Provincial elections took place last week in Canada and a new provincial was elected to lead the province. Br. Jean-Marc St. Jacques, CSV, was elected by his confreres, but he is not new to the Provincial Council.
Br. Yvon Rolland, Br. Jean-Marc St. Jacques and Fr. Gerard Bernatchez
For the past four years Br. Jean-Marc has served as treasurer of the Province. He also served as President of College Bourget in Rigaud, Canada, leading both its elementary and secondary levels. In addition, Fr. Gerard Bernatchez, CSV, and Br. Yvon Rolland, CSV, will join him as the two elected Provincial Councilors.
Chapter members thanked Fr. Nestor Fils-Aimé, CSV, for his work and dedication in serving two terms as Provincial Superior of Canada.
“It was with a certain fear that I accepted, but also with even greater confidence in this God who calls us to take new roads to ensure the continuation of the Viatorian charism on Canadian soil and elsewhere in the world,” Br. Jean-Marc says.
“The stakes are high to finally give greater autonomy to foundations so that they can take charge of their future according to their own orientations and colors,” he adds. “The same goes for continuing this presence of the Viatorians in Canada, in works, communities, and various places of mission and fraternal life.”
Br. Benoit Tremblay, Fr. Robert M. Egan and Fr. Ronald Hochman observe the election
Br. Jean-Marc describes the current times in Canada as ones in transition, as they turn several of their projects over to others. However, he is committed to keeping the Viatorian charism alive.
“I have little to offer my sisters and brothers except this deep joy that inhabits me,” Br. Jean-Marc says, “that of the resurrected Christ who calls us to live upright in all serenity.”
In the Province of France, newly elected Provincial, Fr. Pierre Demierre, CSV, appointed Br. Darius Amani, CSV, to the Provincial Council. He is the first Viatorian from the Vice-Delegation of Ivory Coast to serve on the council. His addition reflects the growing Viatorian presence in the country.
Br. Darius Amani with Fr. Robert M. Egan
“This is a significant choice that will very positively strengthen the connection and relationship between the Province of France and the Vice-Delegation of Ivory Coast,” says Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, Superior General. “Darius brings a positive energy and animation to the Provincial Council as well as a stronger connection to the Province. I was very pleased that a member of the vice Delegation joined the leadership team for the Province of France.”
Br. Darius, the Director of the Scholasticate of Abidjan, a theology student himself, and a liturgical animator, declares that he is happy to serve the Viatorian Community and on the Provincial Council in France.
“I don’t know yet the missions assigned to me in the Council but I believe that the most important thing is to remain attentive to the signs of the Holy Spirit for our community,” Br. Darius says. “I hope, with God’s help, to be able to strengthen the close relations that already exists between the province and the Vice-delegation.”