After more than a year of thoughtful prayer and discussion, Viatorians in the Delegation of France —  both religious and associates — are rejoicing with the decision to return to a full Province.

Members of the Viatorian Community in France

In a letter this week to Fr. Pierre Demierre, CSV, Superior, Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, approved the request returning the status to the Province of France, effective Sept. 1, 2019.

“Having received your request and the favorable consultation of the religious and associates in France,” Fr. Egan wrote, “I am happy to approve, by virtue of the 2018 General Chapter Decision 15 and 18, no 3 (b) as well as General Regulation 149 (c), your request to return to the status of Province for France, effective Sept. 1, 2019.”

Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV

The return comes 10 years after France requested to become a delegation, a decision which was accepted at the time by Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, then Superior General, and his Council.

Now recognized as a full Province, the Viatorians of France are a group of 40 religious and 25 associates, who live and minister in the Rodez region and in Vourles.

The historic city of Rodez.

Fr. Egan will be on hand for the grand celebration planned for Sept. 1 in France, describing the occasion as “an important moment in the life of the Province.”

“Please know that I am happy to support this request,” Fr. Egan added, “and send my best wishes and personal support to all the members of the Viatorian Community in France.”