Viatorian Community Spring 2014 Volume 19, No.

1
Continued on page 5
Viatorians Celebrate 60 Years in Las Vegas
What do the Viatorian Community in Las Vegas
and the University of Notre Dame share in common?
A generous benefactor, named Romy Hammes, thats
what.
The Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore is one of
the most popular spots on the university campus,
for students and visitors alike, and it resulted from
a donation from Hammes in 1955.
Romy and Dorothy Hammes, their son, Jerry,
said in a 2006 interview in the South Bend Tribune,
wanted to give a gift that kept on giving.
It turns out, Hammes played just as signicant a
role with the Viatorians. His legacy lives on in Las
Vegas, where, back in 1953, Hammes both met with
Bishop Thomas Gorman and later donated land for
a Catholic high school.
He suggested the religious community that had
educated his children in Kankakee the Viatorians.
Their meeting resulted in Viatorian priests and
brothers heading west in 1954 to staff the new
Bishop Gorman High School the rst and
still the only Catholic high school in southern
Nevada and open a parish, St. Viator Parish.
Some 60 years later, Viatorians are still in Las
Vegas and arguably have been the largest congrega-
tion of men over the years to minister in the state.
The Viatorians have a deep commitment to
Nevada, says Fr. Thomas Long, CSV, who
spent nine years in Las Vegas where he started
the Viatorians second parish, St. Thomas More
Catholic Community in suburban Henderson. Its
been a long and multi-faceted history.
It started humbly, when Fr. Thomas Fitzpatrick,
CSV arrived in 1954 to become the founding pastor
of St. Viator Parish. With no church, he said Mass in
peoples homes before moving to a local bank.
St. Viator Parish now is one of the oldest in the
region, serving more than 2,500 families and more
than 670 children in its school.
www.viatorians.com
Viatorian Associate: To Be or Not to Be?
2
An immigrant from east Africa speaks with Br. Michael Gosch,
CSV, and Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV. Since being released, he has
obtained his work permit, found work and is progressing toward
independent living.
Viatorians Work and Pray for Immigration Reform
Viatorians around the world pray daily for immigration reform
and work in a variety of ways to make it a reality, including through
prayer, study and action. Locally, one of those actions is to reach
out to recently released immigrants.
Following the Gospel mandate, Whatsoever you do to the least
of my brethren, you have done to me, several Viatorians work
with the Post Detention Accompaniment Network (PDAN).
This network has extended assistance to more than 125 recently
released detainees and is presently providing long-term housing
and case management services for 15 women and men who are
in the process of regularizing their legal status.
One of these is Hector, who was released recently by ofcials
with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He is an
indigenous man from the Guatemalan mountains, approximate-
ly 20 years old, who could neither read nor write, and spoke no
English. He was picked up at the border, transferred to Chica-
goand then released during this bitterly cold winter. Having no
A nurse from Bourbonnais, a school counselor at Saint Viator
High School in Arlington Heights and a deputy city marshal in
Las Vegas.
What do they share in common? These are just a few of the more
than 100 adults, from all walks of life, who have committed to
becoming Viatorian associates.
This is an opportunity for lay men and women to experience the
support and challenge of belonging to a faith community along
with vowed religious where they minister, pray, learn and
socialize together as one, says Fr. Larry Lentz, CSV, assistant
provincial and coordinator of association for the Province of
Chicago.
The Viatorian Community is composed of both lay and
religious, Fr. Lentz adds, and together they are responsible
for making the Viatorian mission as envisioned by our
founder, Fr. Louis Querbes real in the world today.
Candidates are invited by members of the Viatorian Commu-
nity to begin the application process. If accepted, there is a
two-year period of preparation, called pre-association, before
the candidate makes a rst commitment of two years.
This commitment is renewable, and after 10 years, an associate
may choose to make a denitive or lifelong commitment as a
member of the Viatorian Community.
Joe Majkowski, the former longtime varsity basketball coach at
Saint Viator High School, who heads up its counseling depart-
ment, was among six associates to make denitive commitments
last summer.
For Majkowski, who has worked alongside of Viatorians for
more than 30 years at the high school, he said the decision was
simple.
Viatorian Associates Ken and Michelle Barrie work with teens at St. Patrick
Parish in Kankakee
3
Fr. Lawrence Lentz, CSV
Candidates must meet certain criteria to be considered:
Be an active, practicing Catholic in good standing with
the church
Involved in a Viatorian ministry
Willing to commit time and energy to the formation process
Seeking to grow in ones prayer and faith life
Committed to participating with others in the Viatorian
Community
Realistic about personal strengths and limitations
Most often, pre-associate candidates are invited by members of
the Viatorian Community, but a person wishing to become an
associate may contact a Viatorian directly and ask for informa-
tion to begin the application process.
For more information, contact Fr. Lentz, at: LLentz@viatorians.com.
Fr. Thomas von Behren accepts the commitments of Viatorian
associates during a Mass last summer.
Fr. Thomas Long, CSV
www.viatorians.com
Viatorians Work and Pray for Immigration Reform
family or friends in the area, he faced the possibility of just
wandering the streets.
Hectors deportation ofcer contacted PDAN volunteers who
met him at ICE headquarters and accompanied him to the
PDAN ofce. There, they provided him with food, clothing,
toiletries and a place to sleep for the night. The next morning, a
Viatorian and a PDAN volunteer drove him to the bus station
and stayed with him until he boarded the bus to New Orleans
where a brother was waiting for him.
Sadly, some immigrants that ICE releases have no family
waiting for them in the U.S. and their only option is a large
shelter several miles away from the ICE detention center. One
tragic consequence was a woman who was found dead in an
abandoned apartment three days after her release.
