Viator

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Viatorian Community Spring/Summer 2010 Volume 15, No. 1

An invitation that the Holy See extended morethan forty years ago to the Clerics of St. Viatorcontinues to reverberate today with the internationalViatorian community.

It seemed simple enough, back then, forty years ago.The Holy See had turned to the Viatorians — knownas educators and mentors of young people — to staffa retreat center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

The acceptance by the Viatorian Community ofthis Haitian ministry led them to staff the VillaManrese, a 100-bedroom retreat center withclassrooms and meeting rooms, as well as a residencefor visiting clergy and religious.

Their unconditional response thrusts the Viatorianstoday, years after first accepting the invitation tominister in Haiti, into providing relief for thousandsof suffering survivors. “It was one of the main pastoralcenters,” says Fr. Mark R. Francis, CSV, SuperiorGeneral. "Everyone knew about it. Thousands ofpeople came through its doors each year."

The retreat center offered programs in French andCreole in religious instruction, religious formation,parenting skills, and provided numerous supportgroups, all from its perch on top of a hill overlookingthe city of Port-au-Prince.

Unfortunately, not even its hilltop location couldprotect Villa Manrese from the devastatingearthquake that struck southern Haiti this pastJanuary. The building collapsed causing seven staffmembers to lose their lives.

However, that was just the beginning of the crisisthat the Viatorian Community faced. Immediatelyfollowing the quake, thousands of Haitians fled tothe building’s gardens, which had survived, completewith prolific banana trees. “I think they just feltsafer there,” Fr. Francis reflected. "There was nofood, no water, no medical attention, or sanitaryconditions, just relief from all the danger in thecenter of the city.”

TheViatorians in Haiti respond to thetragic earthquake

Widespread Destruction with Remnants ofVilla Manrese in the Background

Survivors Receiving Food Parcels

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Government officials eventually forced theserefugees to leave in order to extricate thedecomposing bodies from beneath the rubble.

Fr. Andre Paul Garraud, CSV, superior ofthe Foundation of Haiti, estimates that theViatorians helped more than 17,000 refugeesfind shelter amidst the aftershocks, as wellas food, medical care, and pastoral care.He helped relocate them to separate campsoperated by nongovernmental organizations,which had stepped in to provide the food,medicine, tents, and other services. Thosewho were able returned to their homes.

However, the healing process for the peoplein the Port-au-Prince region continues.In the gardens that surround the nowdestroyed Villa Manrese are six large tents to

accommodate the therapeutic and educationalservices spearheaded by the ViatorianCommunity in Haiti. A staff of psychologists,dance teachers, physical education instructors,civics and ethics teachers, and a list of topical

speakers form the nucleus for a series of ther-apeutic activities for children and teensbetween the ages of three and eighteen. TheViatorians also intend to open a communaldining area where these students can receive

The Viatorian Community of Haiti with Guests from the International Community

The Viatorians in Haiti respond to the tragic earthquake... continued from page 1

St. George Church, in Bourbonnais, IL, about fifty-five milessouth of Chicago, is a small and vibrant faith community of 200families that carries out a mandate of the Second Vatican Councilwhich encouraged clergy and laity to work and to pray together; suchcollaborative ministry renders an enriched faith life for both clergyand laity and moves the world to be a place where justice prevails.

To Viatorian Associates David and Susan Surprenant,St. George parish is an essential part of their lives. Both wereborn and raised in this local area and have known Viatoriansthroughout their lives. Susan works as the parish secretary andbookkeeper and also as lector, Eucharistic minister, and choirmember; David serves in various capacities such as the peaceand justice coordinator, substitute religious education teacher,lector, and Eucharistic minister.

What characterizes them, and so many other parishioners atSt. George, is their commitment to enhancing the parish life in theface of the current priest shortage.While their previous pastor wasexperiencing failing health, the parish council, of which David is amember, authorized the expenditure to hire a permanent deaconwho preached the homilies and served as parish administrator.

The parish council and Susan worked closely with the nearby pastor,Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV, of Maternity BVM Church in Bourbonnais,IL, to ensure the proper functioning of the parish. Susan reported tohim at least monthly about day-to-day details and what actions neededto be taken. Their handling of the minutia of parish administrationfreed Fr. Pighini to concentrate his efforts on the overall spiritual lifeof St. George parish.

The parish community hassubscribed to the Viatorianvalue of international solidarity.After the Viatorian superiorgeneral, Fr. Mark Francis,CSV, spoke about the needfor the Viatorians throughoutthe world to become moreclosely united, David read amagazine article about Haiti.Knowing that approximatelyforty Viatorians live and workthere, he contacted the localsuperior in Haiti asking ifthey have any pressing needswhich the St. George faithcommunity might be ableto assist.

The superior responded thatthe most pressing need was formore classrooms and that each

one costs approximately $12,500.Working with the other parishioners,David launched a three-phase plan. First, he contacted people he knew,presented the situation, and asked if they would like to help. Theyresponded very generously and soon he had almost $3,000.

One advantage of a small town is that news travels very quickly andsoon everyone knew about the need in Haiti and was eager to help.

Susan Surprenant

Associates David and Susan Surprenant talk about their ministry

Shucking Corn at Chunox St. ViatorHigh School

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a hot meal. “We have short, medium, and long-term activities planned for allage groups,” Fr. Garraud said. “We are continually meeting with leaders ofthe neighborhoods that surround our property.”

The Foundation of Haiti is operated under the leadership of the ViatorianProvince of Canada, led by Fr. Claude Roy, CSV, the provincial of Canada.While he gratefully acknowledges the support from the internationalViatorian community, he concedes they are in the process of discernmentover whether to rebuild the retreat center. “For the moment, the Viatoriansof Haiti have begun a process of reflection about the future of the site ofVilla Manrese,” Fr. Roy said.

Fr. Garraud agrees and says “the community is starting again from scratch.Considering that 90 percent of the school buildings in Port-au-Prince havebeen destroyed, the Viatorian education mission is more important than ever.”

Yet, there is no doubt the Viatorians are committed to staying in Haiti andministering to its people. “We would like to thank the general direction of the Viatorians in Rome and Viatorian provinces and foundationsfor their fundraising and for their solidarity,” Fr. Garraud said. “We continue to count on this solidarity to participate as Viatorians in therebuilding of Haiti.”

With the enthusiasm rapidlygrowing, another parishionerorganized a committee andhosted a “Dancing with theStars” evening that yielded$9,000 for the project.

