Viator Web

NEWSBRIEF OF THE GENERAL DIRECTION

Number 51 September 2012

A Word from the Superior General

Dear Viatorians,

A new pastoral team has now officially taken office. Last September 1st, in the midst of a warm welcome provided by the Delegation of France, some sixty Viatorians gathered at the Cradle in Vourles to celebrate that event in a spirit of thanksgiving and hope, with Father Quer-bes’ parish church serving as the witness. The present issue of Viator Web provides us with an opportunity to share those important moments.

Before the new General Council of our Community is presented in the following pages, I would like to recall the principles that guided me in forming that council. Afterwards, each of the councilors will be invited to express his own personal convictions. Let me begin by sharing with you the deep joy that I find in working with those persons and the enthusiasm that I dis-cover in this new chemistry – which, of course, remains to be even further developed – between persons coming from cultures as rich as they are diverse. All of that provides the General Coun-cil with a new voice!

Our greatest hope is that Viator Web will serve to infuse new spirit into our entire Com-munity. Over the coming weeks, we will adjust its contents in such a way that it will increas-ingly help us to discover and to encourage the life and the mission of our brothers and sisters. It goes without saying that we will be asking for your contributions in order to make its contents even more interesting.

I share with each and every one of you the firm resolution of the members of the new General Council to do everything in our power to be at the pastoral service of our religious fam-ily.

Fr. Alain Ambeault, C.S.V., Superior General

"Since the beginning of this General Chapter, we have been discovering and accepting a number of major challenges, all of which are important for the future of the Congregation and of the Viatorian Community. The followfind those persons – ourselves or others lenges.

From the very beginning, tion that I wanted the General Council to respond less to the principle of one memberince (this councilor is a representative of my province) and more to a choice that would encopass all of our personnel, no matter where they might be. In a word, I was asking the Superiors of the Provinces and the Delegation to support a global pcollaborative capacities of the council’s members to respond to the task that is confided to us as a reflection of what we have become. To put it more clearly, I wanted confreres from our foudations to be present on the General Council.

I wish, therefore, to publicly express received from each of the Superiors of the Provinces and the Delegation. Subscribing to what I was asking can be labeled as generosity, sacrifice, and especially great solidarity with our entire Community. May these words of gratitude that I am now expressing have both the flexibility and the intensity to touch your hearts and those of the persons whom you represent."

A community such as ours is called upon meaningful presence, characterized by the gift of diversity and the grace that produces interation among its members, all of whom are cothe same mission. Our title as "catechists" ing the challenge of a new evangelization.of the international character of our Community and of the solidarity that such requires, impotant and energizing challenges are being offered to all of us.

The General Council

beginning of this General Chapter, we have been discovering and accepting a number of major challenges, all of which are important for the future of the Congregation and

Community. The follow-up step became self-evident: we would now have to ourselves or others – who would be capable of dealing with those cha

From the very beginning, I indicated to the Superiors of the Provinces and the Delegtion that I wanted the General Council to respond less to the principle of one memberince (this councilor is a representative of my province) and more to a choice that would encopass all of our personnel, no matter where they might be. In a word, I was asking the Superiors of the Provinces and the Delegation to support a global perspective, a diversified team, and the collaborative capacities of the council’s members to respond to the task that is confided to us as a reflection of what we have become. To put it more clearly, I wanted confreres from our fou

the General Council.

I wish, therefore, to publicly express my appreciation for the close collaboration that I received from each of the Superiors of the Provinces and the Delegation. Subscribing to what I was asking can be labeled as generosity, sacrifice, and especially great solidarity with our entire

ords of gratitude that I am now expressing have both the flexibility and the intensity to touch your hearts and those of the persons whom you represent."

(Extract from the presentation of the new General Council on July 16, 2012)

Father Alain Ambeault, C.S.V., Superior General

Born on June 28, 1959, in Lachute, Québec, Canada, Alain entered the Clerics of Saint Viator in 1980. parish ministry for a dozen years, including seven as pastor, he was called to be of service to the Community. He served as a member of the Provincial Council of Canada from 1993 to 2006, including assuming the responsibilities of Provincial Sperior from 1998 to 2006. Additionally, he was president of the Canadian Religious Conference from 2004 to 2006. ing is in pastoral theology.

