Viator 2013 Spring

8/11/2019 Viator 2013 Spring

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Viatorian Community Spring 2013 Volume 18, N

Historic Bourbonnais Parish Soars with New Li

Gospel of Matthew Drives

Belize Volunteers

Page 3

Bourbonnais Volunteers

Petal It Forward

Page 4-5

Four Viatorians Celebrate

50 Years of ReligiousLife in 2012

Fr. Perham, CSV, celebrates

his 65th Anniversary of

Religious Lifes

Page 6

Q & A With Bart Higsen

Page 7

From the Archives

A Timely New Acquisition

Page 8

644 Thanksgiving

Meals Delivered to

Homebound Seniors in t

he Las Vegas

Page 9

In the Footsteps of

Our Founder

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Latino Union of Chicago

Marie Segal, 1929-2012

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Around the Province...

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Viatorians Launch

New Website

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Destination: the Viatorian

Province Center in

Arlington Heights

Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church isthe largest in the Kankakee/Bourbonnais area and the oldest. Viatorians have served there sincethe Civil War and consequently, it is considered tobe the communitys flagship parish.

All of which prompted its pastor, Fr. RichardPighini, CSV, to give it a facelift last spring. Withthe help of private donations and expertise fromDaprato Rigali Studios in Chicago, one of theleading experts in church renovation, the parish

took on a dramatic new look.

I wanted to retain its dignity and itscharacter, Fr. Pighini says. I didnt want tomake it some Byzantine basilica or anything,but I wanted to respect its original Frenchcolonial design.

It hadnt been repainted in nearly 18 years, soit needed it, he adds. Plus, I thought with theright color, this little gem of a French Canadianchurch, could really shine.

Fr. Pighini worked with a committeeparishioners to come up with the color schand preliminary designs, thoughe broughtoriginal vision: He had remembered visNotre Dame Basilica of Montreal, anddramatic design scheme that combined and gold.

The committee agreed, and the first compoof their plan was to convert the churchs vaubarrel ceiling into a starry night.

With the deep blue color and stars, brought more warmth to the church, ElizabethRigali-Galvin, art director great-granddaughter of the founder of historic Chicago studio. I think the whole eaccentuates the sanctuary and bring the focuthe altar.

Another element in their skyscape was theralong medallions. They only needed to uthem. For years, they had been painted w

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Mission Trip in Belize: Not Just for Students Anymore

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They came from all walks of life, with experience inmarketing and accounting, as well as teaching, flying and evenuto mechanics. In all, a group of 10 adults from St. Thomas

More Catholic Community in Henderson, Nevada traveled toBelize last spring, and this much they knew: They wanted todo more than sightsee. They wanted to dig in and help.

Admittedly, they had a connection: Bob and Natalie Eusticeed the group. Their son is Br. John Eustice CSV, who serves asuperior of the Viatorian mission at St. Francis Xavier Parish.

He works with Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, and Viatorian associates,

in meeting the needs of parishioners in 23 surrounding villa

There is much work to be done, but our main goal is to bcommunity with the parishioners and people in the villasaid Natalie Eustice, a retired school teacher, before the gleft. We hope to gain a spiritual connectedness to the peopBelize, as we work together.

Their community at St. Thomas More helped to fundraistheir trip and supported them in prayer while they were gon

It turned out to be a busy but exhilarating week. Theyfirst with students at Chunox St. Viator High School, wor

with teachers and students to improve English reading and wing skills. They also helped to finish building a house, by firmup its concrete frame.

Not everything they did was manual labor. They also don their accounting experience to help Br. John withbookkeeping work at the parish, and spent time visiting

Mayan ruins.One memorable day, they traveled to Fireburn Village, the mremote place in the mission. It took three hours just to get thriding two ferries, driving along bumpy dirt roads, taking a trip across a lagoon, and walking on board planks and a dirt t

St. Viator Parish Takes Root in Bogota

Viatorians in Colombia took a lead set back in the 19thentury by their founder, Fr. Louis Querbes, when they branched outecently to establish a new parochial ministry, St. Viator Parish in

Bogot. In doing so, they join several other parishes around theworld with the same name that Viatorians staff.

The new St. Viator Parish, located on the north side of Bogotnd directly behind Colegio San Viator, serves a rapidly growing

section of the city. Interestingly, its boundaries encompass m

religious schools and other religious communities.This new church will offer thousands of people the opportuto attend Mass, celebrate the sacraments, and join in catecheclasses in their own neighborhood for the first time in their li

The project went forward, in part, because of the generesponse to last falls Partners in Mission campaign, wraised more than $24,000 in gifts and donations from nearlyViatorians supporters.

This is an exciting endeavor, said Fr. Thomas von Behren, Cprovincial, to be able to build a new church and classrooms, w

thousands of young Catholic girls and boys will have a placlearn about their faith and celebrate the sacraments with mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters.

Fr. Edgar Suarez, CSV, celebrated the first Euchacelebration on Oct. 4 in a tent and since then, the parish has grto approximately 300 families.

The laity is very enthusiastic, Fr. Edgar said, and familietaking ownership of the parish.

Currently, three Masses are celebrated each weekend, two


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3 3 www.viatorians.com

Their trek was worth it. Once they arrived, it seemed as if theyhad stepped back in time, finding the tiny village dotted withhatched roof houses and less than 100 people living there.

This is like stepping into the pages of my grade schoolgeography book or into a TV documentary about someemote place almost never seen by modern civilization, Natalie

Eustice says. The amazing thing is that we can communicateecause they speak English.