The third phase occurredlast Lent. A local bankdonated small plastic piggybanks and the campaign wasentitled “Feed the Pig for Haiti.” Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV, the currentpastor of St. George, encouraged everyone to sacrifice in some wayand to put the money saved into the bank for Haiti. They issued thefinal check for $16,200.

During the campaign, the earthquake in Haiti struck. Afterconsultation, they decided to keep the focus on the classroom becausethere was so much aid now going for the immediate needs of food,shelter, and medicine. When Haitian life begins a semblance ofnormalcy and the media attention has turned to other places, thepressing need will be educational facilities for the children. Secondly,an essential aspect of the Viatorian mission is the education of youth.

The Surprenants recounted their long history with the Viatorians thateventually led up to them becoming Viatorian Associates. TheViatorians have been in the area since 1865; two early Viatorians wereSurprenants; moreover, both David and Susan had Viatorians as theirparish ministers and as their teachers. When they went to their firstmeeting with many Viatorians present, they joked that they already

knew a majority of the professed members of the community.They mused that they feel very comfortable with the Viatorians;they are part of an extended family.

David owns a grain and dairy farm. With his expertise andexperience, he recently traveled to the Viatorian Foundation ofBelize to visit Chunox St. Viator High School. This high schoolis an agricultural school, which immediately interested David.He joked that he was supposed to “observe” and that observingis one thing he does not do. Rather, he is the type of personwho sees a need, decides what must be done to answer the need,

and then rolls up his sleeves and gets to work. True to form, he wassoon planting Papaya trees and shucking corn. He struck up severalconversations with the agricultural teacher at Chunox St. Viator HighSchool; they shared farming and agricultural ideas and experiences.David was impressed with the richness of the soil and the temperateclimate. He noted that the area is ideal for composting and for peopleto grow their own fruits and vegetables, creating an environmentally-friendly strategy for ensuring high quality food while containing costs.

St. George is a growing and vibrant parish, the result of its manyactive and committed parishioners. David and Susan are gratefulfor being part of both their local community and the internationalViatorian community. In living out their faith in this small town,they also impact the world community, particularly in Haiti andBelize. They are implementing the Viatorian mission and charism toraise up communities of believers where the faith is lived, deepened,and celebrated.

David Surprenant with Belizean Students

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On the secondWednesday of each month,worshippers of all ages arrive at theViatorian Province Center chapel inArlington Heights, IL, for a rare spiritualexperience —Taize prayer.The worshipperstake a single candle and a song sheet andquietly file into the intimate, sacred space,which they find lit only with votive candles.

On a recent Wednesday night, the service atthe Viatorian Province Center drew studentsfrom Saint Viator High School in ArlingtonHeights as well as from St.Martin de PorresHigh School in Waukegan, led by theircampus ministry director, Jim Dippold.

Combined with the many adults on hand,every seat in the chapel was filled.Themusicians, playing the keyboard, cello,and flute, and providing vocals, stoodoverhead in the balcony overlooking thecongregation.

Erik Elizalde, a junior fromWaukegan, saidhe comes every time St. Martin de Porresoffers the thirty mile trip. “For me, it is avery joyful experience, very calming,” Eriksaid. “It brings God closer to you, throughthe music and the chanting. It’s a whole newway of experiencing prayer.”

His classmate, Maritza Tejeda, agreed,though she described it more as a time torelease all of the stresses of everyday life andlet the prayer service take over. “Youjust sit back and listen and hear your ownthoughts,” Maritza said. “You listen tothe lyrics, and think, maybe God istalking to me.”

That’s just what Br. John Eustice, CSV,encouraged worshippers to do at thebeginning of the service. “Let the songswash over you. Be comfortable in yourprayer. It’s a time for music, for beingreflective, and for letting the power of theresurrection sink in.”

The room soon brightens as worshipperslight their candles and begin to sing theshort verses of the hymns. After the secondhymn, the worshippers walk solemnly to claypots filled with sand, located on the altar,and place their candles in these pots whileoffering silent prayers.

One of the service’s highlights follows witha “Litany for Young People” as those inthe gathering pray for teens facing a rangeof problems: severe emotional stresses,substance abuse, and even suicide. Each

situation receives a prayerful response fromthose in attendance.

A prolonged period of silence follows.

Julie Worch, a lay missionary with theRedemptorists in Glenview, IL, makes thetrip to Arlington Heights every month toparticipate in Taize prayer. “It’s the best onein the Chicago area,” she says. “I love themusic and repeating the same chants.When you add the Viatorian spirituality andtheir prayers for young people, it’s reallymeaningful.”

The Viatorians began offering the Taizeprayer service eleven years ago as a means ofreaching out to youth; over the years, it hasgrown in size and expanded its mission.

Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, who inaugurated theTaize prayer experience within the ViatorianCommunity, is delighted that it has takenon a life of its own. “Those who come,without exception, tell me that they find aremarkable peace during the evening,” Fr.Brost said. “It’s a wonderful way to connectwith God.The music and the ritual seem toopen people up so that they experienceGod’s loving and peaceful presence.”

The origins of this ecumenical prayer servicedates back to 1940 in France; Br. RogerSchutz started it as an outgrowth of hissilent retreat. The unique, prayerfulexperience continues to draw thousands ofyoung people to the Taize Community inFrance each year for prayer, for study, andfor faith-sharing.

The Viatorians are grateful to be able toopen their home to so many who find theprayer meaningful and beneficial. “It’swonderful to have young people come andpray with us,” said Fr. FrankWhite, CSV,age 92, who looks forward to the monthlyTaize prayer service at the ViatorianProvince Center.

The Scripture Being Proclaimed

Fr. Francis White, CSV, with Students

Quiet Reflection

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With the death of Fr. Victor Eugene“Gene” Bertrand, CSV, the ViatorianCommunity lost a member who spentover twenty-five years serving the militarypersonnel as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy.

Fr. Bertrand died on January 14th, 2010,at the Viatorian Province Center inArlington Heights, IL, less than one weekafter he moved there from North LittleRock, AK. He was 75.

Over his long military career, Fr. Bertrandachieved the rank of Commander in theChaplain Corps of the United States Navy;moreover, he received two gold stars — theHumanitarian Service Medal and theNational Defense Service Medal.