Determined that this would never happen again, Viatorians
are collaborating with the Interfaith Committee for Detained
Immigrants, a faith-based nonprot organization, to establish two
houses of hospitality, one for women and the other for men.
Housing and case management services will be offered as
residents work on regularizing their status, gaining employment,
and transitioning to independent living.
The immediate challenge to opening these houses is startup
costs. Thus, we are turning to our friends to request, rst and
foremost, your prayers. Secondly, we are asking for your partner-
ship through nancial assistance for this endeavor.
Please prayerfully consider a gift. The enclosed envelope is
provided for your convenience. Checks should be made out to
Interfaith Committee for Detained Immigrants.
If you would like additional information, please contact
Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, at mgosch@viatorians.com.
I wanted to grow in my faith, Majkowski said, and this gave
me the structure to do that.
Associates Susan and Michael Bourgeois live on a farm in Kanka-
kee. They also made their denitive commitments in July.
The Viatorian charism has fed me, grounded me and inspired
me, says Susan Bourgeois, who also helps with music ministry
at St. George Parish in Bourbonnais.
Like other associates, they gather regularly with Viatorian
Community members in their respective regions for liturgies
as well as for retreats and service opportunities. Similar gather-
ings take place in the Henderson/Las Vegas region, where there
are nearly 40 associates.
4
www.viatorians.com
Jubilarians: Viatorian Priests Celebrate Anniversaries
In 2014, ve Viatorian priests celebrate signicant anniver-
saries as they live out their commitment to fulll the goals set
by our founder, Fr. Louis Querbes, more than 180 years ago.
Fr. Francis White, CSV,
the senior member of the
Province of Chicago, was
ordained 70 years ago on
June 3, 1944. He has served
the people of God from
New York to Las Vegas to
Japan. His resume reads
as that of most Viatorians:
he has been a teacher, a
principal, a chaplain and a
pastor. At 96, he keeps his
great sense of humor. He is
attentive to the news of the day. He is the recipient of many
greetings and gifts from his multitude of friends who are
remembered in his daily prayers.
Fr. Robert Bolser, CSV,
pronounced his rst vows
in September, 1964. He
is a native of Urbana,
IL, and the brother of
Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV.
After serving as a Viato-
rian brother for 27 years,
he began seminary stud-
ies toward ordination to
the priesthood in 1991.
Fr. Bolser is procient
in Spanish and has used
that talent while teach-
ing elementary classes in Buga, Colombia, and high school
classes at the Colegio San Viator in Bogot, and at Alleman
High School in Rock Island. As associate pastor at both St.
Viator Parish in Chicago and at St. Thomas More Catholic
Community in Las Vegas, he has been able to use his experi-
ences with the Latin culture to reach people with Hispanic
backgrounds and make them feel at home. When reecting
on his life as a Viatorian, he writes: You have dreams and
visions of what you want to do, but the reality is often a
lot different. My gifts, which I want to share, are an under-
standing of the Spanish culture and the fact that I am a good
listener. Each of my assignments in ministry has been a gift
that has helped me grow in faith.
Fr. Lawrence Lentz,
CSV, celebrates his 50th
anniversary as a Viatorian
this year. Before begin-
ning study in preparation
for ordination, he spent
nine years as teacher and
department chairperson
at Saint Viator High
School in Arlington
Heights. After ordina-
tion he returned to Saint
Viator High School
where he served as associate principal, princia and president.
He then served four years as parochial vicar at St. Viator Par-
ish in Chicago, before becoming pastor at Maternity BVM
Parish in Bourbonnais and later pastor of St. Viator Parish
in Chicago from 1999 to 2001. After one year as parochial
vicar at Guardian Cathedral in Las Vegas, he became its
rector. At the present time, Fr. Lentz uses his leadership
skills as assistant provincial with residence at the Province
Center in Arlington Heights. Thinking back over his life
as a Viatorian he says, When I entered the community 50
years ago I had a picture of what my future would be. That
picture has been revised many times over. Looking back
there are no regrets. I have been blessed more than I deserve
and I hope that along the way I have been a helpmate to
those whose lives I have touched. Thank you, Jesus.
Fr. Corey Brost, CSV,
after 25 years in the Via-
torian Community and
eight as a Viatorian priest,
currently serves as presi-
dent of Saint Viator High
School. A graduate of
Grifn High School in
Springeld, he earned his
bachelors degree in jour-
nalism at the University
of Illinois, Champaign-
Urbana, before continu-
ing there to earn his law
Jubilarians: Viatorian Priests Celebrate Anniversaries
5
Br. Donald Houde, CSV
Eileen OGrady Daday
Fr. Richard Crowley, CSV, came one year later to serve as pastor.
Soon after he arrived and began plans to build a new church, he
drew the interest of hotel executives who asked him to start a
unique ministry: offer an early morning Sunday Mass for their
employees working on the strip.
What began in a lounge in the Stardust Hotel eventually grew into
the St. Viator Guardian Angel Shrine and ultimately the Guard-
ian Angel Cathedral, which was built in 1980. Viatorians staffed
the cathedral as a parish, including Fr. Larry Lentz, CSV, who
was its last Viatorian pastor in 2011.
Back in 1954, when Fr. Fitzpatrick led the rst Viatorian con-
tingent west, Fr. Francis E. Williams, CSV, guided the rst 150
students at the new Bishop Gorman High School as principal.
Viatorians partnered with the Sisters of the Holy Cross and lay
teachers to staff the school.
Over the next 45 years, 10 more Viatorian priests would head
it up, with Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, and
Associate Karen Cutler setting up its campus ministry depart-
ment. Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, led Bishop Gorman from
1993 to 1999.
