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After 132 years, the devotion continues.

Hundreds of worshippers descended on historic St. Anne Church

at the end of a nine-day novena to St. Anne, the mother of Mary.They came for spiritual renewal and healing.

This place is made holy by the prayers of so many, for so manyyears, said Fr. James Fanale, CSV, pastor since 1996.

Located outside of Kankakee in central Illinois, the 19th centurychurch is home to the original shrine to St. Anne in the United

States, brought by French Canadian settlers. The Viatorians haveserved as caretakers of this national treasurer since 1920.

The novena culminates on July 26, the feast day of St. Anne. Thiyear, more than 600 worshippers converged on the church campuincluding busloads from Whiting, IN and Rockford, IL.

She has granted me so many favors, said Anne Singel of Whitiwho has organized a bus trip to the shrine for the last 36 years.

As evidence of St. Annes intercession, a wooden wheelchair stan

2

Annual Pilgrimage to St. Anne Offers Renewal

Las Vegas Teens Find the LIGHT

What do get when you gather 90teens together for five days armed

with energy and the light of Christ?

Camp LIGHT, thats what!

St. Thomas More CatholicCommunity in Henderson, NV,administered by Viatorians, broughtback Camp LIGHT this summer,

and despite triple digit temperatures, it drew high schoolers fired up

and ready to work.I just got back from the hardest working, blistering, exhausting, fiveday LIGHT retreat and it was awesome, said Robby Haverman,one of the teens at the end of the week.

Another teen, Shea Swiercinsky of Henderson, agreed, except that shedidnt want the experience to end.

This has been the greatest week, she said. Cant we just live atSt. Thomas More, please?

Since 2001, leaders in the parishs LIFE Teen ministry have organized

the five-day work camp, around the acronym, Living In Gods HouTogether. Teens stay in classrooms, start their day with morning Maand return from work sites for an evening filled with prayer, musicand celebrations.

In between, they divide up into teams and head to one of 15 differesites around the Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson areas.

They do everything from sort clothes at a thrift store and fooddonations at a food bank to paint and complete landscape projects.

For nearly 100 teens to give up a week of their summer vacation

to do service work in that heat we find incredibly humbling,says Steven Dwyer, who co-directs the parishs LIFE Teen program

with his wife, Amanda. The teens often say that it is the mostmemorable experience they have in their high school days.

Both Steve and Amanda point to Camp LIGHT as the kind ofhands-on activity, that together with its spiritual dimension, keeps

young people involved in the church. As it is, they average 300 teeninvolved with the program each week during the rest of the year.

Camp Light is like a work camp experience, but we really think of as a retreat, says Amanda Dwyer.

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Youth ministers patterned their camp after one they visited in Phoenix,but it bears many of the same components of the nationally knownCatholic Heart Work Camps, but here the teens stay close to home.

What a beautiful week, said Kirsten Schwarz, an adult team leader.Theres nothing better than seeing the light of God shine throughmore than dedicated teenagers. I feel so blessed to be part of it.

They now offer it every other year and teens eagerly await the chanceto sign up. This years camp filled up in one week, and they had a long

waiting list. Parish staff members were aided by 100 parent volunteewho made meals for the teens, went to work sites and helped withnightly activities.

It changes teens lives, Amanda says, and the way they look at theown community.

Eileen OGrady Dada

he back of church,with a pair of crutchespropped against it.

The wheelchairemains from the mostamous healing at thehrine that occurredn 1902. Thats where

20-year old MatildaCunnea's wheelchairemains as evidence of

St. Anne's interventionback in 1902

Reportedly, as she was wheeled to the altar, Matilda rose from her chairnd walked, to the astonishment of her parents who were on hand to

witness the healing.

Fr. Fanale even described how his own mother had attributed havinghildren to St. Anne. He told of how she prayed a novena to St. Anne,fter losing an infant son and having several miscarriages, and then went

on to have five healthy children.

What a wonderful intercession she is for all us, Fr. Fanale added. Withhe tender brush of her hand, we are her much loved children.

The day allowed visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of their everyday

lives and become immersed inthe spirituality of the place.

They lit candles and collectedwater that flowed over a St. Annemedal. Local vendors offereddifferent images of St. Anne toremember the day, as well as bou-quets of gladiolas grown in near-

by farms.

The anointing Mass was thehighlight. Those in attendancesolemnly waited in lines to beanointed by the many Viatorianand diocesan priests on hand,before walking in procession

while praying the rosary.

No obvious miracles or healingswere reported that day, so far, but people came away changed from th

experience.

She can relate to all our needs, and is a powerful witness as we journthrough life, said Viatorian Associate Marilyn Mulcahy. Ultimatelshe is dedicated to life and to the sanctity of that life.

Fr. Donald Wehnert, CSV, annoin

worshipper during the healing M

College interns helped to organize teens during the week long Camp LIGHT

Camp LIGHT youth paint an uplifting mural outside a center for at-risk teens.

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Those three pillars drove the annual Viatorian assembly, held Aug. 7 and at Saint Viator High School. Eighty delegates associates, priests

nd brothers from across the province attended, including those fromBourbonnais, Chicago, Kankakee, Las Vegas and Corozal Town, Belize.