A community such as ours is called upon to offer, to the world and to thmeaningful presence, characterized by the gift of diversity and the grace that produces interation among its members, all of whom are co-heirs of the same charism and cothe same mission. Our title as "catechists" is very appropriate at this momenting the challenge of a new evangelization. With all of us striving to become increasingly aware of the international character of our Community and of the solidarity that such requires, impo

llenges are being offered to all of us.

beginning of this General Chapter, we have been discovering and accepting a number of major challenges, all of which are important for the future of the Congregation and

evident: we would now have to dealing with those chal-

I indicated to the Superiors of the Provinces and the Delega-tion that I wanted the General Council to respond less to the principle of one member per prov-ince (this councilor is a representative of my province) and more to a choice that would encom-pass all of our personnel, no matter where they might be. In a word, I was asking the Superiors

erspective, a diversified team, and the collaborative capacities of the council’s members to respond to the task that is confided to us as a reflection of what we have become. To put it more clearly, I wanted confreres from our foun-

ion for the close collaboration that I received from each of the Superiors of the Provinces and the Delegation. Subscribing to what I was asking can be labeled as generosity, sacrifice, and especially great solidarity with our entire

ords of gratitude that I am now expressing have both the flexibility and the intensity to touch your hearts and those of the persons whom you represent."

presentation of the new General Council on July 16, 2012)

Superior General

, Québec, Canada, Alain the Clerics of Saint Viator in 1980. After serving in inistry for a dozen years, including seven as pastor, he

was called to be of service to the Community. He served as a member of the Provincial Council of Canada from 1993 to 2006, including assuming the responsibilities of Provincial Su-

2006. Additionally, he was president of the Canadian Religious Conference from 2004 to 2006. His train-

to offer, to the world and to the Church, a meaningful presence, characterized by the gift of diversity and the grace that produces interac-

heirs of the same charism and co-responsible for appropriate at this moment when we are fac-

With all of us striving to become increasingly aware of the international character of our Community and of the solidarity that such requires, impor-

Haitien (in the north of Hwhom he is the youngest. After his theological studies, he was called to assume responsibility, from 2002 to 2005, as the pastor of the Christian community in Grandlive and work.

ing spiritual theology. Over these last years, he has been serving the Community in formation programs as the master of novices (2007cate.

Through many different persons enced the goodness, the friendship, the tenderness, and the faithfulness of God gives his regenerating Word of life, who provides the joy and the peace that no one can take away from us, who gives meaning to everything that we are and everything plish. As with the Early Church, this God asks us to go forth and to unfurl the sails of our Vitorian family to the winds of the Spirit, who invites us to creasingly welcoming and committed, giving witneswith the poor and the marginalized so

Brother Luis Álvarez Torres,

Luis was born on August 22, 1944, in Villalba, Barros, Spain. He entered the Communityfield of education from 1963 to 1989 as a teacher and adminitrator in various schools. He participated closely, from 1978 to 1989, in different organizations of the educational world on bhalf of developing freedom of education.Spanish Confederation of Catholic Schools from 1989 to 1998. From 2002 to 2004, he was the provincial treasurer of Spain; afterwards, he acquired the title of financial manager of the Cleics of Saint Viator of Spain. Finally, he bof the Conference of Spanish Religious (CONFER) from 2005 to 2011.

I think that both the Viatorian Community and the Cogation are facing challenges so great that we must confront them with courage and confidence: the development of the InteViatorian Community, the sense of belonging to one and the same

Father Harry Célestin, C.S.V., Vicar General

Harry saw the light of day on October 5, 1964, in CapHaitien (in the north of Haiti) in a family of five childen, of whom he is the youngest. After his theological studies, he was called to assume responsibility, from 2002 to 2005, as the pastor of the Christian community in Grand-Goâve, where live and work.

Afterwards, he spent two years in Rome (2005ing spiritual theology. Over these last years, he has been serving the Community in formation programs as the master of novices (2007-2011) and, more recently, as the director of the scholastcate.

Through many different persons and in the realities of everyday life, we have experced the goodness, the friendship, the tenderness, and the faithfulness of God

gives his regenerating Word of life, who provides the joy and the peace that no one can take away from us, who gives meaning to everything that we are and everything plish. As with the Early Church, this God asks us to go forth and to unfurl the sails of our Vi

of the Spirit, who invites us to abandon ourselves and to become icreasingly welcoming and committed, giving witness through our faith as we continue to walk with the poor and the marginalized so that they can re-discover hope.