Associate Connie Gerber succeeded him as principal
until 2005, and now, Associates Kim Martinez and Bridget
Michlik work at the school in campus ministry and
development, respectively.
Currently, St. Thomas More Catholic Community in
Henderson is one of the largest ministry sites for the
Viatorians, with more than 6,300 families. Fr. Patrick
Render, CSV, leads the thriving parish with the help of
Fr. Mick Egan, CSV and Fr. Robert Bolser, CSV, as well
as Associates Juliann Dwyer, Ken Rosania and Michael
Underwood.
People who have been in Vegas for a long time seek out
the Viatorians for their preaching, their human touch
and their spirit of working together, Fr. Render says.
I think people appreciate the progressive theology and post-
Vatican II spirit that Viatorians bring.
It was Fr. Long who helped carve the parish boundaries out of
the barren desert and served as its rst pastor, celebrating Mass in
a nearby mortuary chapel.
Right from the start, parishioners took ownership and worked
to build a faith community, Fr. Long says. Their dynamism
made the difference. They knew what needed to be done and
did it.
That partnership between Viatorians and their lay
supporters continues, and reects Fr. Louis Querbes
original vision: to proclaim the Gospel and raise up
communities where faith is lived, deepened and celebrated.
www.viatorians.com
Viatorians Celebrate 60 Years in Las Vegas...
degree. In 2005, he completed his masters degree there
in divinity at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
During all of his 25 years as a Viatorian, Fr. Brost has been
especially devoted to youth ministry. He served as a campus
minister at St. Joseph Parish in Springeld, Bishop Gorman
High School in Las Vegas and Saint Viator High School in
Arlington Heights. He also served as vocation director for
the Province of Chicago. He has been recognized for creat-
ing the Children of Abraham project, a coalition of teenag-
ers and adults from Christian, Jewish and Muslim commu-
nities who meet regularly to discuss their faith traditions.
He writes: I never could have imagined the person I have
become, the relationships I have developed, the places I have
visited and the wonderful ministries in which Ive served.
Thank you God, my Viatorian brothers (and now sisters)
and Fr. Querbes.
Fr. Carlos Luis Claro, CSV,
celebrates 25 years as a
member of the Colombian
Foundation of the Province
of Chicago in Bogot. He
pronounced his rst vows as a
Viatorian on Dec. 8, 1989 in
Bogot. In preparation for his
leadership assignments in the
community, he received an
undergraduate degree in edu-
cational administration and
went on to earn his masters
degree in education in 1992 at the Jesuit Pontical University
in Bogot, while continuing his studies in theology. In 1998,
he was ordained a priest, and two years later he was named rec-
tor of Colegio San Viator, where he served until 2008. In the
following year he was named parochial vicar of St. Basil the Great
Parish in Bogat. In Fr. Claros current assignment, he
serves as educator of the faith and provides apostolic
service to the sick and their families at the Hospital San
Ignacio in Bogat. He also serves the Viatorian Community
as a member of the Council of the Colombian Foundation.
Fr. Claro writes: I give thanks to God for my Viatorian
vocation. I have immense gratitude to the congregation for
their unconditional support they have given me during these
25 years. I owe special thanks to my novice master, Fr. John
Peeters, CSV.
Q. Youve been at CTU for nearly a year. Whats been the biggest adjustment?
A. My biggest adjustment has been being back in the U.S. with a very different rhythm of work. I have a schedule that
requires constant meetings with staff, colleagues, other presidents and deans of theological schools. The rhythm is decidedly
faster paced than it was in Rome.
Q. Youre ofcially the president of the nations largest graduate school of theology. What are some of the biggest issues
youre involved with?
A. CTU is an extraordinarily complex place. As president I am responsible to the 24 religious communities who make
up the corporate board and send their seminarians here for training. I am also responsible to the 45 trustees half religious,
half lay to represent a vision of the church which sprung from Vatican II: one that is inclusive, humble, open to dialogue
with other Christians and people of other religions.
Q. Have you had time to formulate a vision for the university?
A. One of CTUs greatest strengths is that we educate a mixed group of people, including members of religious com-
munities studying for diaconate or priesthood, and lay men and women seeking to make contributions to the ministry of
the church. I believe this mix is crucial. Collaboration, mutual respect and a lack of clericalism are all part of CTUs vision.
Q. As a former superior general of the Viatorians, charged with leading associates, priests and brothers all over the world,
did this experience prepare you for the diverse group of students and faculty you now lead?
A. Absolutely. Happily, the Viatorian Community as it has developed over the years
is completely consonant with what we are trying to achieve at CTU.
Q. As a religious, whats it like being around so many students, coming from so many
different backgrounds, yet all passionate about theology?
A. The atmosphere at CTU is charged with a great deal of enthusiasm for
theology and ministry. The fact that we have experienced ministers in the
classroom already, many of whom have served outside of the country, offers
a wonderful mix of opinions and approaches that constantly challenges
everyone.
Q. Youve discussed before how your calling to religious life began
at Saint Viator High School. Did you ever in your wildest dreams
think your vocation would take you to Rome and around the world,
before settling in as a university president?
A. Looking back on my life, it would have been difcult to
guess what God had in store for me. In a real sense, my life has been
a series of saying yes to things that I took chances on small leaps
of faith. Going to Colombia after ordination, studying in Rome for
my doctorate, saying yes to becoming Superior General. All of this
has made me convinced in the providence of God.