Several years after committing themselves to a Viatorian Community

made up of associates and professed members, valued equally, delegatesook a closer look at making that ideal a reality.

Over these nextwo days we

will enter intodialogue, prayernd celebration,aid Fr. Thomas

von Behren, CSV,provincial, as weransform the

ViatorianCommunity ofheProvince

of Chicago.

The first day closed with the definitive commitments of five Viatorianssociates, Cathy Abrahamian, Randy Baker, Henrietta Chamness,

Lynda Connor and Patty Wischnowski.

How honored we are that fiveViatorian associates are making a co

mitment in a definitive way to live out their baptismal promisa Viatorian way, Fr. von Behren said. We are grateful for Gods gif

you, and for your commitment.

The final night showcased th

years jubilarians, who collectivbrought 450 years of religiouslife to the celebration. TheyincludedFr. Francis White, C(75 years), Br. Donald HoudeCSV, (60 years), Fr. John LinCSV, (60 years), Fr. JamesMichaletz, CSV, (60 years),Fr. John Milton, CSV, (60 yeaFr. Daniel Mirabelli, CSV,(60 years), Fr. Thomas Long,

CSV, (50 years) and Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, (25 years).Br. Houde cited Johns gospel about the vine and the vineyard If remain in me as I have in you, you will bear much fruit when hedescribed their individual contributions during his homily.

Well, we have remained in him and born much fruit, Br. Houdesaid. The number of peoples lives weve touched inour various

ministries, is amazing.

Annual Viatorian Assembly Revitalizes Members

4

Fr. Mark Francis, CSV,received a standing ovationand heartfelt gratitude fromViatorians attending theprovincial assembly in July.

The recognition took placeas he closed out his secondterm as superior general ofthe worldwide congregation.

A lot has been producedover the last 12 years, saidFr. Thomas von Behren,

CSV, provincial. Youve not only represented us well, but the entirenternational congregation has benefited from your leadership and yourision. We are much better off for your service.

Fr. Francis was a professor of liturgy at Catholic Theological Unionack in 2000 when he was elected by his peers to serve as theirastoral leader in Rome. The international position came after he hadarned his Doctorate in Sacred Liturgy in Rome, and after servingn Colombia.

I would say that I am most proud of the international dimension owho we are as Viatorians, Fr. Francis said to those at the assembly,and that was evident at the general chapter meeting (in Rome) whethe look and sound of the community was different.

He pointed to the different languages being spoken, and how theinternational aspect of the community provided renewed energy totheir discussions.

It has strengthened our sense of identity in our charism inherited fFr. Querbes, Fr. Francis said, and created ties of friendship betwee

members throughout the international community.In September, Fr. Francis began a one year sabbatical, serving as a

visiting scholar at Santa Clara University in Northern California.He also will be writing a book that will examine Catholic liturgy,nearly 50 years after Vatican II.

I have great hope for the Viatorian Community, that we representsomething positive for the church, he said in closing at the assemblWith the complementarity of our community, devised of priests,brothers, married and single men and women as associates, and deacI think we are a microcosm of what church is supposed to be.

Superior General Bids Adieu

Spirituality, Community and Mission

Fr. Frank White, CSV, and ViatorianAssociate Leona Iglinski of Henderson,

NV, share a laugh together at theProvincial Assembly

These Viatorians made definitive commitments, including

from left: Lynda Connor, Patty Wischnowski, Randy Baker,Cathy Abrahamian and Henrietta Chamness in front

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5

The town of Ariccia located outsideRome, offered a picturesque settingfor the 39 Viatorian delegates from15 countries who converged there inearly July. Every six years, Viatoriansgather for their general chaptermeeting in Rome. They discuss a

wide range of issues facing theworldwide congregation beforecasting votes on who will lead them.

For the past 12 years, it has beenFr. Mark Francis, CSV, a native ofsuburban Chicago and graduate ofSaint Viator High School. Havingreached his two term limit, delegateselected Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV,from the Province of Canada, as theirnext superior general.

Fr. Ambeault now takes over as the pastoral leader of the congregations 500brothers and priests around the world. They serve in the provinces of Canada,Chile, Spain, the United States and the delegation of France, as well as theoundations of Belize, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Haiti, Honduras,

Ivory Coast, Japan, Peru and Taiwan.

Assisting him in leadership will be hiscouncil, including Fr. Harry Celestin, CSV,of Haiti as vicar general; Fr. Andr Cozier,CSV, of France as secretary; Fr. Luis Alvarez,CSV, of Spain, as treasurer; and Br. CarlosErnesto Flrez, a Colombian native most

recently serving in Arlington Heights.

Fr. Ambeault said discussions at the generalchapter meeting presented a clear directionfacing the congregation over the next six years.

The two priorities that we need to addresswill concern vocation ministry and a strong

ncouragement for social justice, said Fr. Ambeault, "It is clear the next sixyears will be challenging and truly exciting.

Delegates from the Ivory Coastntertained everyone with music at

a special reception

Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV, of Montreal waselected in July as the next Superior General

Br. Carlos ErnestoFlrez, CSV, attenthe recent Viatoriageneral chaptermeeting in Rome an interpreter andliturgy coordinator

and to offer technisupport for thedelegates who attefrom 15 countries.

