Elections took place in November in the Provinces of Spain and France, resulting in provincials and their councilors taking their roles in leadership.
Fr. Gregorio Esquíbel, newly elected Provincial of Spain, with Fr. Robert M. Egan
Members of the Provincial Chapter in Spain met in Valladolid Nov. 25 for their election. The meeting took place in the presence of Fr. Robert M. Egan, Superior General, and Fr. Claudio Rios, Vicar General. When the votes were tallied, Fr. Gregorio Esquíbel was elected as Provincial Superior for the next four years.
Currently, Fr. Esquíbel serves in sacramental ministry at San Andrés de Vitoria Parish in Vitoria. Previously, he has served as Provincial from 1996-2004 and 2012-2016.
The Provincial Chapter also elected two of the Councilors, Br. Claudio Salán and Fr. José Javier Ruiz de Eguílaz. For his part, the new Provincial has appointed Fr. Fernando Sanz as Assistant Provincial and Br. Adolfo Velasco as Councilor.
Fr. Pierre Demierre
In France, members of the Provincial Chapter met in Rodez for their election, with Fr. Egan and Fr. André Crozier, General Secretary, there to observe the process. Fr. Pierre Demierre was elected to a second term as Provincial. The two elected Councilors are Fr. Philippe Arnal and Br. Robert Bonnafous.
These Viatorian religious were congratulated for their willingness to serve the community. Their confreres wished them well as they undertake the task of directing and encourage their respective Provinces, promoting the spiritual life of Viatorians and the communities where they serve.
Chapter members in Spain also thanked the current Provincial, Fr. Jesús Arroyo, for his last eight years of work and dedication, leading the community as pastor and spiritual director.