They painted the inside ofthe villages only schoolhouse,

while two of the volunteers tu-tored the schools six studentsoutdoors, under the trees.Rounding out their visit, they

visited with families and invitedthem for a Communion service.

I have seldom seen suchhappy, calm people, NatlieEustice adds.

Their final project was workingwith local contractors to build apigeryto house the studentshog operation as part of theirhands-on, animal husbandryeducation.

All these adults come from awide variety of experiences, but share a common faith in JeBr. John says. They came to rub elbows with others and hareal cultural exchange.

ent and one in a rented hall. Although the surroundings are ait unusual, Fr. Edgar describes the liturgies are alive andpirit-filled.

Fr. Suarez is a Colombia native and former teacher and chaplain athe Colegio. Most recently, he served as pastor at the nearby San

Basilio Magno parish, but the prospect of Viatorians having theirwn parish, named for their patron saint, is exciting.

There is a real pioneering spirit about it, Fr. Suarez sayspeople are gathering together with a vision of creating sometlasting.

The community is growing and the spirit within the commuis deepening, he adds. Someday in the future they will have own church, which will serve as a testimony to their dedicathat was planted and nourished by the Holy Spirit.

Eileen OGrady D

Fr. Thomas Long, C


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Near the end of our first retreat for young adults, one of thequieter members in the group, John, raised his hand.

I have a question for you, he said. What does the churchplan to do with people like us?

I asked him to clarify.

We arent little kids preparing for confirmation and we dontgo to church to make our parents happy, John said. We goto church because we want community and no one seems toknow what to do with us.

John is certainly not alone. Most of the young adults withwhom I serve are looking for something transcendent to givemeaning to their lives. They want to connect their hopes to

others and they want to belong to a community that takes theirquestions seriously.

These two impulses to connect and to belong are nothingnew in the history of the church. Nor is the impulse to respondto young people something new for the Viatorians.

Viatorian spirituality what Fr. Querbes called a lively anenlightened faith is manifested in what we call a spiritavailability.

Spiritual availability invites us to recognize Gods presence all circumstances of life as a means to enliven and increase ofaith. In practice, being spiritually available impels us to seout relationships with young people in hopes of accompanyithem as they realize, cultivate and respond to Gods call.

Viatorians do this as elementary school teachers, high schocounselors, parish priests, coaches and as youth ministers.

Both the Viatorian Youth Congress and the Belize ImmersiProgram are expressions of this spirituality. Both are rootin a desire to remind young people that they are connected a community committed to helping them grow in faith an

holiness and that they belong in the Viatorian Community.

During the Viatorian Youth Congress we ask delegates to shawith one another how their faith is shaped by their Viatoriidentity. Participants invariably speak of how they learnthe importance of caring for those accounted of little or nimportance as a direct result of a friendship with a Viatoria

In the Belize Immersion Program, young adults witness theown Viatorian spirituality active in a culture different frotheir own.

One young man remarked, Viatorians in Belize are just li

the ones who taught me in Arlington Heights. They wake with one purpose: to help young people fall in love with Go

Returning to John from the story above, I am proud to shathat he now is part of small group we are working with prepare a series of retreats for young adults in the Chicago ar

John is connected to the Viatorians. Please pray with me thJohn and young people like him will find a place belong among the Viatorians.

4www.viatorians.com

Eileen OGrady Da

Viatorians Vocation Office: Manifesting a Spirit of Availability


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There was no white smoke, but Viatorian brothers and priestsgathered in conclave last spring to elect their provincial justthe same.

Unlike the recent papal election, their votes determinedthe leader in one vote: Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV,

was overwhelmingly re-elected to another four-year term.He is only the second provincial to be elected to a thirdsuccessive term.

I am honored, he told his confreres. It is with great humilitythat I accept your election and your support for a third term as

your provincial.

Viatorians also elected two councilors to assist Fr. vonBehren in leading the province: Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, andFr. Dan Hall, CSV. Both bring strong backgrounds to the role.Fr. Egan is a past provincial and

pastor of St. Viator Church in Chicago, now finishing eight years as president of Saint Viator High School. Fr. Ha former Marine, helped establish the mission in Belize befoserving as a military chaplain and now teaching social studat Saint Viator High School.

Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV, superior general, moderated telection, which drew Viatorians from across the country

well as from Belize and Colombia.

This is an important day in life of the Viatorian communityChicago, Fr. Ambeault said. You have expressed your choand entrusted the service of the community to them, a servthat is both pastoral and governmental for the province.

Fr. von Behren is the communitys 16th provincial, affirst being elected in 2005. Only Fr. Kenneth Morris, CS

who was elected to three successive terms as provincial, athe communitys first provincial, Fr. Cyrille Fournier, servlonger. In the years when provincials were appointed,

Fr. Fournier served 22 years, leading the growing communfrom 1882-1900 and again from 1904-1908.

In accepting the role, Fr. von Behren remains pastoral leadof the Viatorian communitys 175 associates, brothers apriests, serving in this country and in foundations in Beland Colombia.

I believe we have a wonderful future together, Fr. vBehren told his confreres, and that we have the resources athe personnel to continue to make a difference in our woand in our church.

We simply need to be bold, he added, and say yes, walkiinto a future of great promise.

but with the new scheme they were painted bronze with gold embellishments, which added a rich texture to the overall look

We didnt change any of the architecture, Fr. Pighini says. Everything we did was with color and texture.