Q&AFr. Mark Francis, CSV
6
After 12 years in Rome as superior general of the Viatorian Community, and a years sabbatical at Santa Clara University
in California, Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, started a new role in July. He serves as president of the Catholic Theological Union,
located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. He was formally installed in October.
www.viatorians.com
7
Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV
Viatorians Serving as Missionaries, Worldwide
www.viatorians.com
For centuries, Viatorians have been known as educators, but
increasingly they have taken on the role of missionaries as well.
Currently, Viatorians from provinces in Canada, France,
Spain and the United States serve in as many as eight
missionary countries: Taiwan, Japan, Ivory Coast, Colombia,
Bolivia, Honduras, Haiti, Burkino Faso and Belize.
This worldwide effort dates its roots to direct appeals from the
Vatican and a willingness on the part of Viatorians to serve.
In 1928, Superior General Fr. M. Roberge, CSV, had an
audience with Pope Pius XI, where he presented the Pope with
a substantial gift collected from Viatorian provinces for the
missions.
The Pope used this opportunity to ask Fr. Roberge if he could
do more specically if he would send Viatorians to foreign
countries.
The seed was planted.
The Province of Montreal moved rst. They chose to work with
the Querbes Foreign Mission in Supingkai, Manchuria. After
arriving in 1931, they built a two-room schoolhouse for Eng-
lish, Chinese and Japanese high school students and expanded it
within a year to add more classrooms and a dormitory.
Viatorian missionaries from the United States followed,
arriving in Manchuria in 1933, before being declared
enemies by the Japanese Empire during World War II. At
the urging of Pope Pius XII, Viatorians from Canada and the
United States returned to Japan in 1948.
Within a year, the provinces in Canada and the United States
sent 20 missionaries to Japan, where they founded St. Viator
Parish in 1951 and St. Viator Rakusei junior and senior high
school in 1952, both in the city of Kyoto.
Viatorians in France responded to a desire of Fr. Louis Querbes
back in the 19th Century, to minister to Arabs in North Africa.
After visiting many sites, they settled in 1955 in Ivory Coast,
specically in its capital city of Abidjan.
In 1960, Viatorians once again responded to a papal appeal to
expand missionary activity. This time, the request came from
Pope John XXIII, who urged religious communities to evange-
lize in Latin America.
After visiting several countries, including El Salvador, Guate-
mala and Colombia, Viatorians from the United States chose
Bogot, Colombia and from 1961 to 1988 more than a dozen
Viatorians would be sent to teach at Colegio San Viator and
work in a pair of Viatorian parishes.
A new surge of missionary zeal surfaced in 1996, when
Superior General Leonard Audet, CSV, challenged Viatorian
foundations to expand their efforts, and they responded.
The Province of Chile chose to mission in Bolivia, while those
in Spain went to Honduras; the Province of Canada established
schools and a novitiate in Burno Faso. The U.S. Province chose
Belize, accepting a parish, St. Francis Xavier in Corozal Town,
which has 24 mission stations, 18 elementary schools and one
high school connected with it.
Serving as missionaries in these far-off countries has yielded not
only conversions and new schools and parishes, but vocations
to the Viatorian Community, both as vowed religious and lay
associates.
Find the full transcript of this story on the Viatorian web site
under news archives, or visit: http://viatorians.com/how-viato-
rians -came-to-serve-worldwide-as-missionaries.
www.viatorians.com
8
Co-Education in Springfeld: An Idea Whose Time Had Come
In Memoriam
Fr. Robert Erickson, CSV
Sr. Mary Paul McCaughey, O.P
Associate Euchrist Mush Marcotte
(1926-2014)
It has been 25 years since Grifn High School for boys run by
the Viatorians merged with Sacred Heart Academy for girls, run
by the Dominican Sisters of Springeld.
The decision resulted in Sacred Heart-Grifn High School, and
25 years later its original administrators who negotiated the union
were honored for their leadership, vision and courage in merging
the two traditions.
Fr. Robert Erickson, CSV, and Sr. Mary Paul McCaughey, O.P. ,
were honored Feb. 22 at a 25th anniversary gala in Springeld.
It came as a complete surprise, said Fr. Erickson, but its nice to
be remembered and to recognize the Viatorian legacy at the school.
Grifns traditions are very much a part of the school, and as a re-
sult, the Viatorian tradition is still there.
Fr. Erickson served as principal of Grifn for 10 years, leading up
to its merger in 1988. Viatorians had staffed and administered the
school, since 1930.
To parishioners of Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in
Bourbonnais, Viatorian Associate Euchrist Mush Marcotte was one
of a kind.
He not only worked in building and grounds for the church and school,
but he later became an ordained deacon and a Viatorian associate.
His ministry, parishioners said, reected how he had lived his life:
in service to others.
Marcotte passed away Jan. 16 after an extended illness. He was 87.
He was an icon, said Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, who preached at
his funeral. He lived his whole life in Bourbonnais and received all of
his sacraments at Maternity. You cant speak about the history of the
parish, without speaking about Mush.
Bishop Joseph Imesch presided at his funeral Mass, which drew
hundreds of parishioners to ll the church. It was Bishop Imesch
who had ordained Marcotte as a permanent deacon in 1986, and
Fr. von Behren who had accepted his rst commitment as a Viatorian
associate in 2003.
www.viatorians.com 9
Both he and Sr. Mary Paul stayed on to run the new school
with Sr. Mary Paul as principal and Fr. Erickson as vice
principal for three years, before both stepped away.
Sr. Mary Paul went on to become principal of Marian Cath-
olic High School on Chicagos south side for the next 16
years, before being named Superintendent of Schools for
the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Fr. Erickson, meanwhile, served in campus ministry at the
University of Illinois until 1994, before leading the Viato-
rians and its Chicago Province as treasurer for the next 15
years. Now retired, he leads Bible studies, retreats and mis-
sions for a variety of groups and parishes.