He emerged as one of four members and the oAmerican of the general council, appointed by new superior general, Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV.

When he asked me, I couldnt sleep that night,Br. Carlos said. But I saw it as an exciting oppornity in my life, he adds. Its a chance to serve the

international community, and I believe that I haveskills and the background to do it.

However, he admits to having mixed feelings. Theopportunity meant leaving his community andrelationships formed in Arlington Heights that habeen an important part of his life for the past 12 y

My heart remains in this province, he said durinthe provincial assembly, but I know I will return wa rich experience.

As a councilor, one of Br. Carlos responsibilities wil

to represent the superior general, in Latin AmericanCaribbean countries where Viatorian vocations haveincreased over the last decade, which is an importanorganization where Viatorian vocations have increasover the past decade.

As a native of Bogot, Colombia and someone whworked in Belize, and lived in the United States, "Fr. Thomas von Behren, provincial, "he's a natural

Viatorian Brother

Heads to Rome

Viatorians Elect Canadian as

New Superior General

Eileen OGrady

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Five hundred pounds.That was the figureambitiously set forthby members of the

Viatorian Communityand its staff members,

who planted a garden inJune, specifically toaddress hunger in theNorthwest suburbs ofChicago.

And they more thandoubled it. Not eventhis summers extreme

temperatures or theworst drought to hitthe Midwest in 50 yearscould slow this littlegarden that could.

Their garden tookshape on unused land

behind the province center. Neatly tended rows of tomatoes, peppers,eggplant, zucchini, beans, watermelon and asparagus sprung up and allsurrounded by a white picket fence. Colorful zinnias and giantsunflowers, planted in front, served as its gateway.

Gardeners included seasoned veterans as well as novices, whocollectively were drawn to the idea of helping local families enjoy freshproduce. One week after their planting, they gathered to bless thegarden, and the gardeners, as they headed into its growing season.

These are families who are having a hard time putting fresh, homegrown vegetables on the table, said Joan Sweeney, Viatorian associateand archivist. This is one way we can help.

Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, who attended the garden blessing andendorsed the idea from the beginning, saw its handpicked vegetablesas a tangible way for the religious community to respond to thehunger in the Northwest suburbs.

He pointed to the book, Opting for the Poor, by Peter J. Henriot, SOur God does hear the cry of the poor, we know that. But do we?

That is the serious question the critical challenge which facesour Church today. Do we really hear the cry of the poor?

Br. Gosch adds that one of the main social justice issues driving theViatorians Provincial Council is working to end poverty, especiallyas it affects children.

Bread for the World, a Christian lobbying group that urges nation'sdecision makers to end hunger at home and abroad, reports thefollowing staggering statistics from 2010:

More than one in seven Americans, including more thanone in five children, lived below the poverty line($22,113 for a family of four).

Food banks in the United States saw a 46 percent increasein clients seeking emergency food assistance between2006 and 2010.

Throughout the world, 1.5 billion people live in extremepoverty, on less than $1.25 a day.

Locally, food pantries have eased the hunger crisis for the increasing

numbers of families faced with job loss, foreclosure and otherunforeseen crises. However, they typically provide only nonperishablfoods, leaving families scrambling to afford fresh produce.

The majority of the harvested produce went to the food pantry runby Wheeling Township, which last year served more than 3,700individuals from across the Northwest suburbs.

The Viatorians are our biggest contributors, says MaryannHernandez, food pantry coordinator. Theyve been a Godsend.For the majority of our clients, this is the only fresh food they get.

And not just food. Associate Joan Sweeney donated small bouquetsof hand cut flowers from the garden to accompany, to add an extrahuman touch to their food donations.

We, as a community, have been very blessed, says Fr. Daniel HalCSV, who is leading the effort. This is somethingwe can do to help those around us. We see it as our

responsibility and our mission.

Viatorians Take Action in Responding to Hunger1,000 pounds and counting!

6

Pre-associate John Dussman weighs

vegetables from the garden in order

to track their donations

Eileen OGrady Daday

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In the Footstepsof Our Founder...

Gracious God,

be forever blest for

your gift in

Fr. Louis Querbes,

dedicated pastor in the

education of youth,

and in the service of

sacred liturgy,

and founder of the

Viatorian Community.

7

The Homeward Journey to Lyons

The return of Fr. Louis Querbes - priest, pastor, and religious founder - to Vour

was a major event for the citizens of Vourles, the parishioners of St. Bonnet andfor the Viatorian religious of Clerics of St. Viator. Fr. Querbes left Vourles May1838 for Rome on his almost mission impossible. Now after five months andfive days, he was returning triumphant in achieving his goal but still humble,modest and self effacing in his demeanor.

The Misses Madeleine and Antoinette Comte sisters, his most generousbenefactors, went to Lyons in their private carriage to meet Fr. Querbes onOctober 12 and to return him to his own in Vourles on October 13, 1838.Not only did they provide their carriage for his return, but they funded the localcelebration that would honor his return.

The Viatorian religious were already in Vourles for their annual conference andcommunity retreat. The towns people, and especially the parishioners, were exciabout the return of their pastor and distinguished priest-citizen.