“He really lived the saying, ‘ Join the Navyand see the world,’ ” said Fr. Thomas vonBehren, CSV, Provincial, who had studiedunder Fr. Bertrand as a senior at GriffinHigh School in Springfield, IL.

Fr. Bertrand’s military assignments includedactive service at naval bases in California,Mississippi, Texas, Virginia, remote dutystations in Diego Garcia, Guam, Okinawa,and aboard the aircraft carrier, the USSMidway in Japan. “These are, indeed,floating cities,” remarked Fr. Daniel Hall,CSV, a former military chaplain himself,who served in the United States MarinesCorps. “He would have been responsiblefor taking care of about 5,800 sailors andMarines.”

One of his assignments took him to Romewhere he served as Command Chaplain forNATO. The role was more administrativethan ministerial, but it did involveintroducing military dignitaries to PopeJohn Paul II, a job he cherished.

Fr. Bertrand’s family members pointed tohis willingness to serve in Diego Garcia,

the U.S. Navy’s most remote duty station;it is located 1,000 miles south of the tip ofIndia in the Indian Ocean. “There he wasresponsible for about 8,000 service menand women from all four branches of theservice, as well as several thousand civiliancontractors for the Defense Department,”Fr. Hall remarked. “Naturally, given theremoteness of the island, there is a lot ofcounseling that takes place.”

Fr. Bertrand brought a counselingbackground to his ministry. He firstprofessed his vows as a Viatorian in 1953and went on to earn degrees in politicalscience and history from Loyola University,before earning a master’s in guidance andcounseling from George WashingtonUniversity. He was ordained to thepriesthood in 1962.

Early ministry assignments took him tomore traditional settings, teaching at SaintViator High School in Arlington Heights,Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas,and Griffin High School in Springfield.

“He was a people’s priest,” said his brother,Joe, of Springfield, IL. “He always kept aChristmas list a mile long because he keptup with everyone from everyplace he hadever been.”

Up until a few months before his death,he ministered to veterans at the VAMedical Center in North Little Rock, AK.He also eagerly celebrated Mass andadministered the sacraments when neededin the Diocese of Little Rock.

“He was very generous in helping out,”said Bishop J. Peter Sartain, former Bishopof Little Rock, who now leads the Dioceseof Joliet, IL. “He was very kind andalways interested in the broader needs ofthe church.”

Fr. Bertrand’sconfreres believehis militaryservice and hisministry to theneeds of militarypersonnel postedin faraway placesencapsulated and radiated the Viatoriancharism from the very core of his being.“He always dreamed of being a chaplainin the military,” Fr. von Behren added. “Itwas a sense of duty and of serving hiscountry, and of being true to his priesthoodand of being a Viatorian.”

We will miss him.

Fr.Victor E.“Gene”Bertrand, CSV

Pope John Paul II Welcoming Fr. Bertrand

Receiving the American Flag

A people’s priest

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The Viatorian mission of empowering youngpeople to become active members of theirfaith communities continues to be a powerfulattraction for men considering the call toreligious life.

For example, in the Foundation of Colombia,which has been part of the Province ofChicago for nearly fifty years, two moremembers made their first vows as religiousbrothers. In both cases, they cited theViatorian ministry with the young as partof their calling.

Br. Carlos Eduardo Diaz, CSV, a psychologystudent at Konrad Lorenz University inBogotá, and Br. Carlos Arturo Romero, CSV,a teacher at Colegio San Viator, made theirfirst profession of vows on January 16th,before Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV,Provincial, at which Fr. Luis Eduardo Lopez,CSV, superior of the foundation, presided.The ceremony took place during a specialMass in the chapel at Colegio San Viatorin Bogotá. Fr. Marcelo Lamas, CSV,novitiate director in Santiago, Chile,preached the homily.

“The Viatorian Community and its ministryto youth and parish work is what drew me,”says Br. Diaz, who assists as a youth ministerat San Juan Maria Vianney parish, when heis not studying. “When I graduate, I wouldlike to lend my professional services as apsychologist at our school,” he adds. “I cansee myself, perhaps, continuing my studiesfor the priesthood.”

His confrere, Br. Romero, cites his educationunder the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherineof Sienna and seeing their witness to Christ,as having made a powerful impact on him.His search for a religious community of menwho would welcome him culminated withthe Viatorians.

“My great dream was to commit myself to a

community whose ministry was related tosocial work,” Br. Romero says. “I began tofeel that the Lord was calling me towardthe Viatorians, whose principal ministry iseducation because education can contributegreatly to social transformation.”

Furthermore, the Viatorians of theFoundation of Belize also continue to growin numbers. This year they welcomed ninenew associates — four men and five women.

Gregorio and Leonor Itzab volunteer activelyat Santa Rita Church, one of twenty-threeparishes that the Viatorians minister to fromtheir base at St. Francis Xavier Church inCorozal Town, Belize. They made their firstcommitments as Viatorian associates for aperiod of two years, during a Mass at St.Francis Xavier Church in March. “I hope togrow in my love for God, through prayer anddaily living, and to help the neediest,” LeonorItzab says.

Another new Viatorian associate, GabrielLizama, is a musician at St. Francis XavierChurch. He hopes to become a deacon and“get others more involved in the vineyard ofJesus Christ, because the harvest is large, butthe helpers are few.”

Dorothy Lopez, also a new BelizeanViatorian associate, already serves as ateacher, Eucharistic minister, and as amember of the liturgy committee, but shesaw joining the Viatorians as a way to deepenher faith. “I want to follow in the footstepsof Fr. Louis Querbes,” she says, “wholeheartedly and without fear.”

Viatorian presence in Colombia and Belize increases

Front Row (L to R) Jorge Romero, Vanessa Romero,Gregorio Itzab, Leonor Itzab.

Back Row (L to R) Guillermo Pech, Roxana Pech,Marceli Tzul, Gabriel Lizama,Dorothy LopezBr. Carlos Arturo Romero, CSV

Br. Carlos Eduardo Diaz, CSV

Br. Carlos Eduardo Diaz, CSV, andBr. Carlos Arturo Romero, CSV

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The Clerics of St. Viator Vocation Team of the Province of Chicago continues to workenergetically and enthusiastically on its many initiatives. The webpage of the vocationteam, www.viatorians.com/vocations, now includes video interviews of several selectedViatorians. The vocation team continues to prepare for the first Viatorian YouthCongress to be held at Techny, IL, from August 2nd to August 5th, 2010. Thecongress will offer young people from Viatorian schools and parishes an opportunityto discover how they can help further the Viatorian mission.

