatorian Associate and Archivist

Senior class officers included: Pat Kennedy, president, Michael Hogan,
vice president, Vincent Morehand, treasurer and Thomas Zimmerman,
secretary
11

www.viatorians.com

Back Home to Vourles

In the Footsteps
of Our Founder...
On Sept.1, the anniversary of the death of our founder, Viatorians
pause to honor Fr. Louis Querbes. This year all eyes were focused
on Vourles, France. Church, civic and community leaders celebrated
the return of the Viatorian General Direction the residence and
headquarters of the superior general to Vourles after a 125 year
absence.
Where and why has the General Direction been located elsewhere for
125 years? From our 1831 founding until 1890, the headquarters
was in Vourles. The aftermath of the Paris Commune insurrection
in 1871 introduced two periods of violent French hostility toward
Catholicism, with intentions to destroy religious congregations and
to eliminate all Catholic schools. Both objectives threatened the
very existence of the Viatorians. Viatorians realized by 1895 that in
order to survive, they needed to leave France. Consequently, they
acquired a house in Aerschet, Belgium and moved the postulants
there in 1907. The General Direction settled in 1908 at Jette-St.Pierre, near Brussels.
Another crisis occurred when Germany invaded Belgium on Aug. 4,
1914. The Superior General and Council were trapped in occupied
Belgium until the end of World War I. They nearly starved, but
survived, and the General Direction remained in Jette-St.-Pierre,
where three succeeding Superior Generals governed from Belgium.

Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial, confers with Fr. Alain Ambeault,
CSV, superior general, before the dedication of the new General Direction
Headquarters in the building behind them.

However, in 1962, Pope Pius XII requested all international

congregations with Papal Approbation to establish their general headquarters in Rome. Since the Clerics of St. Viator had received their
Papal Approbation from Pope Gregory XVI in 1838, the community acquired land in Rome (Via della Sierra EUR). A new General
Direction, constructed to meet immediate and future needs, opened
February, 1962.

When Belgium surrendered to invading German troops on May

28, 1940, the General, Fr. Paul Emile Farley (1937-1946), was
in the U.S. making visits to North American Viatorians. They
insisted he stay in Canada, making a special dispensation allowing two
operating General Councils one in Belgium, another in Canada.
Fr. Farley eventually returned to Jette-St.-Pierre in 1945, where
he relinquished his duties to Fr. Jules Blanchard until the 1947
General Chapter.

By 1973, the General Council determined the EUR facility was

oversized for community needs and the property was sold. The
Superior General, Council and staff moved in 1975 to the Mostacciano district of Rome at Via Padre Angelo Paoli, where it was the
General Direction for two Superior Generals, until 2012.

From 1947-1967, two more Superior Generals governed from

Belgium, but by 1967 the General Council decided to move to North
America, to New York. Upon arrival they discovered the Archdiocese
opposed their proposal, saying that too much property in that area
already had been taken off the tax roles for religious purposes.

The decision to return to Vourles came during the administration of Superior General Alain Ambeault and his Council. As Fr.
Ambeault observed at the Vourles dedication The Berceau (cradle)
now embarks on a new mission that has deep roots and history.

The General Council then proceeded to Canada, purchasing property at Coteau-du-Lac in 1948, paid for by the American provinces.
The General Direction remained there under two Superior Generals
(1948-1962).

Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV

12

Celebrating our Jubilarians...

Fr. Alejandro Adame, CSV, a
native Colombian, celebrated
his 25 years as a Viatorian religious on Dec. 8, 2015.

In 2009, Fr. Lopez returned to his roots in education, serving as

an administrator of the colegio until 2011. During those years,
he also was elected by his confreres as superior of the Foundation
of Colombia.

In preparation for his years

of ministry, he completed
his degree in philosophy and
languages at Universidad Libre
De Colombia and his degree in
theology at San Buenaventura
University.

From 2013 through the present, Fr. Lopez has served as chaplain
at the National Service of Learning, or SENA. The national agency
focuses on leadership development and administrative professional formation and is headquartered in Bogot.

Fr. Albeyro Vanegas, CSV,

pronounced his first vows as a
Viatorian in January, 1980. His
ordination to the priesthood
took place on Dec. 1, 1990.

During the 1990s, he had a

long stay at the Province Center in Arlington Heights, where he sharpened his skills in the
English language and got to know his Chicago brothers.

He holds a degree in philosophy from San Buenaventura University, a degree in

theology from La Javeriana
University and a degree in educational administration from
La Sabana University.