This was an idea whose time had come, Fr. Erickson said
of the merger. We were literally a block away from each
other and already shared some classes. So there already
was this movement, and in merging we combined the best
elements from both schools.
Eileen OGrady Daday
His legacy remains in a tangible way. One of the teachers
Fr. Erickson hired at Grifn, Ken Leonard, continues to
coach Sacred Heart Grifns varsity football team, and last
November led them to win the Class 5A state championship.
But thats not all. Along the way, they played Washing-
ton High School in the semi-nals, whose town had been
devastated by a tornado less than a week before the game.
The outpouring of support for their opponents earned
Sacred Heart Grifn to be nominated in February for the
National Spirit of Sport Award by the Illinois High School
Association.
He was one of those people in the parish that everyone looked
to, says Fr. James Crilly, CSV, a former pastor. Everyone knew
him and appreciated him.
Marcotte originally worked for the U.S. Post Ofce, but dur-
ing the mid-1950s he was hired as custodian at Maternity.
Later, he served as one of the rst bus drivers for Bourbonnais
Elementary District 53 while expanding his operational duties
at Maternity in-between his routes.
His passing drew scores of online tributes, both in an online
guest book and on Maternitys Facebook page.
Its hard to imagine ministry at MBVM without Mush, wrote
Lori Ann Froeba Grzelak. He was a prayerful, spiritual man
who knew the value of a healthy hug, a hearty laugh and an
impish practical joke.
Marcottes life literally started and ended with the Viatorians.
When he was born, Fr. Walter Suprenant, CSV, a pastor for
more than 30 years at the parish and a former provincial of the
Viatorians, baptized him.
During his lifetime, he would work with nearly a dozen
Viatorians who served the parish as pastor, and he helped ve
of them during his years as an ordained deacon.
He was a deacon, personied, said Fr. James Michaletz, CSV,
a former associate pastor. He assisted at Mass, brought the
Eucharist to the homebound and genuinely cared about people.
Fr. John Linnan, CSV, another former pastor, described
Marcotte as warmhearted and generous and his homilies
reected that.
His homilies were simple and direct, Fr. Linnan said. He just
connected with people.
Marcotte followed his sister, Henrietta and her husband Francis
Foo Chamness in becoming a Viatorian associate. Together
they advanced the Viatorian charism, both in the parish and on
several medical mission trips to the Viatorian mission in Belize.
Just last summer, Marcotte made his denitive commitment as
a Viatorian associate.
We will miss him.
Eileen OGrady Daday
www.viatorians.com 10
Eileen OGrady Daday
The new organ features its custom faade, built with locally harvested black walnut. A refurbished stained glass window will complete the music space.
New Organ in Bourbonnais Makes Parish Sing
After nearly two years of construction, the renovation project
at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Bourbon-
nais nears completion. One nal element will be unveiled later
this month: a new, state of the art pipe organ.
I hope this new organ will enhance the assemblys song
during liturgy, says Music Director Chris Lord, as well as lift
their hearts in prayer.
Lord worked with ofcials from Allen Organ to design the
custom instrument as well as Steve Remmert, of Remmert
Studios in nearby St. Anne, IL. He constructed the organs
faade out of locally harvested black walnut that matched
the historic nature of the church.
Work began last fall, after Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV, made a
personal appeal to parishioners. In highlighting the need for a
new organ, he said it would not only serve the needs of current
families, but would be a gift for future generations to enjoy.
The initial response in the rst week was overwhelming, says
Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, associate pastor. Within two months
the money that was needed for the organ was raised. People
were invited to make pledges, but many were forthcoming
with their donations.
The parishs prior organ had been designed for a much smaller
space, like a chapel or funeral home, and literally died during
a funeral in 2012. The new organ is bigger, with a much larger
sound.
Lee Maloney, president of Allen Organs of Chicago, said the
new organ will have three manuals, or keyboards as well as 58
stops. It will incorporate both digital and real pipe organ voices
and more than 250 orchestral and instrumental sounds.
Its a comprehensive instrument designed to perform all types
of repertoire from classical to contemporary, Maloney says.
The project entailed more than building the new instrument.
The entire music space had to be redesigned to accommo-
date the new organ. In all, 42 speakers encased in 18 cabinets,
combined with more than 1,400 watts of amplication, will
project the sound.
One of the organs most distinctive features a pair of angels
playing trumpets actually provide a much needed function.
They house a separate source for the fanfare trumpet sounds
from the organ, mounted beneath the angels, for more realism,
Maloney says.
Look for all of that sound to be featured during the organs
formal dedication concert, at 7 p.m. on May 10. Thats when
the parishs resident organists, Chris Lord and Andrew
Prentkowski will play the new organ, as well as former music
director Steve Bisaillon and parishioner Chet Lord-Remmert.
The featured guest organist will be Bourbonnais native Josh
McClure, who majored in music at Wheaton College and now
serves as music director at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in
St. Charles, IL.
www.viatorians.com 11
St. Gregory Class of 1953, Remembers
Eileen OGrady Daday
At the end of the 2013 school year, St. Gregory the Great
High School, in Chicagos Edgewater neighborhood,
closed its doors after 75 years of Catholic education. Fami-
lies mourned its passing, but one class in particular the
Class of 1953 - still holds a fondness and respect for the
Viatorian priest who taught them over the course of their
four years there.
Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial, recently received
a letter and photographs from an alumna of that class, Jean
(Winandy) Evinger, who shared a story that still resonates,
some 60 years later.
