In the last month, the Viatorian Community has welcomed the perpetual vows of five Viatorian brothers, including four in Colombia and the latest one, Br. Tomás Villalobos, CSV, in Chile. At the same time, the Province of Chile celebrated the first vows of another new brother, Br. Fernando Pérez de la Rivera, and a recommitment of an associate, Miss Alejandra Pérez Gómez, during the closing Mass at the conclusion of its annual assembly.
Br. Tomas receives his ring after professing his perpetual vows.
“We celebrate that God loves us and continues to call people to commit themselves to building the Kingdom of God,” said Fr. Claudio Rios, Vicar General of the Viatorians, “and all this in accordance with the foundation of Querbes and within fidelity to the Viatorian charism.”
It is important to note that all of these new brothers completed their religious formation under the guidance of Fr. Eduardo Millan, CSV, Novice Director, at the Latin American and Caribbean Council in Puente Alto, Chile. CLAC formed in 2001 to serve the growing number of novices in Colombia and Chile. Their year in the novitiate consists of an intense training process as strong preparation for religious life, that includes studies in pastoral, spiritual and academic areas.
Br. Fernando Pérez de la Rivera prepares to profess his first vows.
Br. Tomás is the most recent to profess perpetual vows. He is a graduate of San Viator School of Ovalle and began discerning a call to joining the Viatorians while participating in the Juvi movement, working with young people. After completing his religious formation, Br. Tomas studied theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, and he now works in the pastoral of animation of young people and adults, in addition to teaching at the San Viator De Macul School.
Br. Fernando is an alumnus of the San Viator School of Ovalle, and he also began his discernment in the Juvi movement working with young people. His professional training was carried out studying theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso before his initial formation with CLAC.
(L-R) Br. John Avellaneda, Br. Edwin Barreto, Fr. Daniel Hall, Br. Enrique Medina and Br. Juan David Ramirez
These new vocations come on the heels of another vow ceremony that took place last month in the gym at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá. Br. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV, Br. Edwin Alfonso Barreto, CSV, Br. Parmenio Enrique Medina, CSV, and Br. Juan David Ramirez, CSV, all made their perpetual professions over the weekend, during a Mass steeped in tradition.
“On making your perpetual profession, I want all of you to know that we are also making a commitment to walk with you forever on this journey of faith,” said Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV, Provincial, during his homily.
After the celebration, the brothers resumed their teaching duties, with Br. Edwin and Br. Enrique returning to Colegio San Viator in Bogotá and Br. John and Br. Juan David returning to Colegio San Viator in Tunja.