Luis Álvarez Torres, C.S.V., Treasurer Ge

Luis was born on August 22, 1944, in Villalba, Barros, He entered the Community in 1961. He worked in the

field of education from 1963 to 1989 as a teacher and adminis-trator in various schools. He participated closely, from 1978 to 1989, in different organizations of the educational world on be-half of developing freedom of education. He was president of the Spanish Confederation of Catholic Schools from 1989 to 1998. From 2002 to 2004, he was the provincial treasurer of Spain; afterwards, he acquired the title of financial manager of the Cler-ics of Saint Viator of Spain. Finally, he became the administrator of the Conference of Spanish Religious (CONFER) from 2005 to

the Viatorian Community and the Congre-gation are facing challenges so great that we must confront them with courage and confidence: the development of the International Viatorian Community, the sense of belonging to one and the same

Vicar General

the light of day on October 5, 1964, in Cap-aiti) in a family of five childen, of

whom he is the youngest. After his theological studies, he was called to assume responsibility, from 2002 to 2005, as the pastor

âve, where Viatorians

he spent two years in Rome (2005-2007) study-ing spiritual theology. Over these last years, he has been serving the Community in formation programs as the master of novices

2011) and, more recently, as the director of the scholasti-

and in the realities of everyday life, we have experi-ced the goodness, the friendship, the tenderness, and the faithfulness of God – a God who

gives his regenerating Word of life, who provides the joy and the peace that no one can take away from us, who gives meaning to everything that we are and everything that we can accom-plish. As with the Early Church, this God asks us to go forth and to unfurl the sails of our Via-

ourselves and to become in-s through our faith as we continue to walk

Treasurer General

large family that provides mutual support on the human and matinter-communicating vessels among the provinces, the delegation, and the foundations, all of which are based upon clarity and ju

To help in facing those challenges, stration, for I believe that, in those dment and administration of material goods.ing to the criteria of transparency, professioSuperior General and his council.

Brother Carlos Ernesto Flórez,

Carlos Ernesto was bornrian Community in 1991. After prSchool in Bogotá as director of the Catechetics Department; afterwards, he taught religion (1995petual vows in 1999 and left several months later for Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Corozal, Belize, where the work cofided to him led him to work with committed lay leaders in different ministries.

A first sojourn in the United States brought him to Saint Viator Parish in Chicago, where he was specito pastoral ministry with Hispanics. Returning to Belize, he became director of the Social Services Office.

Since 2007, Carlos has resided in the United States. He was first of all director of the Admissions Office at Saint Matin de Porres School in Waukegan, Illinois. He remained in that position until 2009, when he assumed, at the service of his province, the roles of translator and interpreter for the Provicial Superior and of support person for the older confreres.

Carlos Ernesto has studied philosophy, theology, liurgy, and Church history. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aministration and educational supervision and a master’s degree in community psychology.

I accepted this new mission as General Councilor bthe International Viatorian Community, offering my support to Viatorian brothers and sisters in order tfront the reality of our present-collaborate with new ideas for community life, our apostolate, our vocation programs, and our administration. The international character of my journeUnited States – permits me to contribute my personal experiences with a view to developing the mission of Father Querbes’ Comm

large family that provides mutual support on the human and material levels; the crecommunicating vessels among the provinces, the delegation, and the foundations, all of

ity and justice in the use of material goods; and so forth.

To help in facing those challenges, I agreed to take responsibility for general adminstration, for I believe that, in those domains, I can offer my modest experiences ment and administration of material goods. My desire is to carry out that management accor

transparency, professionalism, and solidarity in coSuperior General and his council.

Carlos Ernesto Flórez, C.S.V., General Cou

born on October 9, 1967, in Bogotá, Colombia. He joined the Viat

rian Community in 1991. After pronouncing his first vows in 1993, he worked at Saint Viator School in Bogotá as director of the Catechetics Department; afterwards, he taught religion (1995-1998). He made his per-

1999 and left several months later for Saint cis Xavier Parish in Corozal, Belize, where the work con-

fided to him led him to work with committed lay leaders in

in the United States brought him to Saint Viator Parish in Chicago, where he was specifically attentive to pastoral ministry with Hispanics. Returning to Belize, he became director of the Social Services Office.