The Viatorian Community at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, IL,continues to offer “Come and See” evenings for young men throughout the schoolyear. This program, now in its third year, offers young men the opportunity to share ameal, prayer, and conversation with Viatorian brothers and priests.

Viatorian associates and religious offered “My Life Choices: What Is Christ CallingMe to Do with My Life?”– a vocation awareness evening for high school men andwomen; this event was sponsored by and was held at Maternity BVM parish inBourbonnais, IL. Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV, pastor of Maternity BVM parish, servedas the facilitator of this vocation awareness evening. Speakers included Mr. KirkAndreina, Marc and Kris Fisher, Sister Janet Lawrence, CND, and Fr. DanielBelanger, CSV. About sixty young people attended the event which is held annuallyon “World Day For Vocations.” The young people were encouraged to build up thechurch and bring God’s love to the world in whatever way God calls them to respond.

The Viatorian Provincial Council has approved the opening of a house of discernment.This new house of discernment, named Viator House, will open in late August, withinthe rectory of Saint Viator parish, in Chicago, IL. Viator House will be a communityfor young men, between the ages of 18-40, who are discerning a call to Viatorianreligious life, while not excluding other vocational options, such as marriage, the singlelife, or the diocesan priesthood. Candidates for the discernment community will beencouraged to become active and engaged members of the community at Viator Houseand will be provided opportunities in a variety of venues for ministry. Men who areinterested in this opportunity are asked to contact Br. Daniel Lydon, CSV, at847-637-2129 or at [email protected].

Our team of twelve vocation ministers continues to find new ways to help youngpeople hear the voice of God in their lives.

TheViatorianVocationTeam continues its

to young peopleOUTREACH

senseof

community

In addition to being teachers, Guillermoand Roxana Pech serve as music ministersat St. Francis Xavier parish. Both citedFr. Louis Querbes and his mission ofraising up faith communities as thestimulus for their calling to becomeViatorian associates.

Likewise, the new Belizean Viatorianassociates Jorge and Vanessa Romeroplay active roles at St. Francis Xavierparish. Jorge serves as a lector and helpsto plan liturgies, while Vanessa serves asoffice manager, working alongside theprofessed Viatorians. “I have been livingamong them and seeing their work,”Vanessa Romero says. “I accepted theirinvitation to join them so that I can nowgrow in ministry among them.”

Another new Viatorian associate, MarceliTzul, is a teacher at one of the twentyschools in Corozal District whereViatorians minister in Belize. She wantsto be able to take her faith beyond theclassroom, she says, and to minister to theyouth and to the needy in the area as avisible and tangible member of theViatorian Community.

As long as there are people open to followingin the footsteps of Fr. Louis Querbes, thefounder of the Viatorians, the ViatorianCommunity will continue to flourish bothhome and abroad.

Fr. Donald J.Fitzsimmons,CSV, attendedCathedral BoysHigh School inSpringfield, IL.and entered theViatorianCommunity in1950 along withseveral of hisclassmates. At Loyola University, Chicago,Fr. Fitzsimmons earned a B.A. degree inhistory and philosophy in 1955. He wasordained a priest on May 28, 1960 and laterearned a M.A. degree in religious educationat Catholic University of America inWashington, DC in 1969.

He spent the majority of his fifty years as apriest as a high school teacher and substanceabuse counselor. His wit and wisdom madehim a good communicator with youngpeople. For eighteen years, he served thestudents of Saint Viator High School, inArlington Heights, IL, as counselor, teacherof religion, and retreat director. From 1988to 1997, he served as a drug abuse counselorat Lutheran General Recovery Center inVernon Hills, IL. From 1998 until hisretirement, he worked in the Keys toRecovery Program as a substance abusecounselor at Holy Family Hospital inDes Plaines, IL.

When Fr. Fitzsimmons finds a new areaof special interest, he becomes seriouslyinvolved in that subject. As a teenager, hisfree time was given to a basement full ofaquariums for his collection of fish. Forseveral years during the 1970’s, photographyconsumed his time when he was notteaching or counseling. What started ashobby became a thorough study of thetopic, and he became an artist who not onlycreated beautiful compositions, but also onewho operated his own darkroom. Whenthe world became concerned about the

environment, Fr. Fitzsimmons became anexpert on the topic of native grasslands inIllinois. In recent times, he taught himselfeverything one needs to know, and more,about computer technology.

Fr.Thomas G.Langenfeld, CSV,began exercisinghis leadershipskills early in hisViatorian career.After completinghis novitiate, heattended LoyolaUniversity,Chicago, where heearned a B.A. degree in political science.After his ordination to priesthood in 1960,Fr. Langenfeld served as a high schoolteacher and administrator for ten years.He taught and was assistant principal atSpalding Institute in Peoria, IL, wasassistant principal at Saint Viator HighSchool in Arlington Heights, and servedas principal at Bishop McNamara HighSchool in Kankakee, IL.

It did not shock anyone when he waselected superior general of the Clerics ofSt.Viator in 1972. He moved to Romewhere he led the international ViatorianCommunity until 1984. During those years,he traveled the world using his talents inleadership and communication. Whenhe returned from Rome, he spent asabbatical year at the Weston School ofTheology in Cambridge, MA. Between1986 and 1999, Fr. Langenfeld served aspastor of Immaculate Conception parish inKankakee, St. Patrick Church in Kankakee,and St. Viator parish in Las Vegas. Sincethen, he has continued to serve in theDiocese of Las Vegas.

Fr. Langenfeld recently stated, “I sit inamazement and surprise when I look backover fifty years. When ordained, I simply

wanted to have a life of helping youngpeople become successful with their lives.My life has taken me to many differentplaces. As I look back, I wonder how muchmy goal was achieved. It is difficult to lookbeyond failures to see successes, but I knowthere were some of both. And I do knowthat I have had a majority of happy times.I indeed have reason to celebrate!”

Fr. James E.Michaletz, CSV,feels he has beenblessed abundantly.“When I reflecton my fifty yearsas a priest, myinitial andoverwhelmingfeeling is one ofgratitude for beinga Viatorian and a priest, but also forthe many grace-filled experiences I havehad. I am fortunate to have been inCatholic education for so many years andin a variety of capacities. I have had theopportunity to minister to people in avariety of ways that have been so rewarding.I am especially grateful to God for beingblessed and graced in countless ways.”