The ceiling and hand-stenciled back wall took one month to complete. Daprato Rigali artists erected their scaffolds and workto transform the ceiling and carefully apply their subtle handiwork to the wall behind the altar, stenciling a fleur-del-lis patte

The ancient symbol dates back to the French monarchy, and subtly connects worshipers with the Viatorians French heritaThrough the ages, the fleur-de-lis also has represented purity and chastity and serves as an iconic attribute of the Virgin Mawhich fits with the parishs name.

Everyone is just thrilled with the way it s turned out and the way its made our stained glass windows stand out, says TerCulver, parish secretary. Were just so grateful for Fr. Pighinis vision that has made the painting of the church so spectacular

Fr. Pighini admits to having the vision, but it was the parishs visibility in the area that drove him.

This is a historic place, Fr. Pighini says simply, and I wanted to preserve it as such.

Continued from Page 5...

Eileen OGrady Da

Eileen OGrady Dad

Walking into a Future of Great Promise

Historic Bourbonnais ParishSoars with New Life

Historic Bourbonnais Parish Soars with New Life...


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Q&Awith Connor Romenesko

Q.Tell me how you came to be so involved with theViatorians.

A.While at Saint Viator High School I was exposed to themission of the Viatorians and there were pieces that strongly

appealed to me. I am passionate about working with youthand education, which is emphasized in the mission and thatmade it easy to connect myself with the Viatorians.

Q. Was there something specific during your time as adelegate to the Viatorian Youth Congress or in the BelizeImmersion Program that propelled you to get involved evenmore?

A. Last summer I was able to work with young peopleduring my time in Belize as well as during the Viatorian YouthCongress. During the Youth Congress I served as a young

adult leader and absolutely loved it. Through that experienceI discovered a passion for leading young people in ministry as

well as in service.

Q. What was it about this newinternship working with the

Viatorians in Belize thatdrew your interest?

A. I have alwaysenjoyed the time I havespent with the Viatorians,

so simply the fact that I wouldhave an opportunity to work

with them was appealing. I alsowas drawn to the fact that I willhave the opportunity to shape

my own experience in Belize andbe able to get the most out of my

summer internship.

Q.What do you expect to be doing there?A. I know I will be helping to coordinate the BelizeImmersion Trip at the beginning of June and working withthe partners in Belize to make sure it is a positive experience

for the participants. After that, I will be working with a youthminister on service projects in the area. I also will have theopportunity to work in some local schools and even, possiblylead sports camps for some of the local students.

Q.What are your expectations?A.I am expecting to have an incredibly positive experiencewhile still leaving time for personal reflection. Mostly, I wanto develop my skills in ministering with young people throughservice, and Im also hoping to improve my Spanish.

Q.Can you tell me a little about your life at St. Norberts?What are you studying?A. I am a sophomore at St. Norbert College, studying

political science, international studies, and peace andjustice studies. I am active in several aspects of campus lifeincluding interning in the Norman Miller Center for Peace

Justice, and public understanding, serving as president of myfraternity (Phi Delta Theta), taking part in an on campusinterfaith dialogue group, and as a participant in thecolleges TRIPS program that takes students on service tripsinternationally and around the U.S.

Q.Has your experience with the Viatorians influenced youcollege life?

A. The Viatorians have had a major impact on mycollege life. My time on campus has involved doing serviceand working for justice. This passion was sparked by Fr. CoreyBrost during my freshman religion class at Saint Viator andthe Viatorians have been helping me pursue this passion tothis day.

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Connor Romenesko graduated from Saint Viator High School in 2011 and headed to college, but his involvement with theViatorians didnt stop there. If anything, it strengthened.

He was among the first delegates to the Viatorian Youth Congress and then returned last year as a young adult leader. Connoalso traveled on the first Belize Immersion trip in December 2012.

This summer, the college sophomore returns to Belize, to spend two months at the Viatorian mission in Belize, working along-side Viatorian associates and professed.

We caught up with him at St. Norbert College in DuPere, Wisconsin, where he recently celebrated his sophomore year, toreflect on his deepening commitment to the Viatorian charism.

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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.

In the Footstepsof Our Founder...

Organizing the Novitiate

Upon his return from Rome, Father Louis Querbes recognized that his firstpriority was to organize the novitiate. The first decision was where? Vourleswas the natural choice. But where in Vourles? The canonical requirementfor separate housing posed a challenge.

The property which Fr. Querbes acquired in 1832 was a collection of smalldiversified buildings without accommodation or unity according to hisbiographer, Fr. Pierre Robert (From this Root, p. 182). So a series ofdecisions were necessary. Fr. Querbes, in his new role as superior general,

was prepared to make those decisions. The little boarding school or collegeat Vourles was closed. The house for aspirants (postulants) at Le Payet wasclosed and sold. Postulants transferred to Vourles to be near the novitiate.

Decisions were made about construction.

Fr. Querbes consolidated shaky walls, joined them, transformed them andraised them in a way to make them an almost homogeneous whole. Hecontrived two rooms for himself, to serve as office, library and bedroom.In the center he reserved room for a modest chapel. (Robert, p. 182)Fr. Querbes returned from Rome October 13, 1838; the remodeling wasfinished in April 1839.

Only the official appointment of the master of novices remained to be done.Fr. Querbes, in his mind, had chosen Br. Liautlaud, the director of theparish school in Panisssieres, for his age, experience, virtues and the

confidence and esteem he enjoyed among his confreres.Fr. Querbes had already discussed this possibility with the community retreatmaster, Fr. Brumauld S.J., who concurred with the choice. Fr. Brumauld wasapproved by his Jesuit superiors to guide the first Viatorian novitiate and wasdesignated as novice master.