Fr. Pierre Robert, CSV, his biographer and later his successor as superior generareported that The Community and the parish set out in the early hours ofOctober 13 in procession to meet him at the limits of the commune on the St.Genis Road. When the carriage came into view, the bells began ringing at fullpeal. The vivas re-echoed, and the singing of hymns followed the acclamations.All were eager to get near him, they knelt for his blessing, the children wanted tembrace him, and they could not cry loudly enough, long live our pastor.(Robert, From this Root, 179)

Even to this day, a cross remains to mark the point of this encounter and tocommemorate the return of Fr. Querbes from Rome. The procession celebrationreportedly continued unabated for nearly an hour. Finally, the procession reachethe village of Vourles and entered the Church of St. Bonnet.

Fr. Querbes prostrated himself before the altar and tabernacle. It was here, formore than a dozen years before, that he prayed so earnestly over the idea of thepossibility for founding a confraternity of teachers. Today he was returning withhis idea approved by the Holy See.

Fr. Robert describes the scene: Then he mounted the pulpit, opened his heartto thank them for the sympathetic reception expressed his happiness at seein[them] after the trials, fatigue and sickness which made him fear he would nevebe able to return. Then he spoke to them about Rome, about the Pope and whhad been so good to him, so fatherly. (Robert, 180) Then he gave them anApostolic Benediction especially granted to his parish. Then he announced thathe brought for each home a picture of the Holy Family, especially blessed andindulgenced by the Sovereign Pontiff.

After the church ceremony Fr. Querbes joined his community, embraced his sopressed them to his heart, and gave them the watchword which they should nevcease to repeat: Let us bless the Lord and give thanks to God. (Robert, 180)

Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV

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9

Colegio San Viator earned a rare distinction this spring shared by onlyeight schools in all of Colombia: They were recognized by the EuropeanFoundation for Quality Management as a school committed to excellence.

The certification came after nearly six years of work, as administratorsworked to implement changes needed after a self-evaluation program.

Over the last two years, we have worked hard at setting and meeting thecriteria, said Fr. Albeyro Vanegas, CSV, principal, includingupdating documentation, improving disclosure mechanisms anddeveloping new controls in the procedures.

Ultimately this spring, a panel of experts from the European Foundationvisited the school and conducted a rigorous assessment. They declared

the school was indeed committed to excellence, and they commendedschool officials for having achieved sustainable excellence and foradvancing best practices.

It is with great satisfaction and joy that I share this new achievementfor our school, Fr. Venegas, wrote to the school community.

For more than 20 years, the European Foundation for QualityManagement has used a management model for corporations andnonprofit organizations around which they measure themselves. Themodel allows them to develop a culture of excellence, while giving theaccess to good practices and encouraging innovation and improved re

EFQM assessors found Colegio San Viator to be an example ofcontinuous improvement. They commended school officials for havadopted strategies and methodologies that align the school with themanagement model, allowing it to maintain higher levels of perform

which meet and exceed the expectations of studentsand parents.

Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial of the Province of Chicago,extended his congratulations to members of the Viatorians and the otschool administrators who run the colegio.

This is wonderful news for the school, Fr. von Behren said. Its likewinning the Blue Ribbon Award in this country.

Colegio San Viator Recognized as Committed to Excellenc

t was a rare sight in August, when a Viatorian bishop ordained anotherViatorian into the priesthood.

The celebration took place at San Juan de Avila Church in Bogot,where Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV, of the Diocese of Belize Cityand Belmopan, ordained Fr. Frank Enciso, CSV. It was the second timehis year, a native Colombian became a Viatorian priest.

Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial, said the occasion wasignificant, especially with more men in the formation process.

Franks ordination marks an important moment in the life of the

Colombian foundation, said Fr. von Behren. Its the first time wevehad two Viatorians ordained in the same year, and that speaks well forour vocations, and the future of the Viatorian presence in Colombia.

The ordination comes less than six months after Fr. Fredy Santos, CSV,another native Colombian, was ordained in March.

Fr. Enciso directs the pre-novitiate program for the Viatorians inColombia, which is located at Colegio San Viator, where he has addedan educational component into the formation as well as pastoral andommunity service.

He also was named vicar at St. Inez Parish, which the Viatoriansrecently were asked to administer, as well as serve as future vicar forproposed new St. Viator Church, to be located in Bogot.

The community has been blessed with a steady stream of vocationover the past several years, Fr. von Behren said, and Franks ordinais a visible sign of that new life.

Fr. Frank Encisco, CSV: Latest Viatorian To Be Ordained

Bishop Christopher Glancy ordains Fr. Frank Encisco, second from right,

into the priesthood.

Eileen OGrady Daday

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with Rosalie Raines and Mary Bisaillon

10

A grotto built in the image of Our Lady of Lourdes, when she appeared to young Bernadette,

has been drawing worshippers and visitors to Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in

Bourbonnais for nearly 100 years.

Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV, pastor, acknowledges the powerful draw of the historic grotto, but he

defers to a pair of sisters, Rosalie Raines and Mary Bisaillon, whose father, Willard Arsenau,

helped to build the site with Br. John Koelzer, CSV, as its unofficial historians.