Known for his leadership skills and hisability to enhance the administrative talentof principals and board members ofCatholic institutions, Fr. Michaletz earned aPh.D. degree in educational administrationfrom Loyola University, Chicago. Hisdissertation focuses on the topic ofleadership. Since the early 1970’s, that topichas kept him busy and focused in his workas an administrator and consultant to manyeducators, schools, and dioceses.

He served as director of the EducationalPlanning Department for the Archdioceseof Chicago, and was director of educationfor the Province of Chicago of the ViatorianCommunity from 1977 to 1983. In 1985,

FiveViatorians recently celebrated theirordination anniversaries

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he was named Superintendent of Schoolsfor the Diocese of Springfield, IL, and in1991, he became a member of the staff ofthe Education Department of DominicanUniversity in River Forest, IL, where heserved until 1999. At Dominican, hedevoted all his efforts to the educationand formation of Catholic and publicschool principals.

One of the many boards on which he hasserved over the years is the Board ofTrustees of Catholic Theological Union inChicago. In recent years, he has been anactive priest in residence at MaternityBVM in Bourbonnais and has added boardmembership at St. Mary’s Provena Hospitalto his list of activities.

Fr. Daniel J.Mirabelli, CSV,has spent mostof his fifty years asa priest servingthe Alleman HighSchool communityin Rock Island,IL. He has becomeknown as thepersona of theschool where he has worked for forty-fouryears as a teacher of history and religion,and as athletic director. He currently worksin the office for development. Fr. Mirabelliis well-known as a well-organized, neat, anda reserved gentleman. It is only when he iswatching or listening to his favorite athleticteam or sports hero that his wild side shows.Just as he is a devoted and hard worker, heis a devoted fan.

Fr. Mirabelli attended Fenwick High Schoolin Chicago, IL, where he came to know the

Viatorians. After completing his novitiate,he attended St. Ambrose College inDavenport, IA, where he earned a B.A.degree in history. He later earned an M.A.degree in American history from LoyolaUniversity, Chicago.

On May 28, 1960, he was ordained to thepriesthood. His first teaching assignmentwas at St. Benedict High School inChicago, IL, for a year followed by fiveyears at Saint Viator High School inArlington Heights. In 1966, he wasassigned to Alleman High School. As hereflects on his years as a priest, he says,“At this time of remembering, I smile andthink fondly of the countless Viatorianswho served with me throughout these manyyears of service to the Catholic Church.The Viatorians are men of class and theyhave truly enriched my life and my vocation.I have been most blessed and very proud tobe a member of this community which isdedicated to service, education, and pastoralcare. God is good and has blessed meabundantly throughout my vocation as aViatorian priest.”

Fr. Richard J.Pighini, CSV,who celebrates histwenty-fifthanniversary ofordination thisyear, hails fromthe northwestsuburbs ofChicago. Hestudied at theUniversity of Illinois in Chicago, theUniversity of Oregon at Eugene, and hespent a year as a member of the Peace

Corps in Hawaii before becoming a teacherat St. Patrick School in Kankakee, IL.From there he entered the ViatorianCommunity in 1980.

His years of preparation for ordinationwere completed at Catholic TheologicalUnion in Chicago; he was ordained a priestin 1985. During his years on the facultyat Sacred Heart-Griffin High School inSpringfield between 1985 and 1989, hebegan to develop his reputation as prizewinning gardener. That reputation followedhim to Kankakee and to Bourbonnais.At each place his hobby became an art.

In 1989, Fr. Pighini returned to St. Patrickparish as a parochial vicar before becomingpastor in 1994. In 2004, he was namedpastor of Maternity BVM parish, the firstViatorian parish in the United States, aministry in which he continues today.During these past several years, he becameknown as a master at creating the artisticand reverent environment for the liturgicalcelebrations.

The original manual of instructions for theViatorians states that a Cleric of St. Viatordedicates his life to the "teaching ofChristian Doctrine and service of the holyaltar." Fr. Pighini follows that old dictum,literally. The parishioners at St. Patrickand Maternity BVM parishes can testifythat the decorations are always perfect,that the liturgical ministers are wellprepared, and that the altar servers aretrained to perfection.

We are Viatorians9

In the Footstepsof Our Founder...

Indecision by the Sacred Congregation

Father Louis Querbes was informed that the Cardinals of the SacredCongregation for Bishops and Regulars would convene in Plenary Meeting onAugust 3, 1838, to consider his petition on behalf of the Clerics of St. Viator.

Cardinal Angelo Mai, the ponent (reporter) of the Sacred Congregation,outlined for the other Cardinals these salient issues: the ends of the Society,the endorsement of the Archbishop of Lyons, the Royal Charter, theproperty owned, the presence of the Founder in Rome, the revised statutes,the Summarium and the votum of their Consultor, Fr. Rosaven.

The agenda for the Plenary Meeting involved three key questions:

(1) Were the statutes of the Clerics of St. Viator worthy of being approved?

(2) Would it be good to allow the rector of different houses the faculty ofdelivering dimissorial letters for the ordination of their clerics?

(3) Would it be good to give the same rector the faculty of appointingordinary confessors for their subjects, provided that they were approved bythe bishops?” (Pierre Robert, Life of Louis Mary Querbes, 172 – 173)

In answer to the first question, the Sacred Congregation Plenary Meetingwas ambivalent: “While approving the end and the means adopted for thegood work to which the Catechists of St. Viator devoted themselves, it didnot think it should make a decision.” (Robert 173)

Fr. Querbes was devastated. He was beaten but not defeated. Querbes wasquoted to have observed “the postponement of a decision is not a refusal.”(Robert 173). The Sacred Congregation praised the ends of the Society,its organization, life, spirit, and its rules. Without approving question one,questions two and three were moot. The Jesuits encouraged him to beprayerful, patient, but persistent.

The problem for the Congregation appeared to be one of protocol. TheStatutes presented to Rome bore the endorsement of the Archbishop ofLyons. The revisions of Fr. Rosavan removed the Parochial Clerics fromthe Archbishop’s jurisdiction. The Congregation believed it should notagree without consulting and receiving the consent of the Archbishop.Cardinal Angelo Mai worried how Archbishop de Pins would react if theCongregation would approve the petition. The Cardinal Prefect advisedFr. Querbes to write the Archbishop. Fr. Querbes had no choice but to writeArchbishop de Pins and request him to release his control over the Society.He did so on August 6, 1838. The request was very delicate and theArchbishop’s response unpredictable.