Carlos has resided in the United States. He irst of all director of the Admissions Office at Saint Mar-

tin de Porres School in Waukegan, Illinois. He remained in that position until 2009, when he assumed, at the service of his province, the roles of translator and interpreter for the Provin-

ior and of support person for the older confreres.

Ernesto has studied philosophy, theology, lit-urgy, and Church history. He holds a bachelor’s degree in ad-

pervision and a master’s degree

this new mission as General Councilor because I want to be at the service of the International Viatorian Community, offering my support to – and walking alongside of Viatorian brothers and sisters in order to create a new Community that is alive and

-day Church and of our world. I also believe that I am able to collaborate with new ideas for community life, our apostolate, our vocation programs, and our administration. The international character of my journey – in Colombia, Belize, and the

permits me to contribute my personal experiences with a view to developing the mission of Father Querbes’ Community.

rial levels; the creation of communicating vessels among the provinces, the delegation, and the foundations, all of

tice in the use of material goods; and so forth.

sibility for general admini-mains, I can offer my modest experiences in the manage-

My desire is to carry out that management accord-alism, and solidarity in collaboration with the

General Councilor

bia. He joined the Viato-ing his first vows in 1993, he worked at Saint Viator

cause I want to be at the service of and walking alongside of – my

alive and able to con-day Church and of our world. I also believe that I am able to

collaborate with new ideas for community life, our apostolate, our vocation programs, and our in Colombia, Belize, and the

permits me to contribute my personal experiences with a view to developing the

Father André Simon Crozier, C.S.V., S

Born in 1946 in Courzieu, Rhône, France, André made his first vows in 1965. He studied at the Lyons. Having obtained a Religious Education Certificate, he bcame a catechist and a trainer of catechists. tary of Louis Querbes School and of the Province of Vourles and France, he was a member of severalthe assistant provincial.

Ordained a priest in 1979 afteSaint Irenaeus Seminary, he was almost immediately appointed pastor, a ministry that he excercised for twentyyears at Chessy and Châtillon and then twenty years in the four parishes that, in 2002, received thRiver," which included Vourles for the last six years. In 2006, he was chosen as a General Councilor and Secretary General for the duration of Father Mark Francis’ second term.

In taking this new step, as a member of another General Council, I am heartily resolved to revive certain convictions in myself.am aware of the grace that is being offered to me to learn more about the Community in orderto better serve it.

The last two General Assemblies of the Viatorian Community and the last General Chapters have assured me of a reality that is very obvious to the eyes of many of us: the ethe energy of young religious, the experience and serene perseverance of those who are less young, and the inspiring participation of the associates.

The faces of the Viatorians invite me to meet and to listen to people. Authentic dialogue aimed at developing our common actions calls for understanding, support, and handsare willing to accept and to take up the challenges presented by recent international meetings.

I have confidence in the future of our Community, which appears to me to be on the path to solidarity. Our Community will be successful in the measure that it is able to have each and every member accept his or her responsibilities and insofar as it agrees to work towards the members’ formation – human, spiritual, and especially Viatorian. The members, for their part, will all serve as witnesses to the diffusion of Christ’s Love in the midst of theto the burning desire of Father Louis Querbes.

Father André Simon Crozier, C.S.V., Secretary General

1946 in Courzieu, Rhône, France, André made his first vows in 1965. He studied at the "School for Catechists" in Lyons. Having obtained a Religious Education Certificate, he be-

er of catechists. While serving as secre-tary of Louis Querbes School and of the Province of Vourles and France, he was a member of several Provincial Councils, as well as

in 1979 after completing his studies at Irenaeus Seminary, he was almost immediately appointed

pastor, a ministry that he excercised for twenty-seven years: seven years at Chessy and Châtillon and then twenty years in the four parishes that, in 2002, received the name of "Saint Blandine of the River," which included Vourles for the last six years. In 2006, he was chosen as a General Councilor and Secretary General for the duration of Father Mark Francis’ second term.

tep, as a member of another General Council, I am heartily resolved to revive certain convictions in myself. I have discovered a bit more about our Community and I am aware of the grace that is being offered to me to learn more about the Community in order

General Assemblies of the Viatorian Community and the last General Chapters have assured me of a reality that is very obvious to the eyes of many of us: the ethe energy of young religious, the experience and serene perseverance of those who are less young, and the inspiring participation of the associates.