At 84 and 83, respectively, Rose and Mary have been collaborating with the Viatorians nearly all

of their lives in caring for the grotto. Both continue to be active parishioners at Maternity BVM

and they take pride in how many people still come to the grotto on Thursday evenings to say

say the rosary, as well as for silent prayer and devotion by visitors of all ages, and for weddingand anniversary photos.

We caught up with Rose and Mary on a beautiful day last summer, when they reminisced about

the role their family played in establishing this sacred spot.

Q. How did your father become involved in the buildingof the grotto?

A. We believe they started building it in 1915, when ourdad was just a teenager. They dedicated it to soldiersfighting in World War I, including our dads brother, Roy,

who was just 17.

Q. How long did it take to build?A. Three years. It was dedicated in 1918, 40 years after

Mary first appeared to Bernadette.

Q. What do you remember about the grotto, growing up?A. There were 13 children in our family, and when we

were kids, we always prayed here and would say anovena every summer. During World War II, we prayedhere for all the soldiers.

Q. Besides the two images of Mary and Bernadette and thecascading water flowing over the flag stones, there is

Nanother statue nearby in the garden, of St. MargueriteBourgeoys. The names of your father and mother areinscribed on its pedestal and Fr. Pighini knows never tomove it. What is its significance?

A. She was the founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame,whose nuns started the school here back in 1860. And,we know she welcomed all the women who traveledto Montreal from France, as young brides and taught

them how to be mothers. With the nuns gone (fromMaternity BVM), the students wont know who she is,unless she stays.

Q. Has the grotto changed over the years?A. Yes! It was much more rustic than it is now. With all

the flowers, benches and paved bricks, it is much prettierthan it was when we were growing up. It makes it evenmore peaceful and holy.

Q. We know that Br. Koelzer left the area shortly after finishingthe grotto and that he spent the last 30 years of his life atSt. Viator Parish in Chicago, but what about your fatherand uncle?

A. Our uncle survived the war and he and our father livedinto their 80s. They even brought our fathers casket herefor a blessing. Even in his hospital room, when he wasnear death, he knew that it was Br. Koelzer who would

welcome him home to heaven.

Q&A

Mary Bisaillon, left and her sister, Rosalie Raines

reminisce in front of the grotto at Maternity BVMChurch, that their father helped to build

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From the Archives Our Lady of GraceGraces Us All

Back in July, Michele and

Joe Richey, Jr. of Peoriadropped in at the province

center in Arlington

Heights for a visit. They

were on a genealogy quest

to find a statue located on

the Viatorian Community

property which was created

in the memory of Joes

grandparents and their

gravesites in Chicago. Joessister, Jeannette Richey

Nelson, had already been in

contact with the Viatorian

Community Archives,

seeking information about

the history of the statue.

The family had an early photograph of the statue and a letter from

Joes brother, Francis, explaining what he knew. According to the

letter, a memorial was to be set up in honor of Alex Richey, their

grandfather, at Mount Olive Cemetery in Chicago where he wasburied in 1944. This was the intention of Annie Richey, the wife of

Alex, and their two children, Joseph Richey, Sr of Springfield, IL

and Edith May Richey

Shoemaker of CA. However,

there was no space at the

cemetery. When Annie died

in 1955, her children searched

for another setting to honor

their parents and they

found one on the grounds ofthe Viatorian Community.

That same year, Fr. William

Anson, CSV, headed a project

to establish a shrine at Our

Lady of Arlington Novitiate

in Arlington Heights the

current province center for the

United States Province. How did

he make the connection with

the Richey family? It turns outthat Fr. Ansons mother,

Regina, and Annie Richey

were friends in Joliet. This

connection was uncovered by

Michele Richey after going

back through Annies funeral

guest book and will. Archive

records show that the shrine

was funded by the Richey

Family children in honor oftheir parents.

The shrine in Arlington

Heights, which faced the entrance

on Euclid Avenue, was made of white marble

and was a product of Dinelli of Pietrasanta, Italy according to a 1955

issue of Lector, a Viatorian newsletter. The inscription on the

pedestal read: Our Lady of Arlington Under the Title of Our

Lady of Grace.

Fr. Anson chose the same statue that was erected earlier in the

year at Mater Mediatrix the Viatorian residence on the west side

of Chicago. It was a Baroque image of the Madonna and Child

and its pedestal read: To Mary Mediatrix of All Grace, the

greatest influence in the life of Fr. Louis Querbes, founder of the

Clerics of St. Viator.

Both statues erected in 1955 are replicas of one in St. Nizier Church

in Lyons, France. It was here, in front of this statue, that Fr. Louis

Querbes made his vow of chastity as a boy. It was created by

Antoine Coysevox, the court sculptor of King Louis XIV and one of

the principal sculptors of the statues in the Garden of Versailles.

This fall, Joe and Michele Richey are traveling to France and plan to

visit Lyons, to see the original statue of Our Lady of Grace. This

devotion to Our Lady of Grace, which began with Fr. Louis

Querbes, continues from the Richey family legacy to the Viatorian

Community today, more than 200 years!

Michele and Joe Richey with the statue inits new location, July 18, 2012

11

Joan Sweeney

Archivist and Viatorian AssociateStatue in its original location on theViatorian property c. 1955

Statue at St. Nizier Church, Lyons,France

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Eileen OGrady Daday

A little more than two years after

Leonor Itzab made her first vows as a

Viatorian Associate, she passed away.