Leo V. Ryan, CSV

Heavenly and

gracious Father,

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.

10

I AM AVIATORIAN“ ”I am a Viatorian was the over-arching theme of therecent Mission Advancement Advisory Council(MAAC) meeting held on April 16th at theViatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights, IL.The title apparently has taken on a life of its own —beyond members of the Viatorian Community —as their partners in mission, former students,parishioners, and friends all state their connectionwith the Viatorian charism and they state itenthusiastically and proudly.

“On four successive occasions this week, I’ve heardpeople describe themselves as being Viatorian,” saidBr. John Eustice, CSV, at the outset of the meeting.“And it’s all been unsolicited. I think we need toexplore this and build on it.”

This was the third meeting of the MAAC; thecouncil includes nearly twenty members, whorepresent different Viatorian constituencies, includingformer school parents, representatives of other religiouscommunities, educators, as well as professionals infundraising, marketing, and communications.

The Mission Advancement Advisory Council metfor a full, daylong, series of meetings and sessions.After an opening prayer, Associate Randy Bakerpresented an update on plans for advancing themission of the Viatorians. After time for committeework, the three standing committees of MAACreported back to the full council on the topics theydiscussed during their respective breakout sessions.

The Communication Committee praisedthe recent updates to the Viatorian website[www.viatorians.com]. They also looked at someoptions to change the format of the newsletter. Since

many people feel a strong tie to the ViatorianCommunity, the suggestion was endorsed to utilize,in future issues of the newsletter, the theme of I am aViatorian; such a controlling thesis for the newslettermight solicit stories of how people feel connectedto the community. Other issues addressed by thiscommittee included the need to update ourprayer card ministry; develop a consistent Viatorianlogo; and address the ever-growing social networkingopportunities such as Facebook, texting, and Twitter,as ways to reach out to a younger audience.

The Fundraising Committee suggested making iteasier for those who wish to donate by using creditcards. The team discussed ways to reach out to theViatorians partners and continue the efforts startedwith Partners in Mission.A regular review of howthe Viatorians are progressing in building a strongpartner relationship was also encouraged.

The Service Committee continued its review of theViatorian Service Corps. It was announced thatMr. John Leahy, a 2005 graduate of Saint ViatorHigh School and a 2009 graduate of the Universityof Notre Dame, will become a long-term volunteerin the Viatorian Foundation of Belize starting thisAugust. The committee also agreed to a timelinefor presenting a comprehensive written proposalboth to the Viatorian Provincial Council (August)and to the Viatorian Provincial Chapter (October)for approval to move ahead with the ViatorianService Corps.

Finally, with several projects underway, the MAACmembers agreed to stay together and to continueboth committee work and semi-annual meetings.

The Mission Advancement Advisory Councilexplores the statement

11

12

St. Anne Church, in Saint Anne, IL, is located approximatelyseventy miles south of Chicago, in the rural part of KankakeeCounty. Much of the life of this small, tight-knit community of1,300 people revolves around this local parish, under the pastorateof Fr. James Fanale, CSV. In describing the parish, Fr. Fanale saidthat it is continually growing; many of the new parishioners areLatinos, both those who have settled and live in the local area andthose who are migrants.

The immigrants, with their Latino spirituality and culture, adda unique dimension to the original Franco-American culture ofthe parish. At the present time, the parish is in the process ofblending the two cultures, which takes place as each groupwelcomes the other and listens to the personal stories of theirfellow human beings.

The most evident effort at respecting and acknowledging the twocultures is the utilization of English and Spanish. In the religiouseducation program of the parish, approximately half of the studentsare bilingual; many of their parents, however, are not. To facilitatecommunication, a bilingual religious education teacher is on handto interpret and to translate various documents such as letters,forms, and announcements.

In the liturgy at St. Anne Church, the readings are often in bothlanguages and ministers are from both ethnicities. The parish alsocelebrates festivals that are particular to each culture, with the openinvitation that all are welcome. For example, December 12th is thefeast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a significant feast for those ofMexican heritage, and there is always a very special celebrationin her honor. On the other hand, for decades, St. Anne parish hascelebrated, during the month of July, a novena dedicated to SaintAnne, the mother of Mary. Many come from miles around to joinin the celebration. This old Franco-American customprovides an opportunity for the Latinos to learn and appreciate alongstanding custom of the Franco-American culture.

Saint Anne is located in the midst of many farms where muchfruit, vegetables, and flowers are grown and harvested. Someworkers have lived in the area for over twenty years, others arerecent arrivals, and still others are seasonal migrants. Some residentshave progressed to management positions on the farms, and othershave their own businesses. Like the history of previous immigrants,they want the best for their children and many are now in collegeor are college graduates.

Contractors travel to Texas and Mexico and recruit migrantworkers to go north to work in the fields during detasseling seasonand then to work in the factories to process the crops. Because theworkers are vulnerable, they are easy prey for exploitation. Forexample, the recruiters will promise the workers a certain numberof hours at a specified wage, but when the time comes, the hoursare often much shorter and the pay is much less.

The working conditions are often dangerous and the workershave little or no recourse. For example, a number of workers ina processing factory became sick because of the fumes from amixture of bleach with other chemicals. They were taken tothe hospital and were billed for the whole amount because the

Viatorians support immigration reform

13

company did not provide health insurance. They dared not complainfor fear of losing their job or being reported to immigration.

Their worries were compounded because they did not have workmen’scompensation and, moreover, their housing is often crowded andsubstandard. These oppressive conditions can have serious negativehealth consequences on the workers, their spouses, and children.

Many live in constant fear of immigration raids which can happenat any time. For example, a group of workers finished their workday,went into a van, and headed back to their residence. On the way,the driver noticed that the gas tank was almost empty and stoppedat a gas station. The other workers got out and went into the store.Even though they were not causing any problems, the clerk becamefrightened at the twelve people being there and called the police.They arrived and demanded that the workers show identification.The majority did not have identification papers, were arrested,detained, and deported. Their “crime” was they wanted to work tosupport themselves and their families.

Another incident involved a local family of husband, wife, and threechildren. The husband was without papers, and his wife along withtheir three children were U.S. born. Although he had a steady job as amechanic and provided for his family, someone decided to report himto Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). One night, theagents burst into the family’s home, dragged him out, handcuffed him,took him to a detention center, and then deported him to Mexico.