The faces of the Viatorians in those countries where we live and work attract me and to meet and to listen to people. Authentic dialogue aimed at developing our common

actions calls for understanding, support, and hands-on accompaniment on the part of those who are willing to accept and to take up the challenges presented by recent international meetings.

in the future of our Community, which appears to me to be on the path to solidarity. Our Community will be successful in the measure that it is able to have each and

accept his or her responsibilities and insofar as it agrees to work towards the human, spiritual, and especially Viatorian. The members, for their part,

will all serve as witnesses to the diffusion of Christ’s Love in the midst of theto the burning desire of Father Louis Querbes.

ecretary General

tep, as a member of another General Council, I am heartily resolved I have discovered a bit more about our Community and I

am aware of the grace that is being offered to me to learn more about the Community in order

General Assemblies of the Viatorian Community and the last General Chapters have assured me of a reality that is very obvious to the eyes of many of us: the enthusiasm and the energy of young religious, the experience and serene perseverance of those who are less

in those countries where we live and work attract me and to meet and to listen to people. Authentic dialogue aimed at developing our common

accompaniment on the part of those who are willing to accept and to take up the challenges presented by recent international meetings.

in the future of our Community, which appears to me to be on the path to solidarity. Our Community will be successful in the measure that it is able to have each and

accept his or her responsibilities and insofar as it agrees to work towards the human, spiritual, and especially Viatorian. The members, for their part,

will all serve as witnesses to the diffusion of Christ’s Love in the midst of the world, according

Distribution of Tasks in the General Council

Here are the different responsibilities that have been confided to the General Council members:

Father Harry Célestin

• Vicar General. • Studies in preparation for becoming the Procurator at the Holy See. (The present assignment

of Father José Antonio Lezama as Procurator at the Holy See is therefore extended for an un-determined length of time.)

• Responsible for spiritual life on the local level. • Studies in preparation for becoming the Postulator of the Cause of Father Querbes. • General Council member responsible for the Foundations of Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast

and General Council delegate to the CCVAO (West African Viatorian Coordinating Commit-tee).

Brother Luis Álvarez • Treasurer General. • Responsible for these specific portfolios:

- location of the General House; - International Mission Development Office.

• General Council member responsible for the Province of Spain.

Father André Simon Crozier • Secretary General. • Responsible for the Secretariate on behalf of the General Council. • Responsible for the archives and the library. • General Council member responsible for the Province of Canada and the Delegation of France.

Brother Carlos Ernesto Flórez • General Councilor. • General Council member responsible for the Province of Chicago. • General Council member responsible for the Province of Chile and the Foundations belonging

to the CLAC (Latin American and Caribbean Council) and General Council delegate to the CLAC.

Father Alain Ambeault • Superior General. • Link with the Union of Superiors General of Men and with bishops. • Presider at meetings of the General Council and of the Extraordinary General Council. • General coordination. • Pastoral visits.

Celebrating our New General Coulcil Vourles, September 1, 2012

Reflections in Vourles

By Thomas R. von Behren, C.S.V. Provincial Superior of the United States

Each time I travel to Vourles, France, I get that special feeling in my heart and suddenly I find that my spirit is lifted and becomes brighter. A sense of awe overcomes me, and I am taken back to the inspirations of a man who walked these very streets and traveled the beautiful hills of the countryside off in the horizon of this small village community.

For it is here that the spirit of Father Louis Querbes, founder of the Clerics of St. Viator, continues to permeate and inspire Viatorians and visitors alike as they make their pilgrimage to

Vourles. Here, in the 1830’s, as pastor of the local parish, Father Querbes inspired his parishioners, preached the gospel, celebrated the Eucharist, and enhanced its music and chants, all with the quiet certi-tude that God was with him through the Spirit of Jesus and the guidance of Mary, the Mother of God.