In 1949, Fr. Edward F. Haungs, CSV was assigned to join
the faculty at St. Gregory, the same year as more than 90
freshmen who entered the school. According to Evinger,
their freshman class adopted him and thought of him as
their special mentor over the next four years.
Fr. Haungs was a remarkable man in many ways, partly due
to his friendly, outgoing personality, Evinger wrote, but
also, because of his ability to relate to students on their level
and by his sage advice and good example, to steer them in
the right direction.
Just months before their graduation in 1953, Fr. Haungs
died of a massive coronary at the age of 44.
His death sent the school into a deep mourning, Evinger
said.
To honor the memory of their beloved teacher and mentor,
the Class of 1953 purchased a large marble cross with an
engraved bronze plaque, as a gift to the school. The inscrip-
tion read, To the Glory of God in Memory of Rev. Edward
F. Haungs, CSV,
Class of 1953.
It was to be placed
in a prominent
area in the new
school that would
open the following
school year, and it
hung there for the
next 60 years.
When news broke
that St. Gregorys
would be closed,
the Class of 1953
hoped to retrieve
the cross for their
class reunion.
Unfortunately, it
could not be re-
moved. As an
alternative, a pho-
tograph of the cross
and the plaque
were displayed last
September at their class reunion.
These very photos were sent to Fr. Von Behren, with the
request that they be preserved in the Viatorian Community
Archives.
It would be a joy to us to know that this picture of our
tribute to our beloved Fr. Haungs will be preserved for years
to come, Evinger wrote. And we hope that your com-
munity spirit will be enriched in knowing how greatly the
Viatorians have inuenced our lives.
The Viatorians have taught and ministered in numerous
schools over the years inuencing thousands of young
adults. Its always wonderful to hear and share such a
poignant story that still lives on after 60 years.
Joan Sweeney
Viatorian Associate and Archivist
www.viatorians.com
12
Las Vegas Teens Celebrate Their Faith in LA
That was the theme at the latest Los Angeles Youth Day in
Anaheim, which drew more than 14,000 young people from
the western states, including 120 from the Diocese of Las Vegas.
More than its numbers, the energetic youth congress served
as a sign: Gods people are young, vibrant and eager to gather
together to pray, learn and celebrate.
Just to stand together and join in prayer with thousands of
other young Catholics in the stadium meant everything to
our youth, said Viatorian Associate Rosy Hartz, youth minister
at St. Viator Catholic Community.
Young people came together to share in liturgy, partici-
pate in workshops on faith matters and experience the sheer
energy of being together. Faith, as any youth minister will tell
you, ourishes in the Catholic community when young people
are encouraged to build relationships while exploring
shared convictions. While many lament the fact that youth
connect to one another only through their cell phones, it was
apparent at Youth Day that young people are eager to enter
into meaningful face-to-face encounters when they encounter
a church that takes the development of their faith lives
seriously.
What I witnessed at the annual Los Angeles Youth Day
was a church engaging young people and inviting them
into a meaningful experience of community.
During the opening presentation in the
main auditorium, national recording artist
ValLimar Jansen asked the group to share
with one other person an inspirational
quote that guided their faith.
God denes who I am, not my friends
or the mistakes I make, said one of the
girls to me from St. Viator Catholic
Community.
Hearing her wisdom, I smiled and responded, Well I certainly
cant top that one.
Steven Dwyer, Life Teen director from St. Thomas More
Catholic Community in Henderson, NV, accompanied a group
of young people from his parish.
It was a great way for the youth to bond with each other and
to see, Steven said. It is pretty amazing to see that many teens
coming together to learn and worship.
Overall, I saw LA Youth Day as a sign of hope for the church
and the world. It signied that Gods spirit is transforming
society through faith-lled youth. They are proclaiming the
gospel and living as Jesus followers in their high schools and
in all those places only teenagers are able to reach.
Bart Hisgen, Assistant Director of Vocations
Fr. William Haesaert, CSV, enjoyed the
accompanying young people on the trip.
www.viatorians.com 13
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 Footsteps
of Our Founder...
The First Viatorian Mission in the United States
Pope Gregory XVI in encouraging Fr. Querbes society to Increase
and Multiply excited Querbes missionary zeal. Fr. Querbes believed
that although the congregation was centered in Lyons, it was part of
the world church and thus could not restrain its activities to any partic-
ular diocese or country. Within ve years Viatorians had even crossed
the Pyrenees, went to Rodez, France, and established 33 schools in ve
French dioceses.
With the opening of second formation house, Fr. Querbes told Fr.
Faure, the director, to cultivate within the young candidates, a zeal
for missionary work. As early as 1838, Bishop Rosati of St. Louis
interviewed Fr. Querbes about sending teaching brothers to his diocese.
In preparation for the arrival of the Viatorians, in 1839 Bishop
Rosati selected two American teachers, Shepard and McDonald, to
go to Vourles to train as novices and eventually return to St. Louis.
Twice in 1841 Bishop Rosati visited Vourles to make arrangements for
Shepard, McDonald and Brothers Lahage, Ligon, Pavy and Thibaudier
to sail in October 1841, to St. Louis. Double tragedy struck. Bishop
Rosati died in Rome and with it his education plans. The brothers sailed
to St. Louis where Bishop Kenrick welcomed them but he could not
provide them lodging, land for a school or money.
A diocesan priest, Fr. Fontbonne, agreed to provide lodging for the
brothers at his parish rectory in Carondelet. However, the building was
so small that it could not even accommodate beds, forcing the brothers
to sleep on the oor. For three months they were virtual orphans, often
fed by Sisters of St. Joseph.