Without revealing his plans, Fr. Querbes sent Br. Liauthaud to Avignonto begin the long Jesuit retreat. Any premonition Brother might have hadabout his future assignment was confirmed when Fr. Brumuld arrived afterthe four-week retreat. He brought documents about forming novices, along

with lessons devoted to developing interior and exterior direction for daily

religious life.Br. Liauthaud returned on May 15 to Vourles, where Fr Querbes announcedhis appointment as director of novices. The solemn inauguration of thenovitiate began on June 9, 1839, the feast of the Sacred Heart, after a novenapreached by Fr. Brumauld.

Fr. Querbes now could truly say, Adored and Loved be Jesus.

Br. Leo Ryan, CSV

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A growing ministry in theArchdiocese of Chicago that serves as a national modelto support undocumented anddocumented immigrants now is taking root at St. ViatorParish in Chicago: the pastoralmigratoria program.

It is run through the Officeof Immigration Affairs and Immigration Education at the arch-diocese, and succeeds in part because of its one-to-one ministry, ormmigrant to immigrant.

Its a ministry of leadership, says William Becerra, pastoralorganizer for the diocese. You have to be connected to the parish.ts a ministry based on local needs.

Becerra is involved in the training and commissioning of parishvolunteers. Currently, there are 50 active pastoral migratoriaprograms in Chicago and its suburbs. The St. Viator program is

among the newest, with Sergio Olmos and other volunteers beingcommissioned in the ministry, in February.

As lay people, they were trained how to reach out to undocumentedmmigrants, by providing them with information, as well as listeno their struggles and support them in their spiritual journeys. The

ministers at St. Viator include Enrique Valdovinos, Onofre Reyes,Leoncio Abarca, Antonio Gallegos, Wendy Robles and SergioOlmos.

As a one-to-oneministry, a trustlevel develops,

leading them toaddress variousproblems, SergioOlmos stated.

Sergio mentioned that a domestic violence victim may thinkhas no recourse because she is undocumented. Utilizing the between the ministers and congregation, members can pointo groups that will intervene on her behalf and give her the she needs.

The same holds true with a person struggling with alcohol addior a worker who has been exploited by the employer. Many y

adults were brought here as young children and can now qualifdeferred action. Ministers can refer them to lawyers who specin that work.

Health issues are a major concern since the vast majority oundocumented are uninsured. Thus, the St. Viator ministers

joined with volunteers from eight other parishes to conduct a hfair where families received a complete medical exam and diagfor specific problems.

The pastoral migratoria program grew out of necessity, Besays. Within the Archdiocese of Chicago, immigrants make upercent of its Catholic members. So, it makes sense to have a m

try that is parish-centered, but also carries out social justice.The members also bring their work to the political arena. St. Vparishioners participated in a huge march in Chicago on May 1demanded comprehensive immigration reform.

The ministers helped distribute and collect postcards to to legislators demanding immigration reform Enrique Valdosaid. After the cards were collected, people from parishes throout the archdiocese marched to Holy Family Parish in ChicagMay 30 where Cardinal George met them, led a prayer serand received the postcards that were immediately delivere

Washington, DC.

You have to be in solidarity with people who have been affecteimmigration issues, Becerra says. This ministry accompanies families in this situation, both practically and spiritually.

A Ministry of Accompaniment: the Pastoral Migratoria Program

www.viatorians.com 8

Weaving the Viatorian Charism into Las Vegas TeensA new ministry hasbegun to revitalizemiddle school stu-dents at St. ViatorParish in Las Vegas:a campus ministrydepartment.

No longer is it thedomain of high school and college campuses. At St. Viator, youthministers started with junior high students and this summer theyntend to offer it to more youngsters in the wider parish community.

Weve taken teens to the Viatorian Youth Congress everyummer, where they meet other students from schools and

parishes around the country, says Associate Rosy Hartz. Bustarted to think that we could do more in Las Vegas to help fthe Viatorian identity. Basically, we wanted to get to them ear

Rosy and her husband, Viatorian Associate Paul Hartz, as as Pre-Associate Brian Barrett formed the new campus minprogram, meeting with students once a month.

Although theyre attending St. Viator School, the presencour charism isnt always identitfied, Rosy says. As associatethought we could help.

They gather in the parish center for a meeting filled faith and fellowship, teenage style. During a recent afternstudents joined with Fr. William Haesaert, CSV, and o

Fr. Thomas Long, C


9/16www.viatorians.9

Fr. Mark Francis, CSV is considered an expert in sacramentalheology and liturgy, and already he has published several booksn the subjects. He admits that he would be happy to continue hisesearch and writing but the Holy Spirit has led him differently,

namely into leadership.

n April, Fr. Francis was named the 7th president of theCatholic Theological Union, which is the largest graduate school ofheology and ministry in the country. In part, he believes he waselected based on his 12 years serving in Rome as the superior

general of the Viatorians.

Im excited for the opportunity, Fr. Francis said, and I lookorward to continuing the vitality of this school, whose graduates

have touched so many lives around the world.

The announcement came as good news for CTU officials aswell as the Viatorians, who now have had two of their membershold the position. Fr. John Linnan, CSV, led the union from981 to 1987.

As a community of educators, to have Mark lead such arestigious institution of higher learning, underlines ourommitment to education and especially to those in ministrynd faith formation, says Fr. Thomas von Behren, provincial.