And so again, I have just returned from a visit to Vourles. For it was with this visit on Sep-tember 1, 2012, the 153rd anniver-sary date of the death of Father

Querbes, that Viatorians from four continents gathered together for the special occasion of the installation of the 15th Superior General of the Clerics of St. Viator. Viatorians representing every province/delegation of the congregation gathered at the parish church of St. Bonnet, where Father Querbes served as pastor as a young priest in the Diocese of Lyon, to witness and support Fr. Alain Ambeault, C.S.V. as he made his profession of faith, along with his Vicar General, Fr. Harry Célestin, C.S.V., thus becoming our Superior General.

The special day began with nearly 50 Viatorians gathering at the gravesite of Father Querbes, remembering this anniversary date and giving thanks for the life and vision of our Founder. We prayed together, remembered, and looked to the future as a new chapter of the Viatorian story was about to begin.

And then we moved to the installation ceremony and mass. At the beginning of the mass, each provincial representa-tive processed in with a lit can-dle and proclaimed a personal international greeting from his province to the entire gathered community; affirming the sup-port of his province to work in collaboration with Fr. Ambeault and his new council. And as the mass continued, each member of the General Council – Fr. Harry Célestin, Vicar General;Br. Luis Álvarez, General Treasurer, Br. Carlos Ernesto Flórez, General

Councilor, and Fr. André Crozier, General Secretary read excerpts from the formal “Message to the Viatorian Community” that was written and approved at the conclu-sion of the General Chapter, that was held in July in Aric-cia, Italy. It was an inspirational moment.

The spirit of this day was one of hope – interna-tional solidarity with a commitment to pursue the ap-proved priorities for the next six years, namely, a renewed emphasis on vocation ministry and a re-commitment to advance peace and social justice in our Viatorian minis-tries and community life.

The spirit of this day was one of hope – international solidarity with a commitment to pursue the approved priorities for the next six years, namely, a renewed emphasis on vocation ministry and a re-commitment to advance peace and social justice in our Viatorian ministries and community life.

Yes, a new era has begun for the Viatorian Community with new leadership and a re-newed commitment to continue to make the vision of Father Querbes come alive in our world today. May God bless our new Superior General and his council, and may they always be guided by the words of our founder that in all things,“May Jesus be Adored and Loved.”

Homily

The Viatorian Community has once again come together in the parish church of Father Louis Querbes, where today it will leave behind a remembrance of a new moment in its history. Gathered here in Vourles, our hearts are touched by the graces of our foun-dation, as if the tree could feel life flowing into it from its roots. Here at the "Cradle," a sentiment of faithfulness to the calls of the Spirit challenges us more than ever to con-tinue sharing our 181-year-old charism in the fifteen countries where we live and work today. Thus, we pilgrim sons and daughters of Father Querbes have come to Vourles this morning to give thanks to the Father of hope, who dwells within us.

The discussions that we have had recently, both at the Second General Assembly of the Viatorian Community in Bogotá in February, 2011, as well as at the General Chapter this past July in Rome, indicate the rather exact characteristics of what we have been living during these years. With all national bounda-

ries eliminated, we find co-existing, side by side, the enthusiasm of young people who want to move forward and to establish roots in new places and the wisdom of other peo-ple who resolutely propose putting their shoulders to the wheel, without forgetting the lessons of history and the imperatives of the present. Rich cultures, having all wit-nessed the miracle of a young bud, the grace of a charism, the welcome of a new land, and the slow but sure putting down of roots to bring forth unexpected fruits, are calling out and presenting challenges to each other. Men and women have seen – and continue to see – the paths of their vocations intersecting. They recognize, in the actions of others, something that is both unique and shared. And thus they come to a crossroads and rec-ognize the vocation and the charismof which all of us are co-heirs and for which all of us are co-responsible.

Today, more than ever, Viatorians are con-vinced of their international figure, which clearly proclaims the need that we have for one another in order to maintain the beauty

and the truth of our fidelity. The current por-trait presented to us by these two major Community events proclaims clearly that we are men and women of hope – not a hope that hides our weaknesses, our doubts, or our errors or that disguises our darker side, but a hope that calls forth and lets in the miracle of God’s presence among us. May these words of Saint Paul be inscribed in gold at the beginning of this new moment in our history that we are undertaking together:

Faith is the way of already possessing what we are hoping for and of understanding the realities that we do not yet see. And when Scripture pays homage to the people of old, it is because of their faith. All of them have died without having experienced the ful-fillment of the promises; but, in faith, they had seen it and acknowledged it from afar (Hebrews 11:1-2; 13a).

