In the Viatorian Community, Associate John Ohlendorf is something of a pioneer: he is one of the first lay associates in the US, part of the first group to commit, in 1999.
John (right) acts out of the Living Last Supper at MBVM.
John’s connection to the Viatorians goes back much further, through his home parish, Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, a Viatorian parish in Bourbonnais, IL.
John is a retired high school English teacher, and one of the ways he shared his gifts with the parish was through the Living Last Supper, a special prayer service during Lent. John acted in some renditions, directed many of them, and then retired and passed the baton during its latter years.
At home, John has a well-known collection: Nativity sets. He figures he owns more than 150 sets, dating back to the first one he received back in first grade. “For as many as I have displayed, I probably have two to three times that many stored away,” Ohlendorf says.
Ohlendorf started his collection more than 50 years ago, when he traveled to Europe and purchased a set with hand-carved wooden pieces in Switzerland. Since then, he has purchased nativities all over the world.
One of his favorites is the traditional German set handcrafted in Steinach, German
“Each one is different and reflects the people and culture from where they were made. That’s what I find so fascinating,” John said. “I love their craftmanship and beauty in recreating the holy family. They just speak to me.”
His set includes a wide variety of Nativity displays: a traditional German set with Marolin paper maché figurines that are hand painted and personalized to give each figure its unique character and vitality; one with large, carved wood terra cotta figures of the holy family, manufactured by Anri in Italy and representative of the Neopolitan Presepio, in which every piece is a finely crafted work of art. This latter style was also a favorite of late pastor, Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV, who would display his elaborate Neopolitan Presepio every year on a side altar at MBVM.
Another favorite reflects the Neopolitan Presepio style, made in Italy
It’s one of many ways John has founded himself to be a kindred spirit with the Viatorian brothers and priests. “I value the same things they do: service to the holy altar, education, and reaching out to those accounted of little importance.”
More on John from Viatorians.com:
- Look back on the commitment of the first associates on the occasion of their 20th anniversary in 2019 and this follow-up from 2023.
- Look back on John’s involvement in the MBVM renditions of a “living Last Supper” during Lent with these stories from 2018 and 2023.
- Planning for the Future (2022): John joined Viatorians from his region in presentations and discussions around a provincial strategic plan, one of the ways John stays engaged and takes part in the community’s shared work.
- Stations of the Cross from Viatorian Perspective (2021): John joined fellow Viatorians in preparing and recording a video Stations of the Cross, using St. George’s recording studio. The effort helped animate remote liturgy during pandemic uncertainties.
- A Celebration of Consecrated Life (2015): During Pope Francis’ special Year for Consecrated Life, John led a prayer service at MBVM to celebrate and animate religious life in the region.
Updated by Associate Dan Masterton on July 8, 2026.