The family was devastated – the breadwinner was gone, the familyunit was broken, and the children were without a father. The wifeand children moved to Mexico to be with him, but the children,having been born and raised in the U.S., could not adapt to thelocal culture. Furthermore, the only available work opportunitiespaid extremely low wages which condemned the parents and childrento poverty and deprived the children of the opportunity to pursue

their dreams. The mother was forced, by these circumstances, tomove back to the U.S. with the children and, as a single mother,is trying to raise her family.

The parish of St. Anne is where people come together in theirneeds and sufferings to envision a new reality through prayer andthrough the experience of sharing in a vibrant and compassionatecommunity. Many of the parishioners are scared because of theirtenuous situation and feel the hurt of being scorned and exploitedby others. However, at St. Anne, everyone is welcomed and, as acommunity, everyone strives to reach out to help and to support eachother as brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus.

justice

14

Maternity BVMCatholic School in Bourbonnais, IL, celebratesits 150th anniversary this year. An article on the history of the schoolappears in the January/February 2010 issue of the Diocese of Joliet’smagazine, Christ is our Hope. Fr. JamesMichaletz,CSV, and Fr.Richard Pighini,CSV, are actively involved in the school throughboard work and teaching, respectively.

Congratulations to Br. Fredy Contreras,CSV, Br.Carlos ArturoRomero,CSV, and Br.Daniel Villalobos,CSV, who completeddegrees in theology, communications, and social sciences, respectively,last December. All three are currently serving the Church of Colombiaby educating youth at Colegio SanViator in Bogotá.

St.Martin de PorresHigh School in Waukegan, IL, earnedaccreditation from the North Central Association Commission onAccreditation and School Improvement (NCA-CASI) on January 26th.NCA-CASI provides nationally-recognized accreditation for continuousschool improvement that is focused on increasing studentperformance. The Viatorian Community is one of the original endorsingreligious congregations of SMdP since it opened its door in 2004. Formore information about SMdP, please visit www.smdpwaukegan.org.

Approximately eighty parishioners attended a presentation onJanuary 30th at St. Viator parish (Las Vegas) on the subject ofhuman trafficking. Fr.Richard Rinn,CSV, pastor of the parish,stated that the social justice ministry at the parish, headed by Sr.DianeMaguire, is committed to highlighting this practice of modern-dayslavery in light of the increased human trafficking to large internationalevents, such as the Olympics that were held this past winter inVancouver, Canada. The Future Group, “a Canadian-based non-gov-ernmental organization dedicated to combating human trafficking andthe child sex trade,”warned that the Winter Olympics in Vancouverprovided the ideal opportunity for human traffickers. Its recent report,Faster, Higher, Stronger: Preventing HumanTrafficking at the 2010Olympics, points out the link between international sporting events andan increased demand for prostitution, which often increases humantrafficking. For more information, please visit www.thefuturegroup.org

St. George parish inBourbonnais, IL, hostedits own version ofDancing with the Starsat the parish hall onFebruary 2nd. The eventwas part of the parish’sNovember 2009-April2010 campaign to raise$15,000 to rebuild classrooms at Collège Immaculée-Conception desGonaïves, a school in Les Gonaïves, Haiti, sponsored by the Viatoriansof the Foundation of Haiti. Several classrooms had been severelydamaged by hurricanes in the past several years. The project,spearheaded by Associate David Surprenant, was undertaken prior tothe January earthquake. Over $16,000 was raised.

Br.Daniel Lydon,CSV,Br.MoisesMesh,CSV, and Br. JasonNesbit,CSV, attended Ministry with Immigrants Day on February 20thsponsored by Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants. The workshopfeatured the keynote speaker, Fr.Daniel Groody,CSC, AssistantProfessor of Theology at University of Notre Dame, who spoke onissues of migration. Additional presentations provided resourcesavailable to immigrants in the Chicago area. Sisters and Brothersof Immigrants is composed of sisters, brothers, and associates ofreligious communities of men and women in the Archdiocese ofChicago. Its mission is to “advocate for immigrant justice for thosewho are often the most vulnerable members of our society.”

On February 27th, 2010,Colombian Senator MarcoCortes presented Colegio SanViator in Bogotá, Colombia, witha special commendation on theoccasion of its 47th anniversary.Fr. PedroHerrera,CSV, a 1968graduate of the colegio and itscurrent principal, accepted theaward on behalf of the students,parents, staff, faculty, andadministration of the school.At the same ceremony,Fr.AlbeyroVanegas,CSV,was awarded a commendationfor his commitment and forhis work in developing qualityeducation in Colombia. Fr.Vanegas is the academicdirector of the colegio, whichwas founded by the Clerics ofSt. Viator of the Province ofChicago in 1963. Currently,

Fr. Richard Pighini with Students after Ash Wednesday Service

One of the Ruined Classrooms in Haiti

Senator Marco Cortes andFr. Pedro Herrera, CSV

Fr. Albeyro Vanegas, CSV, andSenator Marco Cortes

15

nine Colombian Viatorian brothers and priests serve on the faculty andadministration of the colegio, which has an enrollment of 1050 studentsin its primary and secondary schools. It is one of three major ministriesof the Viatorians of the Foundation of Colombia.

At its Annual Detention Ministry Mass on March 13th, the Dioceseof Tucson awarded Fr.DonaldHuntimer CSV, a certificate ofrecognition for his ministry to incarcerated men and women and totheir families in the diocese. Even though he is retired, Fr. Huntimerkeeps himself busy by gardening, painting, and following in thefootsteps of Fr. Querbes by reaching out to those who are marginalizedby society.

Associate Catherine Abrahamian, Fr.Charles Bolser,CSV,Fr.Corey Brost,CSV,Fr.RobertM.Egan,CSV,Br.Michael Gosch,CSV,Br.Daniel Lydon,CSV, and Br.RobRobertson,CSV, joinedover 500 people on March 13th for Saint Viator High School’s 5KWalk/Run. The event, which was part of the school’s Lentencampaign to highlight the issue of hunger in the Northwest suburbsof Chicago, raised funds to purchase food for the area’s food pantries.Fr.Daniel Hall,CSV, who ran the Little Rock, Arkansas, marathon onMarch 7th, was too sore to participate; so, he greeted the walkers andrunners as they finished the race.