That hope is the most wonderful witness that we can render to Father Querbes, since it was that very same hope that so often urged him, as a reason to go on living, to place everything in the hands of Divine Provi-dence. It is that same hope, Father Querbes, that continues today to brighten the faces of your daughters and sons, who are very much aware that they transport your treasure in vessels of clay. As the Lord continues to gaze down upon your community, the future is embraced as a grace that will ceaselessly lead us to wonderful new horizons.

The members of the new General Council who are here with me – and please permit me at this time to salute their availability, their courage, and their desire to take up this great pastoral challenge – are very much aware of the imperative nature of this morn-ing’s Gospel message, a message that en-compasses what all of us are experiencing: The people are hungry! The Lord’s response does not leave any doubt: "Give them some-thing to eat yourselves!" Those words re-mind us that, no matter what our daily real-ity might be, no matter in what context we

might find ourselves, God’s miracle always takes place at the very heart of the absolute poverty of the person who is searching for God. Only a humble community knows how to leave room, at the heart of its mission, for God’s unexpected miracle. Surprising divine graces will always be channeled through those who are accounted of least importance among us.

Saint John, in his Gospel, tells us that there is a young boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish.

By way of conclusion, I would like to assure you that the new General Council will place all its hope, its deep faith in the mission that is ours, its renewed youthfulness, its cultural diversity, and its passion at the service of what you are living on each of your journeys. You can rest assured that we will be there! We will be there especially to carry forward the memory of the various points of consen-sus and the inspired gestures that we re-cently experienced. Believe us when we say that we shall remain faithful to what we are called upon to become, confirming and chal-lenging whatever energizes us!

Our hearts are filled with these challenges, for they already make it possible for us to possess what we are hoping for.

Brothers and sisters, may that hope enliven you! As you come into contact with the peo-ple whom you serve, learn again, if neces-sary, the words and the ways of accommo-dating them so as to leave room for God’s creation to continue. Hum life’s popular tunes as they come and go. Share with those who live in joy. And discover the brilliant colors that transform the boundaries of life.

And, especially, share that hope wherever you might be!

Alain Ambeault, C.S.V.

Superior General

2012 General Chapter

"In concluding, I wish to personally add my voice to the ex-pressions of gratitude that André Simon, speaking for all of us, addressed to Mark yesterday during our visit to the General House. Mark, you have been our shepherd for twelve years, which represent an important slice out of a person’s life. You spent those years placing your talents, your sense of responsibil-ity, your concern for truth and effectiveness, and your pastoral sensitivities at the service of our Community. We recognize you as a man of faith, who knows how to choose words to express that faith, actions to celebrate that faith, and the commitments necessary so that such faith can transform the world.

We hope that, in the eyes of the thirty-nine chapter members and of the support personnel, you will be able to see the recogni-tion and the gratitude of all your Viatorian brothers and sisters. The challenges that lie ahead of us are imprinted with your sig-nature.

you, Mark, and all the best as you continue with your mis-sion."

Alain Ambeault, C.S.V., Closing Homily of the General Chapter

The News in Brief

2012 Chapter Acts

The new General Council is getting established and, while taking care of necessary details as the members settle in and get acclimated and determine their manner of functioning, the prior-ity task remains making available as soon as possible, in the usual three languages, the 2012 Chapter Acts. Texts must be harmonized before they can be translated into English and Spanish from the official French version. And, finally, they must be printed up. We wish to assure you that we are doing everything in our power so that, as soon as possible, you will have in your hands the new Charter of the Viatorian Community and, afterwards, the Chapter Acts. A Witness Recognized in Peru

In a letter addressed to Bishop Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., bishop of Huancayo in Peru, Father Alain Ambeault, our Superior General, joined his voice with so many others to con-gratulate the bishop of Huancayo as he was decorated with the National Unity Prize of Peru. Highlighting to what extent the pastoral actions of this bishop give precious witness to the action of the Holy Spirit in our world and are living proof that the Reign of God is indeed being constructed here on earth, Father General expressed his joy that the Viatorian Community would henceforth be present in the Diocese of Huancayo.