For the last 10 years, his primary ministry has been to the students
at Colegio San Viator in Bogot, Colombia. However, he also
has agreed to serve in a leadership position among the Viatorian
Community in the Foundation of Colombia, which was established in 1963.
In January 2015, Fr. Adame was elected for a second, three-year
term as a foundation councilor. Both he and Fr. Frank Enciso,
CSV, were elected by their confreres to serve on the council with
Fr. Edgar Surez, who was re-elected as superior of the Foundation of Colombia.

Fr. Luis Eduardo Lopez, CSV, a

native Colombian, celebrated the
25th anniversary of his first vows
on Dec. 8, 2015.
After studies and a degree at La
Javeriana University, he earned a
second degree in theology at San
Buenaventura University, both in
Bogot.
Fr. Lopez professed his first vows as
a Viatorian in 1990, before being
ordained a priest on Dec. 9, 1995.
His first assignment as a religious was to teach at Colegio San
Viator, from 1991 through 1998.
For the next 10 years, he served as pastor of San Basilio Magno
Parish in Bogot.

Since 1994, Fr. Vanegas has

spent most of his time in educational administration. In those
years, he has been a teacher, counselor, chaplain and rector of
Colegio San Viator.
From 1994 to 2002, he served as rector and principal of the
school. During the next three years, Fr. Vanegas devoted most
of his attention to developing the International Baccalaureate
Program at the colegio for high achieving high schools students.
From 2005-2006, Fr. Vanegas served as rector of another
private school, Gimnasio Los Pinos in Bogot.
However, in 2008, he returned to the colegio to serve as
academic director, before taking on the role of rector in 2012.
In February 2015, Fr. Vanegas led the colegio through an accreditation process, which earned the school a four-star rating
and recognition of excellence from the European Foundation for
Quality Management. The award is similar to the National Blue
Ribbon award given by the U.S. Department of Education to
outstanding schools.

13

Br. Donald Houde, CSV

Around the Province...

This issue of Around the Province offers updates on the latest assignments of
Viatorians and highlights their ministries around the country.
Never let it be said that any grass grows
under Fr. Arnold Perhams feet. After
researching new software all summer,
developed in part by the Smithsonian
Institute, Fr. Perham introduced a new,
interdisciplinary project to freshmen
in Saint Viator High Schools Querbes
Scholars Program, which mixes math
and botany. Officially, Fr. Perham retired from the high school nearly a
dozen years ago, but he still reports ev- Fr. Arnie Perham, CSV
ery day, tutoring students and coming up
with intriguing projects for the Querbes Scholars. It keeps him young!

Archbishop Blase Cupich and

Br. Pat Drohan, CSV

Duringhis four yearsin the priesthood,

Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, has said Massfor
a variety of worshipers, but in August
he experienced a first: He celebrated
twice with Bears coaches, a few players and staff. Fr. Nesbit serves as associate
pastor of Maternity of the Blessed Virgin
Mary Parish, locatedadjacent toOlivet
Nazarene University, site of Bears training camp andformer home toSt. Viator
College.

Most days, Br. Pat Drohan, CSV, goes

about his work quietly, in running the
Villa Desiderata Retreat Center in suburban McHenry. But last summer his role
came to the forefront, when seminarians
from the Chicago Archdiocese Mundelein Seminary arrived at the retreat
house for some rest and relaxation. Their
getaway also drew Archbishop Blase
Cupich, who recognized Br. Drohan for
his more than 50 years of service.

Fr. Simon Lefebvre, CSV, served

as a missionary in Taiwan, at the
new St. Viator High School in
Taichung that Viatorians opened
in 1956. He served as a priest
and chaplain for 14 years before
returning to the states, but his
former students still remember
Fr. Simon Lefebvre, CSV, third from him. Graduates, now living in
left in front row
Los Angeles, took their teacher
out for his birthday, his 88th, making him the third oldest in the Chicago
Province of the Viatorian Community.

Fr. Mark Francis, CSV

by Liturgical Press recentlywon first place in the liturgy category of the

Catholic Press Associations 2015 book awards, which was handed out at
the CatholicMedia Conference inBuffalo, NY.

Worshipers congratulate Fr. William Haesaert, CSV, after Mass.

At the request of Brian

McCaskey, left, Fr. Jason
Nesbit, CSV, celebrated Mass at
the Bears training camp.