He points out that 24 religious order communities sponsor theunion and send their students to CTU for professional andministerial preparation.

The Viatorian community was one of the first congregationso join the union that has become CTU, Fr. von Behren adds.Many of our priests and brothers have attended CTU for

graduate studies and preparation for diaconal and priestlyrdination.

Overall, CTU is widely acknowledged as reflecting the globalCatholic church with students from 46 countries, includingeminarians from religious orders, lay men and women, and

students of various faiths, including Jewish, Muslim, Protestant, all in dialogue with the Catholic tradition.

Its stated mission is to prepare effective leaders for the chuready to witness to Christs good news of justice, love and pe

As it is, CTUs 3,500 lay and religious graduates are servinmore than 65 countries worldwide.

Fr. Francis graduated from Saint Viator High School andordained to the priesthood in 1982. With the Viatoriansattended Loyola University before earning advanced degrees fCTU. One of his first assignments was at Colegio San ViatoBogot, Colombia.

In 1988, he earned a doctorate in sacred liturgy in Rome, bereturning to teach liturgy at CTU for 12 years.

As superior general of the Viatorians, Fr. Francis lived in Rand worked with Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVInow hopes to work with Pope Francis, in fulfilling his vision

church renewed in inclusiveness and concern for the poor.I am committed to preparing ministers for this Church are open to the Spirit of God, Fr. Francis said, who contito surprise us in revealing Gods presence in the forgotten marginalized of our society.

Viatorian Named President of Catholic Theological Union

Eileen OGrady D

Fr. Mark Francis joined Mary McAleese, the former president of Irat CTUs trustee dinner in April, where he was announced as incoming presidthe college.

iatorian associates in a word association game, using a ball ofarn as the icebreaker.

tanding in a circle, each teen threw the yarn to another classmate,king them to answer quickly what church means to them. Fromudent to student, the yarn spun into a web, especially after a

econd round of questions, when they answered about themeaning of faith.

he strings, Rosy says, showed the students that they are allonnected as Catholics and as Viatorians even if they dontways agree on every issue.

f one person were to let go, Rosy adds, the support of everyoneround them would pull them back in.

During another month, they focused on different styles of praduring a 30-minute workshop. Students were able to choose fr

praying with music, saying the rosary, meditating and hearspiritual readings in Lectio Divina as well as praying within Visio Divina, doing sculpting prayer, journaling or helpingprepare the homily for the next school Mass.

St. Viator Principal Kathleen Daulton says the new program benefitted students and their parents as they learn about the Vtorian charism.

The students really enjoy the various projects and programs they are involved in, Mrs. Daulton says. They come back wirenewed perspective on our school mission.

Eileen OGrady D


10/16www.viatorians.com 10

Celebrate Our Jubilarians...

Fr. Donald R. Wehnert, CSVwillcelebrate the 50th anniversary ofhis ordination as a Viatorian prieston June 8, but his calling startedlong before that. He recalls that by

his senior year at Cathedral BoysHigh School he had decided thathe wanted to join the Viatorians.

I wasnt sure I wanted to be ateacher or even a priest, but I wassure I wanted to be a Viatorian,Fr. Wehnert says.

Most of his career has been in services to many of the parishesponsored by the community. Twice he was assigned to work with

Viatorians at Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Vegas from 1964

o 1970 and again from 1973 to 1981. Nearly half of his 50 years asriest have been spent at St. Patrick Parish in Kankakee. His firsteriod came in 1982 to 1989, before returning again from 1997 to002. In his semi-retirement starting in 2002, he chose to returnhere where he continues to reside.

From 1989 to 1996 he served as pastor at St. Marys Beaverville andSt. Martins in Martinton, IL. Among other assignments was hiswork as parochial vicar at St. Viator Church in Chicago in 1996-67nd St. Joseph Parish in Springfield in 1970-73. Fr. Wehnert is a

quiet man who is admired by the many people he has served notnly as celebrant of Sunday and daily Masses, but also by living theorporal works of mercy. They know him to visit the sick, bury the

dead, feed the hungry and be model of all the works of mercy.

Fr. Daniel R. Hall, CSV cameto the Viatorians after havingcompleted college work atuniversities in Virginia and havingserved twice in Vietnam duringhis early military years withthe U.S. Army special forces. All ofhis life experiences have helped to

enrich his ministry as a Viatorian.In the years from 1978 through1989, Fr. Hall completed hisseminary training, served as dea-

on at Maternity BVM parish in Bourbonnais, and taught atSaint Viator High School in Arlington Heights and BishopGorman High School in Las Vegas.

Yet, three assignments over his 25 years as priest have helped todefine his ministry. From 1990 to 1997 he returned to military lifes priest and chaplain at Camp Pendleton, California, at the Navys

support facility in the Mediterranean at Diego Garcia, and at CLejune, North Carolina.

He went from military chaplain to establishing the Viatomission in Belize and becoming pastor of St. Francis X

Parish in Corozal, Belize. During two terms there, Fr. Hall sethe people of that very large parish, which includes 23 villages20 elementary schools.

At Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, wFr. Hall returned in 2003, he has been teacher, counselor anassistant football coach during three sessions there, helping to edustudents as faith-filled members of a global society.

Fr. Hall, did not join the Army or the Viatorians to see the wbut he has seen it and been asked to serve in a variety of pand ministries, and often in leadership positions. Just this spFr. Hall was elected by his confreres to serve as one of councilors to the provincial.