Their situation became even more dire when Bishop Kendrick dis-
missed Fr. Fontbonne. Shepard decided to return to his old school and
McDonald left the Viatorians. Brothers Ligon and Pavy decided not to
renew vows. Although Bishop Kenrick ordained both Thibaudier and
Lahage; neither accepted incarnation, but remained Viatorian priests.
The experience in St. Louis was the rst collaboration between
the Viatorians and the Sisters of St. Joseph. The two communities
began again a joint ministerial venture at St. Viator Parish in Chicago.
Bishop Quigley requested that the Viatorians start a new parish and
school on the Northwest side of Chicago, which at that time was a rural
area. The Viatorians began their work in 1888, and in 1910, the Sis-
ters of St. Joseph arrived at St. Viator Grade School and ministered
there for over 100 years.
Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV
Fr. William Haesaert, CSV, enjoyed the
accompanying young people on the trip.
www.viatorians.com 14
Around the Province...
This issue of Around the Province offers updates on the latest assignments of Viatorians
and highlights their ministries around the country.
Br. Dale Barth, CSV, may
be retired but he still nds
occasion to be involved in
ministry. That was the case
in late February, when a
former student from Saint
Viator High School, who
remains in close contact
with Br. Dale, asked him to
baptize his infant grandson.
The intimate ceremony drew
extended family members to the chapel at the Viatorian Province
Center and left all who attended moved by the happy occasion
and afrmed by Gods providence.
Fr. Thomas Long, CSV,
was one of several religious
to meet in February with
Cardinal Francis George,
Archbishop of Chicago,
to discuss advancing
immigration reform and ul-
timately obtain his support.
Ofcially, Fr. Long rep-
resented the advocacy
committee of two Chicago
area organizations: Priests
for Justice for Immigrants,
and Sisters and Brothers
of Immigrants. He also
represented members of
the Viatorian Community, who are committed to working for
immigration reform.
Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, saw his
latest book published in March, called
Local Worship, Global Church. It ex-
amines the history of Roman Catho-
lic worship from the perspective of
people in the pews rather than
through the deliberations of popes and
church councils. In Fr. Francis words,
it offers conclusions from the bottom
up rather than from the top down, that
complement our understanding of the
history of liturgy.
Br. Daniel Lydon,
CSV, was installed
as an acolyte, or
minister of the
altar, during a
private Mass at St.
Viator Parishs rec-
tory in Chicago. Fr.
Thomas von Behren
presided at the cer-
emony. It represented
the second step during
Br. Dans formation
process in prepartion for the priesthood.
The Viatorians were
honored in March by
ofcials with Cristo
Rey St. Martin College
Prep in North suburban
Chicago, at the schools
Founders Dinner. The
Viatorians were among
the founding religious
communities to nan-
cially back the high school when it opened in 2004, and they
continue to support it. As part of the Cristo Rey Network, the
school is committed to educating young people who live in
urban communities with limited educational options, and offers
them a unique opportunity to pay for their education through
its corporate work study program.
Vocations in Colombia
continue to grow. Fr. Thomas
von Behren, traveled this winter
to Bogot to join with the
Viatorian Community in
celebrating the profession
of perpetual vows of Br.
Fredy Contreras, CSV, and
rst vows of Br. E. Jhobany
Orduz, CSV, and Br.
William E. Pardo, CSV. They
also remembered in prayer,
Br. Elkin Mendoza, CSV,
who began his novitiate year in
Santiago, Chile.
Chief Financial Ofcer Jim Thomas with
Br. Carlos Ernesto Flrez, CSV
Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, blesses
Br. Fredy Contreras, CSV, during
his perpetual vow ceremony in Bogot.
Br. Dale Barth, CSV, anoints the head
of infant Patrick Baumgartner during
his recent baptism.
Fr. ThomasLong, CSV, can be seen seated
second from the right at a meeting last
winter with Cardinal Francis George
about advancing immigration reform
initiatives.
Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, celebrates Mass
at St. Viator Parish in Chicago and confers the
order of acolyte to Br. Daniel Lydon, CSV.
Fr. Michael Keliher, CSV, left, was one of
many Viatoriansin attendance.
Separate words
www.viatorians.com
15
Eileen OGrady Daday
St. Viator Parish in Chica-
go continues to be a vibrant
place, especially in its teen
ministry. A retreat during
the winter drew more than
400 young people from
four nearby parishes. It was
designed by Viatorian As-
sociate Hector Obregon-
Luna and Bart Hisgen,
assistant vocations director.
They wanted to help teens
discover their true identity,
through examining their
relationship with God. We were thrilled to draw that many
young people to our parish, said Hector, who works as youth
ministry director at St. Viator. We were blessed that the turn-
out was that strong.
Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV, and Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV watched
as parishioners at Maternity BVM continued a longstanding
tradition of mounting a living Last Supper presentation in the
church sanctuary. The presentation took place a week before on
Palm Sunday and featured parishioners in the roles of the 12
disciples and Jesus, as well as a narrator and a musical interlude.
During the performance, each disciple introduced himself to the
audience, described his relationship with Jesus and wondered
aloud if he was the traitor. Is it I, is it I? Viatorian Associ-
ate John Ohlendorf watched from the sidelines this year, after
performing for many years and also directing it. Its very inspi-
rational and meaningful, Ohlendorf says, especially when the
narrator suggests that the everyone in the audience ask them-
selves, Is it I?