Leonor lost her long battle with

kidney disease on May 15.

She was 62.

Her Viatorian confreres said her

passing was as spiritual as the life she

lived. Br. John Eustice, CSV, visited

Leonor's home the day before her

passing to discuss preparations for her

recommitment as an associate. He marveled that even as she battled

her serious illness, she never wavered from her devout faith.

Tonight at the wake Gregorio told me they prayed Lectio Divina

together on Monday, together on Monday, where each of themwrote privately in their journals, and took turns reading the scrip-

ture aloud," said Br. John. Each of them wrote privately in their

journals, but they took turns reading the scripture aloud.

In Belize, where the Viatorians minister in 23 villages that

surround their home base at St. Francis Xavier Church, Leonor

played a valuable role as a coordinator of Santa Rita Church

faith community, presiding at Sunday services when there wasnt

a priest available, which was probably three weekends a month.

She and her husband made their commitment to the Viatoriansofficial in 2010, when they made their two-year commitment

as associates.

Besides the spiritual needs, she and her husband took care of the

physical needs of the parish, like paying the bills, taking up the

collection and maintaining the facility, says Bishop Christopher

Glancy, CSV, former pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church. They

were in charge of that little church.

She had a heart for those in need, says Br. Michael Gosch, CSV.

Leonor and her husband taught marriage preparation classesand she also coordinated the same program at the Santa Rita

Church. Leonor also served on the Viatorian Scholarship

Committee which awarded grants to local high schools, including

Chunox St. Viator. Leonor was the one to call and congratulate

them, as a representative of the Viatorian community.

In a letter to the provincial council, back in 2009, Leonor described

how she came to joyfully accept the invitation to become a

Viatorian associate.

She was among the second class of nine new associates, including

four men and five women, and Viatorians there rejoiced at partnering

with more local people in ministering to so many peop

I have been an active member of St. Francis Xavier Parish formany years, she wrote. With the arrival of the Viatorians in

Corozal, I loved their work and I joined along.

She specifically pointed to the chance to work beside Fr. Daniel

Hall, CSV, and Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, in helping a needy family,

as life-changing for her.

That experience offered me an opportunity to know, love and

serve God through my brothers and sisters, she added in her

letter. I have learned the life of Fr. Louis Querbes and the

Viatorian Community, as a pre-associate. It is with much

pleasure that I promise, with Gods help, to give all that is inme as a Viatorian associate.

Her peers maintain that she did just that, giving all that she had to

her vocation as a Viatorian associate, right up until her final days.

We will miss her.

In Memoriam, Leonor Itzab, 1949-2012

Leonor Itzab

Leonor was a proud member of the second class of

Viatorian associates in Corozal, Belize.

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It was the blatant injustices that haunted them.

Last August, a delegation sponsored by Witness for Peace traveledto Colombia to meet with seven communities struggling to asserttheir basic human rights. Among them was the indigenouscommunity of Nonam, who with their children had been forcedoff their lands by armed rebels.

Two years ago, they had fled to the city of Buenaventura, findingtheir only refuge in a one-room warehouse, where living conditions

were so severe with temperatures in the triple digits that twochildren died.

Government officials there had turned a deaf ear to their humanrights, leading the community to appeal to non-governmentalagencies such as Witness for Peace. With their help, they wereable to return to their homeland on a riverbank, where they couldfish and transport their goods.

Their welcome to the delegates in their homeland was far differentfrom the previous one in the warehouse. Here, in their owncommunity, they were thriving.

The delegates gathered in the school where the town elders warmlywelcomed them. The elders explained how they have made progresstoward gaining respect for their basic human rights, but morechallenges lie ahead, such as the drug trafficking on the river,mining companies looking to exploit their land, and a possibleextension of a highway right through their territory.

What was particularly noteworthy was seeing the children laughingand playing, some of whom swam out to meet the boat carryingthe delegates.

The Viatorian Charter states that the Viatorian Community willpay particular attention to those who are accounted of littleimportance. One way members work to make these words a realityis by supporting organizations like Witness for Peace.

WFP conducts delegations to various Third World countries wheredelegates respectfully listen to various struggling communities tobetter understand how U. S. foreign policies directly impact them

and other vulnerable populations. The communities include smallfarmers fighting to preserve their land and water rights and dock

workers forming a union despite threats to their safety.

Delegates then commit themselves to advocate for policychanges when they return to the United States. For the last five

years, at least one Viatorian has participated in the Augustdelegation to Colombia.

The participants arrived at a consensus that although the sufferingsand injustices often seem overwhelming, the power of peopletelling their stories, that in turn leads to them coming togetherfor a common purpose, forms a force for good that is unstoppableand gives reason for hope. Further information about Witness forPeace is available at its website,www.witnessforpeace.org.