Fr. John E. Eck, CSV mighcalled a streetwise man of by the hundreds of young meinfluenced during his 50 yeaa priest. For the most part, hebeen drawn to working with yopeople who have experiefailure in traditional setting

well as helping those in n

He is at once a stern mentora good friend. He is committepromoting social justice inhe does.

From 1966 to 1978, he was assigned to Alleman High SchoRock Island, Illinois. Those were not easy times for teenagersFr. Eck was an understanding guide for many. From Allema

went to Chicago to become a leader and teacher at Prologue HSchool that was designed to offer an alternative education in lite

job training and GED preparation.

After 7 years with the Prologue School, he turned to pwork. During the 1990s, he worked at St. Joseph ChurchSt. Patricks Parish in Springfield where he appliedexperiences in a new setting. At that time, he was active with the SConcerns Committee for the Diocese of Springfield and itsforce on racism.

In 1999, he went to St. Viator Parish in Chicago where he servparochial vicar until 2005. He then became pastor of the parishserved there until his retirement to St. Patrick Parish in KankaIllinois where he now resides and keeps busy helping parishesneed his ministry.


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Requests come into theViatorian archives all thetime for help in completingresearch. Recently, a querycame in regarding Fr. John

W.R. Maguire, CSV and hiswork with labor unions.

Mike Matejka, vice-presidentof the Illinois Labor HistorySociety, was doing researchfor an article in the spring

issue of Illinois Heritage, apublication of the IllinoisState Historical Society.

With its labor theme thisissue, he hoped to learn moreabout Maguires labor work.He was also looking for

historic Illinois labor sites of interest to be posted on the IllinoisLabor History website.

Fr. John W. R. Maguire, CSV (1883-1940) was known as

ne of labors best friends. Maguire was a nationally knownmediator in industrial disputes like the Green Mountain Damtrike in Colorado and the Kohler (plumbing) strike in Kohler,

Wisconsin. He ultimately settled 87 out of 90 disputes. As aesult, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt appointed him tohe regional labor board in Chicago.

Maguires commitment to social justice exemplifies theViatorian spirit today. In fact, peace and social justice wereited as priorities for the worldwide congregation at lastummers general chapter meeting, and it will be the theme of thisummers provincial assembly, the annual meeting of the U.S.

Viatorian community in Arlington Heights.Maguire founded labor organizations and programs, suchs the Catholic Conference on Industrial Problems and the

Catholic Association for International Peace. He also gave a seriesf lectures on injunctions in 1928 on WCFL radio The

Voice of Labor in Chicago.

Maguire was described as a pioneer in the field thatdvocated a living wage. He gave every moment of his time to the

working man, in his obituary published in the 1940 Annuairey the Viatorian General Direction. He gave the eulogy at the

grave of Mary Harris Jones, better known as Mother Join 1930.

Fr. Maguire, who championed labor causes for 25 years duhis priesthood, was also a professor, college president, missioand World War I chaplain.

The Viatorian chapel at the Province Center in ArlinHeights was dedicated to Fr. Maguire in 1951, at the reof the Illinois State Federation of Labor. Its leaders Fr. Maguires years of working to get the state legislature tolaws that advanced workers welfare, including the WorkmCompensation and Occupational Diseases Act, the InjunLimitation Act, the Child Labor Law and One Day of Rest in S

A memorial plaque displayed in the main entrance foyer oProvince Center describes his legacy.

For more information about historic Illinois labor monumsites and people, visit: www.illinoislaborhistory.org. The wenow includes a profile of Fr. John W.R. Maguire, CSV, as onits labor heroes and the chapel that is dedicated in his ho

Fr. John W.R. Maguire, CSV

Maguire Memorial plaque at the Province Center

Joan Sweeney,

Viatorian associate and archivist

Fr. John W.R. Maguire Labor Hero



Responding to Those Accounted of Little Importance

mmigration may be a hot button topic, but Viatorians have beendvocating for compassionate, comprehensive reform for years.

Members from the Chicago and Arlington Heights regionsame together last spring to discern how they could live outhe Viatorian mandate to reach out to those accounted ofittle importance.

They quickly reached aconsensus that they reachout to undocumentedimmigrants, who live inconstant fear of beingstopped for any reasonand being deported. Allthe while they struggle tosurvive at the bottom ofthe economic ladder, whilesending money home tofeed their families.

The response has been oneof prayer - and action.

Viatorians living in the

retirement wing ofhe province center pray the rosary daily for immigrationeform. Viatorians associates and professed pray at the

detention center at the Broadview Processing Center wherehe undocumented are brought there to say goodbye to theiramilies and loaded onto a prison bus bound for OHarenternational Airport.

Before departing, Viatorians often pray with them on theuses. The scene is reminiscent of an environment reserved for

hardened criminals, with wire mesh incarcerating passengers.

Viatorians attempt to lead them in prayers, but it takesdetainees to repeat them for those in the back.

Prayer flows into action and Viatorians respond in various wA post-detention accompaniment program sponsored byInterfaith Committee for Detained Immigrants and comp

of lay and religious leaders of whom Viatorians are memberreaches out to those who are released from detention.

Often, they are completely bewildered because they were piup in another state and released in Chicago. Some may need basics as food and transportation to the bus station. Viatohave provided transportation and negotiated the purchase otickets, while other released detainees may have nowhere to

Viatorians are responding to that need as well. The minacquired a former convent and now is upgrading it to c

When the renovations are completed, the building will be ab

welcome up to 18 people. In preparation, Viatorians have heto clean and furnish the house. They also have provided funfor staff and rent.