Lines formed outside St. Viator Catholic

Community after all three morning
Masses of parishioners wanting to congratulate Fr. William Haesaert, CSV, on
his 50th jubilee as a religious. Nearly 600
people in all waited to greet him and pose
for photos. Over the last 50 years as a
religious, my prayer has been to serve God
and his people. My hope was and is, that in
some way I would make a difference in the
lives of those I served, Fr. Haesaert wrote
in the Sunday bulletin. Your presence on
Sunday was a tremendous support and
affirmation to me.

In late September, leaders of the Diocese of Joliet

paused during one of their
regular Finance Council
meetings to recognize Br.
Leo Ryan, CSV. Br. Ryan
served on the council from
2007-2015, including three
years as its board chair. The
Leo Ryan, CSV, left with Bishop R.
role was an important one, Br.
Daniel Conlon of Joliet
as the diocese serves more
than 187,000 Catholic households in seven counties and 130 parishes
and missions. Among those are four parishes in the Bourbonnais and
Kankakee area run by Viatorians.

After spending 12 years in Rome as Superior

General of the worldwide Viatorian Community, Fr. Mark Francis,
CSV, took a one-year sabbatical at Santa Clara University, where he immersed
himself in research for his
next book: Local Worship,
Global Church. It turns out
his time was well spent. The
book, published in 2014

Eileen OGrady Daday

14

In Memoriam...
Fr. Eugene Weitzel, CSV

Fr. Francis White, CSV

(1927-2015)

(1917-2015)

Fr. Eugene Weitzel, CSV, overcame a lifelong

vision disability that could have been crippling. Instead, he went on to earn multiple
degrees, write several books and ultimately
achieve his dream of becoming a parish priest.

The Rev. Francis White, CSV, the oldest

member of the Viatorian Community, passed
away peacefully on June 7, 2015 at the
Viatorian Province Center in Arlington
Heights. Born Sept. 19, 1917 in Springfield,
IL, he served as a priest for more than 70
years. Fr. White was 97.

He died April 30 from complications resulting from a fall he suffered on Holy Saturday.
Fr. Weitzel was 88.
His confreres reflected on how his life had
mirrored that of his good friend, Fr. Robert Cooney, CSV. They attended
the former Cathedral Boys High School in Springfield together where
they first met the Viatorians worked at St. Johns Hospital as elevator
operators before attending St. Josephs College in Rensselaer, IN, and ultimately joining the Viatorians the same year.
Their careers followed one anothers for a substantial part of their ministry, says Br. Don Houde,
CSV, who followed them into the novitiate one
year later.
Ultimately, Fr. Weitzel followed his dear friend into
eternal life. He passed away less than six months after Fr. Cooney.
I would say if one is looking for true happiness
and a real sense of giving, it can be found in religious life, Fr. Weitzel reflected back in 2009 on
the occasion of his 50th jubilee as a priest. I have
never been unhappy as a priest.
When Fr. Weitzel entered the community, he already had earned an undergraduate degree in philosophy from St. Josephs; as a Viatorian, he earned his
masters degree in education from DePaul University and his doctorate in
moral theology from Catholic University in Washington.

Some people leave footprints, said Fr.

Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial. Fr.
White left a permanent impression on peoples hearts.
During a 2011interview at the Province Center, as he approached 75 years in
vows, Fr. White reflected on his calling to religious life, and in particularwhy
he was drawn to the Viatorians. Someone has to ask you, he said simply.
Fr. White attended Cathedral Boys High School, where he first met the
Viatorians, and in particular, Br. Charles Carlon, CSV, who asked him to
consider a vocation. Shortly after graduating, Fr. White took his first vows
in 1937 as a Viatorian brother. He was ordained a priest in 1944, after earning his bachelors degree in Latin from St. Ambrose College, before earning
a masters degree in school administration from the University of Illinois.
His ministry took him across the country and around the world, literally.
His first assignment came in 1944, when Fr. White taught at St. Joseph
School for the Deaf in the Bronx, before he returned to Illinois to teach at
St. Philips High School in Chicago and Cathedral Boys High School.
When the Viatorians opened Rakusei High School in Kyoto, Japan in 1948,
they turned to Fr. White to be its principal and superior, a title he held until
1956.
Upon returning from Japan, he served in Illinois, both at Cathedral Boys
High School and Spalding Institute in Peoria, and as spiritual director at the
Viatorian Novitiate in Arlington Heights, 1961-1963.