Peace Delegation in Colombia Advocates for Human Rights

Thomas E. Long, CSV

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Around the province...As a nurse with Hospice of KankakeeValley, Viatorian Associate MaryFinks provides both medical andspiritual support to individuals as theynear the end of life. Filmed by hospiceofficials, Mary shares her passion forcaring via a video that has been postedto YouTube. A hospice nurse since2002, she believes she is called to thisministry. To hear Marys testimonial,filmed last May, please visithttp://youtu.be/PqlHEx-bdHg

Sr. Theresa Galvan, CND, and Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV,

held a series of workshops in September that centered onwomens spirituality. They gathered a panel of womenrepresenting various phases of life, from 98-year old Sr. RosemaryMeyer, SSCM, to a young mother and a retired single woman.

The CND and CSV congregations have a long history ofcollaboration that dates back to the 1860s.

As a result of the growingHispanic ministry at St. Viatorparish in Chicago, parishionerMario Hernandez, a native ofEl Salvador, enrolled in theInstituto de Liderazgo Pastoralsponsored by the Archdiocese ofChicago. After completingmore than five years of formation

while working a full-time job,Mario was ordained April 22by Cardinal Francis Georgeinto the permanent diaconate.Fr. Charles Bolser, pastor ofSt. Viator parish where Mario is

assigned, reminded his parishioners that deacons are to be visiblesigns of the Christ the Servant in the community.

Auxiliary Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV, installed Fr. MosesMesh, CSV, as pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Corozal

Town, Belize. Fr. Mesh, the first Belizean to enter the ViatorianCommunity, was pleased to have Bishop Glancy, his formerpastor, preside at the installation. Parishioners, who came fromthe 23 villages that the parish serves, filled the church for theliturgical celebration held on June 10.

Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, presided at the Sacred HeartGriffin High School graduation Mass last June. A 1971 GriffinHigh School graduate, he was inducted into the Sacred HeartGriffin Hall of Fame during graduation ceremonies held after theMass. He was recognized for the exemplary way in which hehas integrated the mission of Sacred Heart Griffin into his life.Fr. von Behren accepted the award on behalf of the manyViatorian brothers and priests who have served Cathedral,Griffin and Sacred Heart Griffin high schools.

Half way around the world, the devotion of one Viatorian priestto the people of the Far East, has not been forgotten. AlthoughFr. Roger Drolet, CSV, died in 2001, his legacy continues atCatholic Viator High School in Taichung, Taiwan, which hefounded in the mid-1950s. School officials mounted anexpansive exhibit on Fr. Drolet that stood throughout the monthof June, documenting his ministry in Taichung, which stretched45 years after opening the school.

Viatorian AssociateMary Finks

Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV, installed Fr. Moses Mesch, CSV, center, aspastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish

Mario Hernandez

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Fr. Arnold Perham,CSV, a facultymember at SaintViator HighSchool, and Boardof Trustees member,Sue Donnelly, ledother cancersurvivors in a Relayfor Life event toraise money for theAmerican Cancer

Society held June 8. They were joined by 65 students from theschool, making them the largest team to participate. This has beena difficult year for us, said Viatorian Associates Cathy and DonAbrahamian, who coordinated the team with teens from theorganization, Students Making Smart Decisions. Four of ourfaculty members have been diagnosed with cancer within the last

year, making this years relay even more meaningful.Fr. Mark Francis, CSV,was featured in a Letter from Rome in the

July edition of The Tablet, the international Catholic newspaperpublished in London, with this lead: The Union of Superior Generaland English-speaking Catholics in Rome are saying goodbye to oneof their most beloved and respected members.

Fr. Michael Keliher, CSV, returned to the Midwest in mid-Juneafter serving as parochial vicar at St. Thomas More CatholicCommunity in Henderson, NV for the past 15 years. A graduateof Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee and a former

biology teacher at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights,Fr. Keliher is serving as parochial vicar at St. Viator parish in Chicagowhere he served his diaconate year 36 years ago. He is enjoying hisministry at the parish as well as taking in White Sox games wheneverthe opportunity presents itself.

At 85, Br. Leo Ryan, CSV, still is receiving academic recognitions.He returned July 30 from Poland, where he addressed theInternational Society for Business Ethics and Economics on ethicalleadership. He and his colleague, Richard J. Hunter, Jr. (Seton HallUniversity) presented a major paper on the privatization of Polisheconomic development, that won best paper of the conference. Best

of all, Br. Leo was named one of five World Voices for BusinessEthics and one of only two from the United States.

When approached by his students at Saint Viator High School tohelp form Praise Project, a musical group devoted to contemporarypraise music, Br. James Lewnard, CSV, responded with hischaracteristic, Why not? The student-led group has performed inseveral parishes and events throughout the summer. For moreinformation, please contact Br. Lewnard at jlewnard@saintviator.com.

Parishioners at St.

Josaphat Parish inChicago gave Br.Donald Houde, CSV,a standing ovationafter Mass, when Fr.Richard Prendergast,pastor, honored himfor his nearly 30 yearsof service. It would bedifficult to overstatehow much this

extraordinary man has done for St. Josaphat throughout all theseyears, Fr. Prendergast said. In late August, he moved to theretirement center at the Viatorian Province Center. Br. Houde spentseveral years in the field of education before moving into pastoral

work at St. Josaphat Parish, where at various times he led the RCIAprogram, served as an advocate for those seeking annulments, andsupervised the maintenance work. He also was active in liturgyplanning and creating a prayerful space for worship. Br. Houdecelebrated his 60th year of religious life this year, and now is on thelookout for a new ministry that will appeal to his creative nature.