Several Viatorians gatheredin the chapel at the ViatorianProvince Center onHolyThursday to commemorate theLast Supper of Jesus Christwith His Apostles. HolyThursday initiates the EasterTriduum that commemoratesthe passion, death, andresurrection of Jesus Christ.Fr.Arnold Perham,CSV, inhis homily, stated that, duringthis Holy Thursday liturgy, Fr.Thomas vonBehren,CSV, Provincial,would wash the feet of members of the community just as Jesus washedthe feet of those at table during the original Last Supper, “to rememberwhose servant he is.” Fr. Perham reminded those present that “we tooare called to wash the feet of others in countless other ways.” To readFr. Perham’s homily, please visit www.viatorians.com/new/news.asp.

The following day, severalmembers of theChicago/Arlington Heightsregion participated in8th Day Center for Justice’s30th annual Good FridayWalk for Justice. TheWalkfor Justice is based on theStations of the Cross which

mark Jesus’ walk to hisexecution. Tencontemporary stations,held at five downtownChicago locations,highlighted local,national, and interna-tional injustices callingthe participants “to bein solidarity with thosewho are condemned,burdened, stripped ofdignity, tortured andkilled by unjust public policies.” For more information concerning the8th Day Center for Justice and theWalk for Justice, please visitwww.8thdaycenter.org.

At its April 13th meeting, members ofthe Viatorian Provincial Chapter electedFr.DanielHall,CSV, as a provincialcounselor, to fulfill the term made vacantwith the sudden death of Fr.WilliamCarpenter, CSV. Fr. Hall served as awrestling coach and teacher at BishopGorman High School (Las Vegas, NV),as a military chaplain in the UnitedStates Marine Corps, and as pastor of St. Francis Xavier parish inCorozal Town, Belize, prior to his current assignment as football coach,teacher, and chair of the History Department at Saint Viator HighSchool in Arlington Heights, IL.

Within the past few months, the provincial leadership of theClerics of St. Viator signed letters to President Barack Obama andto members of the U.S. Congress. The first letter, written by PaxChristi (www.paxchristiusa.org), called on President Obama “to moveour nation beyond indefinite deterrence and embrace elimination asthe fundamental posture of U.S. nuclear weapons policy.” Thesecond letter urged the U.S. Congress to fund the National HousingTrust Fund as a way to build and preserve housing for people withthe lowest incomes which will help create needed jobs. NHTF,created in 2008, has yet to receive the necessary funding to addressthe shortage of available housing for low-income families. For moreinformation, please visit www.nhtinc.org. A copy of both letters canbe viewed at the www.viatorians.com/new/news.asp.

SaintViatorHigh School in Arlington Heights, IL, sponsored andadministered by the Clerics of St. Viator, held its 47th commencementexercises on May 16, 2010.

Eleven Viatorian associates, brothers, and priests serve at SVHS in avariety of professional roles. For more information, please visitwww.saintviator.com.

charism

Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV,Provincial, at Holy Thursday Service

Viatorians at the Good Friday Walk for Justice

Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV

Jesus Falls - Good FridayWalk for Justice

2

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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

Newsletter – Spring/Summer 2010

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 7160

PALATINE P&DC, IL

Viator is published three times a yearby the Office of Mission Advancement for theClerics of St. Viator, Province of Chicago.Email: [email protected]: www.viatorians.com

Provincial Perspective

Inside

Page 2Associates David and Susan Surprenant

talk about their ministry

Page 4Taize Prayer: “Experiencing prayer

through music and chant”

Page 5Memoriam:

Fr. Victor E. “Gene” Bertrand, CSV

Page 6Viatorian prescence in Colombia

and Belize increases

Page 7Viatorian Vocation team continues

its outreach to young people

Page 8Five Viatorians recently celebrated

their ordination anniversaries

Page 10In the Footsteps of our Founder

Page 11Mission Advancement AdvisoryCouncil explores the statement

“I AM A VIATORIAN”

Page 12Viatorians supportimmigration reform

Page 14Viatorians around the province

The Church in Crisis! Sex abuse scandal spreadsbeyond Ireland and throughout Europe! The Popeshould resign!

These are the headlines that we wake up to everyweek and many American Catholics are once againconfronted with feelings of doubt, confusion, anger,embarrassment, and “institutional guilt.” Some are evenwondering whether they should stay or leave the Church.

As a Catholic and as a priest, I am not immune fromthese same feelings and questions. As a Viatorian andas provincial, I am often asked by many of you, friendsof the community, “what is our response as Viatoriansto the present crisis in the Church?”

First of all, let me be clear. The following is not aresponse on behalf of the entire Viatorian Community.And, I am not responding on behalf of the members ofthe Province of Chicago. Rather, I am responding as anactive Catholic, a committed priest, and as a Viatorianwho loves the Church and my religious community.

When confronted with the weekly, and sometimesdaily, headlines identified above, I feel a deep painand an intense sadness in my heart and in my soul.I hurt for the Church and for those ordinary, faithfulCatholics who are trying to live a life of faith andservice as good Catholic Christians. I know it ispainful and confusing for many of my familymembers and friends who are trying to remainactive, committed Catholics. However, I hurt mostof all for the victims of abuse. Those who have beenabused must always be our greatest concern.

As to those who are wondering why they should stay,my response is simple. While evil and sin exists withinthe Church, great works are being accomplished.Students are being taught in some of the best schoolsin the country; Catholic schools where Christian

values are not only foundin lesson plans, but lived inthe hallways and expressedeveryday through service andprayer. Catholic hospitalscontinue to offer outstandinghealthcare, healing the body and spirit, often at no costto the very poor. Catholic social services and socialoutreach is an essential support to not only those mostin need, but also to those who are in moments of crisisand suffering due to natural disasters and eventsbeyond human control. And countless individuals arenourished by loving and caring priests, religious sistersand brothers, and a committed laity-all in the nameof Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.

Yes, we are a sinful Church. We are also a churchcommitted to helping, assisting, praying, teaching,loving, and nurturing our brothers and sistersthroughout the world. I stay as a member of theChurch because of all the good that it does. I staybecause I find Christ present in the “People of God”that we call Church. And, I pray as a member of theChurch for the healing that is yet to be realized.

The fact that others walk with me as members of thisChurch is strength for the journey, and the promiseof the Lord that we will never be alone is the rockupon which that journey begins and ends. May theLord see us through these difficult and painful times,and may we become whole and holy once again.

In Saint Viator and Fr. Querbes,

Rev. Thomas R. von Behren, CSVProvincial