Early teaching assignments took him to St. Philip High School in Chicago,
Spalding Institute in Peoria, Cathedral Boys High School and Griffin High
School in Springfield, where he taught religion from 1959-1971.

The latter part of his ministry was spent doing pastoral work, mostly in Las
Vegas. He led St. Viator Parish as pastor from 1970-1979, and later served
at Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Vegas, as associate pastor from 19832006, before retiring at the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights.

One of his students would go on to not only join the Viatorians but become
provincial, Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV.

Despite leaving his beloved Las Vegas and being away for nearly 10 years, his
legions of fans still loved him.

Fr. Weitzel made the transition from high school teaching to hospital chaplaincy in 1971. He returned to St. Johns, where he worked as a teen, to serve
as its chaplain, offering care and a spiritual presence to its patients.

One of them who preferred to

remain anonymous, installed
a full-sized billboard honoring his pastoral ministry near
one of the busiest interchanges
near the Las Vegas Strip
the Spaghetti Bowl where
reportedly, 300,000 motorists
pass through every day.

He made hospital rounds until 1989, when he became pastor of St. Alexius
parish in Beardstown and later added the pastorship of St. Fidelis in Arenzville, both in the Diocese of Springfield.
Fr. Weitzel retired from his full time pastorships in 2006, though he stayed
on as part-time sacramental minister at St. Alexius until 2011.
In reflecting on his 50 years as a priest, Fr. Weitzel added: I think the most
satisfying thing that has happened to me is the wonderful opportunities I
have been given to work in my home diocese.

The people in Las Vegas absolutely loved him, Fr. von Behren added. He
was a giant of a Viatorian.
Eileen OGrady Daday

15

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Its a Wrap! Saint Viator High School Capital Campaign Dedicated

It was a meeting of the minds,
between Archbishop Cupich, left,
Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, center, and
Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial.

Archbishop Blase Cupich made his second visit to Saint Viator High School
this year, and he felt so at home that he donned a baseball cap, and accepted
a shirt and bag, all adorned with the Lions logo.
Hes a lion for life, said Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, president, and hes
committed to Catholic education.
The Chicago archbishop headlined a dedication and prayer service
held in August to celebrate the completion of a $3 million renovation of its fine arts facilities and the multi-media, college-styled dining
facility, the Fr. Louis Querbes Hall.
Fr. Corey Brost,CSV, president, presents
Archbishop Cupich with Saint Viator
spirit wear.

Its spectacular, Br. Ryan said. And I like how its tuned into all the
latest technology. It will really help carry students into the 21st century.
Many of the investors supported the capital campaign, despite not
having any students at the school any longer.

The dedication drew many of the schools former administrators, including from left:
Fr. Thomas von Behren, principal and president, Br. Donald Houde, CSV, principal, Fr. Donald Fitzsimmons, CSV, teacher, Fr. John Milton, CSV, science chair, Fr.
James Michaletz, CSV, assistant principal, Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, principal, Fr.
Robert Erickson, CSV, treasurer, and Br. Leo Ryan, CSV, president.

In thanking the Viatorian Community and guests on hand for investing

in the school and its mission, the archbishop described their partnership as a great enterprise and one that gives young students a very
hopeful outlook on the world.
I really do find that Catholic education, especially at the secondary
level, is a top priority. We need to bond together in ways that make it
possible for many families to enjoy the great privilege of schools like
Saint Viator.
Many of the Viatoriains who served as teachers and administrators
were on hand for the dedication, including Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV, a former president of the school and the last living member of the building
committee made up of Viatorians to design the school.

Our kids had a tremendous experience here. Viator not only prepared
them for college, but it has carried them through their professional
lives, said Jack Klues of Arlington Heights. And when you combine all
the spirit and commitment of the Viatorians, we had to support this.
Tod Faerber, a member of the board of trustees and Saint Viator graduate, agreed. The youngest of his four children, Joe, graduated in 2014,
but he continues to work for the school.
This is great, he said looking around the new Querbes Hall. Anything
that we can do prepare these students for college and beyond, Im all for.
With the completion of Querbes Hall and the fine arts facilities, it brought
to a close the schools Shaping the Future with Faith Campaign, a fouryear, $14 million undertaking, with major building improvements and an
increased endowment fund, all made possible by generous donors.
Today is the culmination of a long journey, Fr. Brost added, that will
provide facilities that will enhance the educational experience for each
student here and for generations.
We have also increased our endowment, from $8 million to $10 million,
he added, to allow more families to experience the transformative power of
a Saint Viator education.
Eileen OGrady Daday