The Viatorian Communityoffers its prayerful support ofLeadership Conference of

Women Religious in lightof the criticism from the

Vaticans Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Fully aware ofthe delicate nature of the situation, members of the province affirmthe sisters as they discern their next steps.

For the complete story on many of the above items, please visit theWhats New page at the Viatorian website: www.viatorians.com.

Fr. Arnold Perham, front left and Sue Donnelly,right, lead the survivors' lap at a Relay for Life

event in June

Br. Don Houde gives the homily at the jubilarianMass in July

Michael Gosch, CSV

Email: news@viatorians.comWebsite: www.viatorians.com

Provincial:Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV

Editor:Fr. Thomas E. Long, CSV

Director of Communications:Eileen OGrady Daday

Editorial Board:Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV

Br. Michael T. Gosch, CSV

Br. Donald P. Houde, CSV

Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV

Eileen OGrady Daday

Barton Hisgen

Joan Sweeney

Layout and Design:

Dianna Ehrenfried

Visualedge Creative Services,

Viator Newsletter is published three times a year by the Office of Mission Advancement for the Clerics of St. Viator, Province of Chicago.

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Clerics of St. Viator1212 E. Euclid AvenueArlington Heights, IL 60004-5799

Newsletter Fall 2012

NON-PROFIT

US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 7160

PALATINE P&DC, IL

Provincial Perspective

Each time I travel to Vourles, France, I get that specialeeling and suddenly I find that my spirit is lifted andecomes brighter. A sense of awe overcomes me, and I am

aken back to the inspirations of a man who walked theseery streets and traveled the beautiful hills of the countrysideff in the horizon of this small village community.

For it is here that the spirit of Fr. Louis Querbes, Founder ofhe Clerics of St. Viator, continues to permeate and inspire

Viatorians and visitors alike as they make their pilgrimage toVourles. Here, in the 1830s, as pastor of the local parish,Fr. Querbes inspired his parishioners, preached the gospel,elebrated the Eucharist, and enhanced its music andhants, all with the quiet certitude that God was with himhrough the Spirit of Jesus and the guidance of Mary, the

Mother of God.

And so again, I have just returned from a visit to Vourles.For it was with this visit on September 1, 2012, the 153rdnniversary date of the death of Fr. Querbes, that Viatoriansrom four continents gathered together for the specialccasion of the installation of the 15th Superior Generalf the Clerics of St. Viator, Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV.

Viatorians representing every province/delegation of theongregation gathered at the parish church of St. Bonnet,

where Fr. Querbes served as pastor, to witness and support

Fr. Ambeault as he made his profession of faith, along withis vicar general, Fr. Harry Clestin, CSV.

The special day began with nearly 50 Viatorians gatheringt the gravesite of Fr. Querbes, remembering this anniversaryate and giving thanks for the life and vision of our founder.

We prayed together, remembered and looked to the futures a new chapter of the Viatorian story was about to begin.

Afterwards, we celebrated the installation ceremony andMass. At the beginning of the Mass, each provincial

representative processed in witha lit candle and proclaimed apersonal international greeting

from his province to the entiregathered community; affirmingthe support of his province to work in collaboration

with Fr. Ambeault and his new council. As Masscontinued, each member of the general council Fr. Harry Clestin, vicar general; Br. Luis lvarez,general treasurer; Br. Carlos Ernesto Flrez, generalcouncilor; and Fr. Andr Crozier, general secretary readexcerpts from the formal Message to the ViatorianCommunity that was written and approved at theconclusion of the general chapter, that was held in July

in Ariccia, Italy. It was an inspirational moment.The spirit of this day was one of hope internationalsolidarity with a commitment to pursue the approvedpriorities for the next six years, namely, a renewedemphasis on vocation ministry and a recommitment toadvance peace and social justice in our Viatorian ministriesand community life.

Yes, a new era has begun for the Viatorian Communitywith new leadership and a renewed commitment tocontinue to make the vision of Fr. Querbes come alive in

our world today. May God bless Fr. Ambeault and hiscouncil, and may they always be guided by the words ofour founder that in all things, May Jesus be Adoredand Loved.

In St. Viator and Fr. Querbes,

Thomas R. von Behren, CSVProvincial Province of Chicago

Inside

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Page 1Immersion Trip Lea

Lasting Impressio

Page 2Annual Pilgrimage to St

Offers RenewalLas Vegas Teens Find the L

Page 4Annual Viatorian Asse

Revitalizes Membe

Superior General Bids

Page 5Viatorians Elect Canad

New Superior Gene

Viatorian Brother Heads

Page 6Viatorians Take Act

in Responding to HuPage 7

In the Footsteps of Our F

Page 8Viatorians Celebrate Ju

Page 9Colegio San Viator Recog

Committed to Excell

Fr. Frank Encisco, CLatest Viatorian To Be O

Page 10Q & A with

Rosalie Raines and Mary

Page 11From the Archives

Our Lady of GraceGrac

Page 12In Memoriam, Leonor

Page 13Peace Delegation in ColAdvocates for Human

Page 14-15Around the Provin