Bishop Barreto is deeply involved in defending the living conditions of peasants affected by the mining activities of major international companies. Congratulations

• To Brother Jeanin Gaëtan, who made his perpetual vows in Haiti on August 25, 2012. • To Brothers Ferry François, Jean-Yves Medidor, and Paul Pierre, who were ordained dea-

cons in Haiti on September 1, 2012. • To the six new Viatorian associates of the Province of Spain: Tomás Collado García, Elena

García Batista, María Monserrat Gómez López, Ana Rosa Gutiérrez Manzano, María José Martínez Remírez, and Mertxe Moreno Ascanio. They made their commitment on August 15, 2012.

New Novitiate in Burkina Faso

The novitiate of the Burkina Faso Foundation, situated in Boassa, opened on August 31, 2012. Accompanied by Father Julien Rainville, the master of novices, three young Burkina Faso men – Michel Da, Hermann Palé, and François Zoma – began their year of initiation into reli-gious life.

A New Viatorian Blog

Our Spanish confrere Tomás Aranberri, who is well known for his involvement with the SERSO (Spanish Solidarity Service) movement, has just gone on-line with a blog that opens a window into our religious family. This blog is clearly inspired by one of the two priorities of the 2012 General Chapter – Vocation Ministry. The blog can be visited at www.sanviator.net/

In our Prayers • Br. Yves LABERGE (Ca), July 28, 2012, at the age of 89, in his 69th year of religious pro-

fession.

• Mr. Richard GODIN (Ca), August 3, 2012 at the age of 71, in his 4th year of associate com-mitment.

• Br. Maurice BONY (F), August 9, 2012, at the age of 86, in his 62nd year of religious profes-sion.

• Br. Gérard LEMIEUX (Ca), August 12, 2012, at the age of 85, in his 67th year of religious profession.

• Fr. Louis CHAUFFOUR (F), August 20, 2012, at the age of 98, in his 83rd year of religious profession and his 68th year of priesthood.

• Br. Gilles BROCHU (Ca), Septembre 15, 2012, at the age of 84, in his 68th year of religious profession.

• Mrs Gloria MARTIN RODRIGUEZ (E), September 17, 2012, at the age of 94, in her 31st year of associate commitment.

To Nourish our Reflections

Young people are calling us to a more authentic religious life!

Rather recently, in Quito, Ecuador, as the Eighteenth General Assembly of the Latin American and Caribbean Confederation of Men and Women Religious (CLAR) was coming to its conclusion, Sister Mercedes Casas Sánchez was elected its president. For the first time, a woman from Mexico was designated for that office. There follows a short interview conducted by Vida Nueva (magazine) with the new president.

- What is the strength of religious life in Latin America? The love that it brings forth. An attachment to that vocation can be perceived, as well as faith in the strength and the treasure that religious life constitutes for the Church. That love is seen through the conviction with which each conference works steadfastly in order to encourage its men and women religious, to create bonds, and to respond to the reality of God’s calls. By accompanying our people in their sorrows, their joys, and their difficult moments, religious life has not lost its ability to reflect reality. But its greatest strength lies in the people to whom God sends us and who always help us to better define our identity as religious.

- What are the principal challenges facing the CLAR? Challenges spring forth from listening to the cries of the people. God wants us to be where we can listen attentively to those vehement voices – the voice of an economic growth from which many are excluded, the voices of a misuse of nature, of human trafficking, of migra-tion, of corruption, of drug trafficking; the voices of the young and of the social movements that are coming to birth; the voices of the native peoples who are seeking justice, the voice that clam-ors about women and their situation. A renewed option for the poor also constitutes a major chal-lenge.

We religious are called upon to live prophetically day by day in a daily offering and in unity

more than by any display of titles. We must not cease listening to the voices of the new generations of religious, as well as the voices of other young people, for they are calling us to a life that is more transparent and authen-tic. Even if that does not always appear to be evident, they are indeed searching. Even though they have a great thirst for God, they do not find an answer to their concerns in religious life.

In conclusion, the great challenge is to continue our journey through this mystical and prophetic life, but based upon other categories. Perhaps we are not called to be great prophets. But we are certainly called to live prophetically in the gift of each day, in unity, more than by any display of our titles. And the mystical? Perhaps we are not called to be great mystics whose works people read. But we are called to be transfused by the mysticism of the mustard seed, of the grain of wheat that dies, of the seed that is sown, that grows, and that produces fruit.

In issue # 2,814 of Vida Nueva (magazine).