Fr. Richard Rinn,
CSV, and Fr. Patrick
Render, CSV, are
busy getting their
parishes in Las
Vegas ready. In July, nearly
100 Viatorian associates,
priests and brothers will
descend on the city
for the annual provin-
cial assembly for two
days of meetings, reec-
tions and workshops
with Mass at both
St. Viator and St. Thomas More Catholic Com-
munities. Its been four years since Viatorians have
convened in Las Vegas. Later this summer, nearly 100 teens
also will head to Las Vegas for the Viatorian Youth Congress,
marking its rst time away from the Chicago area.
Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, and Br. Leo Ryan, CSV joined
other religious leaders on Feb. 25 for a prayer vigil and press
conference at the Chicago Temple. They joined forces in
calling for a more fair tax structure in Illinois in order to help
end the spread of poverty and shore up social services. The press
conference followed a letter signed by more than 200 faith
leaders from across the state, including members of the Viato-
rian Community, directed to state leaders. As clergy, people of
faith, and people of good will, we call upon you, our elected r
epresentatives, to institute a system of taxation in the state of
Illinois that asks those who have been blessed with great wealth
to pay their fair share, wrote the Rev. C.J. Hawking, executive
director or Arise Chicago. We stand with a broad coalition of
citizen and service organizations called A Better Illinois.
The Viatorian Communitys Provincial Council added their
signatures to a letter addressed to members of Congress, asking
that human needs not go underfunded at the expense of increas-
ing the war budget. Working with the American Friends Service
Committee in Washington, the letter was sent to members of the
Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. The Viatorian Com-
munity was among 25 religious congregations to sign the letter,
making it a record for the Friends Committee. We believe that
budget decisions should be rooted in the values of justice and
compassion, the letter stated. Promoting true human security
requires making investments in human needs.
Email: news@viatorians.com
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. Donald P. Houde, CSV
Fr. Lawrence D. Lentz, CSV
Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV
Eileen OGrady Daday
Barton Hisgen
Associate Joan Sweeney
Layout and Design:
Dianna Ehrenfried
Visualedge, Inc.
Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, above, and his coun-
terpart, Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, are preparing
their Las Vegas parishes for this summers
provincial assembly in Las Vegas.
Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, blesses
Br. Fredy Contreras, CSV, during
his perpetual vow ceremony in Bogot.
Teens at St. Viator Parish in Chicago
write their reections during a retreat
last winter that drew 400 young people
from surrounding parishes.
Provincial Perspective
Clerics of St. Viator
1212 E. Euclid Avenue
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-5799
Newsletter Spring 2014
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
NON-PROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 7160
PALATINE P&DC, IL
INSIDE
write to you on this second week of March, a week
that celebrates the rst anniversary of the election
of Pope Francis I. I am so happy that people through-
out the world have embraced this remarkable man with
great love and profound respect. For those of us who are
ordained priests and professed religious (sisters, brothers,
and priests), Pope Francis has offered us new hope and
new life in our commitment to serve as ministers of the
Roman Catholic Church.
As we all know, the past decade has been a difcult
period for many of us who have remained committed
to the church and committed to our call as priests and
religious. At times we have experienced shame and
embarrassment over the response of the church to the
sin and scandal of sexual abuse by its own clergy and
religious. And at times some have questioned their
own vocation and desire to continue to minister within
the climate the scandal has created. It has been a very
difcult period for the church and for many of her
ministers.
However, with the election of Pope Francis, new light
has broken through this darkness and the clouds appear
to be slowly dissipating over the skies of the Catho-
lic church. Let me be clear, we must always remain
conscious and vigilant, making sure that all are safe
and protected, especially the young and vulnerable in
our world. This is our duty! With this acknowledgment,
wecan still say Yes, a new spirit within the church
is dawning, like a phoenix
rising up from the ashes.
In a recently published article,
entitled How to really mea-
sure the Francis effect, the
author, Daniel Burke wrote
that it is not so much that
Francis has changed doc-
trine, rather he has changed
the conversation. And for
me, that is the shift that is happening in our church
today. Where the conversation over the past decade
centered on scandal, today we speak of contemporary
issues that are the substance of our daily faith lives as
men and women living in 21st Century. We hear the
Pope speak of our topics, in plain and accessible
language. He speaks with a new generosity of spirit
that is truly open and welcoming. He embraces the
disgured, he washes the feet of women and Muslims,
and when asked about gays and lesbians, he says, who
am I to judge? Our mission, he says, is that we must
turn to the poor and get out of our comfort zones. This
Pope gets it and lives it!
As provincial, I rejoice in this new spirit, this new
openness. I know that over the years, there have been
countless Viatorians who have shared these same val-
ues in their preaching, teaching and by the way they
have lived their lives as brothers and priests. As we
experience these last weeks of Lent, let us listen care-
fully to the words and most importantly, the actions of
Pope Francis, and let us yearn to rise from the ashes
of the past decade and embrace the joy and hope
of a church that proclaims Christ as savior for all.
In St. Viator and Fr. Querbes,
Thomas R. von Behren, CSV
Provincial Province of Chicago
I
Page 1
Viatorians Celebrate 60
Years in Las Vegas
Page 2
Viatorian Associate:
To Be or Not to Be
Viatorians Work and Pray for
Immigration Reform
Page 4
Jubilarians: Viatorian Priests
Celebrate Anniversaries
Page 6
Q & A with
Fr. Mark Francis, CSV
Page 7
Viatorians Serving as
Missionaries, Worldwide
Page 8
In Memoriam:
Euchrist Mush Marcotte
Co-Education in
Springeld: An Idea
Whose Time Had Come
Page 10
New Organ in Bourbonnais
Makes Parish Sing
Page 11
From the Archives.
St. Gregory Class of 1953,
Remembers
Page 12
LasVegas Teens
Celebrate Their Faith in LA
Page 13
In the Footsteps of
Our Founder
Page 14
Around the Province...