Elections took place this month in Chile and the United States — and Viatorians responded to their brothers who had called them to leadership. Their role is now one of pastoral leadership to the many associates, brothers and priests, in living out the mission and vision of Fr. Louis Querbes.
(L-R) Br. Julian Moro, Fr. Marcelo Lamas, Fr. Claudio Rios and Fr. Eduardo Millan
In Chile, Fr. Marcelo Lamas, CSV, was re-elected to a second term as Provincial, while Fr. Eduardo Millan, CSV, and Br. Julian Moro, CSV, were re-elected as Councilors. Fr. Rodrigo Andrade, CSV, was appointed as Assistant Provincial and Br. Carlos Pena as another councilor.
Fr. Claudio Rios, CSV, Vicar General, was on hand to oversee the election in Puente Alto, before Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, Superior General approved the results.
“Let me thank those elected and assure them of my support and that of my confreres in the General Council,” Fr. Egan said. I would like to express my gratitude to the confreres who have generously agreed to appear on the list of candidates, for their willingness to fulfil these tasks.”
(L-R) Fr. Dan Hall, Fr. Robert M. Egan and Fr. Mark Francis
In the U.S. Province, Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, was elected to his first term as Provincial. While he led the worldwide community as Superior General from 2000 to 2012, and most recently served as president of Catholic Theological Union, he has never served as Provincial.
“I am humbled and challenged by the confidence my brother Viatorians have placed in me by my election as provincial,” Fr. Mark said. “We look upon the role of provincial as being the primary pastor of the province, elected to serve and care for all Viatorians in the US and Colombia.”
Along with Fr. Mark, Viatorians elected Fr. Edgar Suarez, CSV, of Bogotá and Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, of Las Vegas to serve on the Provincial Council. Fr. Mark later appointed Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, of Las Vegas as Assistant Provincial and Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, as another Councilor.
(L-R) Darius Armani, Serge Kouakou, Sylvain Konan, Maurice Kouadio and Sylvanus Djama
These Viatorians will carry on the leadership provided by the current Provincial Council, led by Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV, Provincial, Br. Gosch as Assistant Provincial and Fr. Mark Francis, Fr. Dan Lydon and Br. Rob Robertson as Councilors.
Fr. Sylvain Konan, CSV, was officially installed Sept. 18 as the new Superior of the Vice Delegation of Ivory Coast. The ceremony took place at the parish of Our Lady of Nazareth in Bouaké. Serving with him on the Council are Br. Darius Armani, Br. Serge Kouakou, Br. Maurice Kouadio and Br. Sylvanus Djama, who also will be serving as Novice Master.