Many of the detainees are so overwhelmed by the complexithe detention system, that a group of volunteers travels weto the McHenry County Jail in Woodstock, IL to offer tpastoral care.

Volunteers are driven by themaxim of treating each other

with respect. The Viatorians

who participate, says thatsimple act of humanity makesa visible impact among uponthe detained.

Viatorians also have beeninvolved in advocacy forreform. Members havetraveled to the state capitolin Illinois to talk with theirlegislators and visited localoffices of their congressional

representatives.As a community, Viatorians are working in various capactoward the goal of comprehensive and compassioimmigration reform. True to the Viatorian charism, they

working closely with other religious, priests and laity, seekincreate a future one step at a time where the human riof people everywhere are respected.

Fr. Thomas Long, C


13/16www.viatorians13

Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, Named President of Saint Viator High Scho

Eileen OGrady D

For the last six years, Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, has been a familiarace around Saint Viator High School, attending student concerts,thletic contests and theater performances over and above theime he spends with them in religion class.

Beginning next month, he will be ramping up his visibility, as he

akes over as president.The announcement came as little surprise to faculty andtaff members. For past two years, Fr. Brost has served as viceresident of mission effectiveness at the school, working closely

with Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, president for the last eight years.

However, Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, came personally to makehe announcement. As provincial of the Viatorians Chicagorovince and president of the schools board of governors, hetressed how important it was to have a Viatorian lead the school.

I am proud to say that Saint Viator High School is one of

few Catholic high schools in the Chicago area that can poinhaving 11 of their community members on the faculty of town school, Fr. von Behren said. The Viatorians are commto Saint Viator High School today and for decades to come.

Fr. Brost earned his undergraduate degree in journalism and degree from the

University of Illinois before starting his career at Saint VHigh School in 1987 as anEnglish teacher. He soon enteredViatorian Community as a religious brother.

He now has spent 25 years as a youth educator and cam

minister for Viatorian schools and parishes throughoutcountry and in 2006 was ordained a priest. He earned advadegrees in pastoral studies at Loyola University and in divfrom Catholic Theological Union.

When I came back here six years ago, I thought I was goinbe teaching freshmen religion, Fr. Brost told the faculty. Buafter day, I am inspired, challenged, and in awe of you. Imiracles happen every day at this school.

Fr. von Behren noted that Fr. Egan leaves the school on ground.

He has brought new life to the mission of the school, Fr.Behren said, and he leaves with nothing but great possibibefore it.

Fr. Egan brought a unique perspective to the role, having attethe school himself, graduating in 1969. He went on to teach aschool, head the Clerics of St. Viator as provincial, serve as pat St. Viator Parish in Chicago, and ultimately lead the ArlinHeights high school beginning in 2005.

Fr. Brost, C.S.V., has continued to serve as chairman ofreligion department and head of the vocation office for

Viatorians while serving in the high schools administration.This summer, however, he will devote himself full time to hisassignment: preparing Saint Viator High School students tfaith-filled, contributing members of a global society.



Around the Province...

This issue of Around the Province highlights just a few currentnd past partnerships between the Viatorians and others.

Collaboration be-tween the Sistersof the Living Wordand the ViatorianCommunity wasrecognized at theSisters 25th annualMardi Gras gala onFeb. 1. In accept-ing the Partners in

Mission Award, Viatorians acknowledged the many ways thewo religious congregations have worked together in recent yearso promote peace and justice both at home and abroad, whichncludes opposing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, providingeed money for a micro-lending program for families in tran-itional housing, and accompanying immigrants released fromederal detention.

On Feb. 10, Fr.James Michaletzcelebrated the 50thanniversary jubilee

Mass with alum-nae from the for-mer Sacred Heartof Mary HighSchool founded bythe Religious of the

Sacred Heart of Mary, which merged with Saint Viator HighSchool in 1987. Fr. Michaletz told the women that he had his-ory with the school as well. He served as a teacher in 1963 at

Saint Viator, when Sacred Heart opened, using two wings of theboys high school while theirs was being built. He later served

s superintendent in 1972 during its transition into a diocesanchool. Throughout all of these changes, the one constant washe student body and its graduates, its alumnae, Fr. Michaletzold the crowd of 100 women and their families. They are the

people who continue its tradition, its legacy.

Br. Leo Ryan received the Career Achievement Award fromeaders of the national business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, athe Palmer House in Chicago on Feb. 16. The award came dur-ng their Professional Business Leadership Institute conference.

The citation commended Br. Ryan for his lifelong pursuknowledge, education and service to others while adhering tstrictest code of ethics. Br. Ryan is known for the many pnerships he has fostered through his work with the Peace CMarquette University and DePaul University.

The Viatorian Community has provided a three-year granthe Interfaith Committee for Detained Immigrants (ICDprovide housing and staffing for immigrants needing a plalive. Several Viatorians have spent hours gathering furnipaint and donations to help transform an empty convent inhome for immigrants needing a place to live. The Marie JoHouse of Hospitality is scheduled to open this summer.

The Viatorian community co-sponsored the second anCROSSwalk that was held on March 22 to remember the mthan 800 children and youth who have been murdered in cago since 2008. Founded at All Saints Episcopal Churchprocession and vigil is an initiative of the Episcopal DioceChicago. One week later, the Viatorian community co-spsored 8th Day Center for Justices 33 annual Good Friday Wfor Justice that unites the Christian passion story with thetice struggles of today in an effort to open a space of reflecmemory and resistance.

The Provincial Council of the Clerics of St. Viator partnwith other religious congregations and human rights orgzations recently by adding its name to six sign-on letters promote peace and justice.

The first letter, drafteChurches for Middle Peace, calls on PresiBarack Obama to wtowards facilitating a

durable, and final negotiated agreement to end the Arab-IsrPalestinian conflict.

The second letter, drafted by Breathe World, calls on Sen. Mark Kiprotect funding cuts to vital progthat provide food to them vuable. Fr. Daniel Belanger, Fr. ChBolser, Fr. James Fanale, Fr. Peeters, Fr. Richard Pighini and

Robert M. Egan joined other Illinois pastors, bishops, and agdirectors in signing the letter as well.


15/16

www.viatorians.com15

Email: [email protected]

Website: 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, Inc.

Gracious God,

today, as every day, we pray for your grace.

But today, we ask a little more---

for a grace that is costly, for a grace that is just,

and for the courage to choose this grace alone.

When your name is used like a slogan to promote

what offends you,

give us the grace to say, No.

When your word is spoken to exclude and divide,

give us the grace to quietly include everyone.

When your reign is reduced to nationalism or terroris

give us the grace to resist.

When love is called weakness,

and hope is dissolved in cynicism,

and faith is dismissed as delusion,

give us the grace to hold our ground and lift our voice

Today and every day and for always,

we pray for the grace to take up whatever

cross we may face,

and to follow you down whatever road you show us

We pray for the grace to be people who share

grace and justice,

even as we give thanks for the just grace

we have received.

by: John van de Laar

The third letter, drafted by First Fo-cus, calls on Congress and PresidentObama to create a new NationalCommission on Children to ensurethe safety and well-being of every

child in America. Sadly, the U.S.ranks 20 out of 21 industrialized nations in measures of child

well-being and relative child poverty. Almost 16.1 million U.S.hildren live in poverty.

The fourth letter,drafted by the Wash-ington InterfaithStaff CommunityPentagon Spend-ing Working Group,

urges Congress toreduce Pentagonspending to a pro-portion commen-

urate with levels prior to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.Resources need to be redirected to address the urgent matters ofhuman security that we face as a nation.

The fifth letter, drafted by Jubilee USA, calls upon Illinois Sena-ors Richard Durbin and Mark Kirk to co-sponsor the Cut Un-ustified Tax Loopholes Act (S. 268) in order to close a myriadf corporate tax loopholes that serve no public purpose and would

aise at least $190 billion over 10 years.

The sixth letter, drafted by the Latin American Working Groupn light of the peace negotiations between the government of

Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of ColombiaFARC), calls on President Obama and Secretary of State John

Kerry to re-orient its foreign assistances to Colombia so that it isid for peace, rather than aid for war.

Michael Gosch, CSV


16/16

Provincial Perspective

Clerics of St. Viator

212 E. Euclid Avenue

Arlington Heights, IL 60004-5799

Newsletter Winter 2013ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT

US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 7160

PALATINE P&DC, IL

INSIDE

You can feel it in the air! As summer approaches,

new spring has dawned in the church. With the

lection of Pope Francis I, Catholics everywherere talking about a new papal style, his appealing

ersonality, and all of which point to a hopeful sign for

ur often troubled church. Yes, the election of

Pope Francis tugs on our heartstrings and touches the

onscience of a people looking for meaning and the

resence of Christ in our world.

What is it that Francis brings that has touched us so?

While it is early in his pontificate, Pope Francis has

hown a desire to live more simply, to be more human

and more accessible to the

people whom he has been

called to lead and to serve, and

to eschew some of the external

trappings of the papacy. His

desire to be connected to the poor, to the immigrant,

to the suffering causes all of us to pause and to reflect

upon our own lives and our own living of discipleship.

His willingness to acknowledge the social issues of our

day gives hope that the official church is open to listen, to

enter dialogue, and to embrace all of humanity as Christ

embraced those in his time and place.

As Viatorians, we are called to reach out to all those that

we serve, especially those who are often accounted oflittle importance in our world. We are called to raise

up communities of faith and proclaim Jesus Christ to

those in need or who are abandoned. I believe that Pope

Francis would be happy to know that this is the mission

of the Viatorian Community. And I believe that Pope

Francis would be happy to bless our ministry and our

commitment to those who are young and to those who

are marginalized.

Yes, summer is in the air! A breath of fresh air within

the halls of the Vatican is being proclaimed by many.

And in this spirit of hope, we await the promise of a newpope that will heal the wounds of the past and will create

a spirit of welcome and love for all. As Viatorians, we

rejoice in the election of Pope Francis and pray that his

example may be embraced by all those called to lead our

world and our Catholic Church.

Page 2

Mission Trip in Belize:Just for Students Anym

St. Viator Parish Takes Bogota

Page 4

Viatorians Vocation OManifesting a Spirit ofability

Page 5

Walking Into a FuturePromise

Page 6

Q & A: withConnor Romemesko

Page 7

In the Footsteps of OuFounder...

Page 8

A Ministry of Accompa

the Pastoral

Migratoria ProgramWeaving the ViatorianCharism into Las Vega

Page 9

Viatorian Named PresCatholic Theological U

Page 10

Celebrate Our Jubilari

Page 11Fr. John W.R. MaguireLabor Hero

Page 12

Responding toThose Accounted of Lit

Importance

Page 13

Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, NPresident of Saint ViatoHigh School

Page 14Around the Province...

Viator 2013 Spring

Documents

Transcript of Viator 2013 Spring