Viatorian Brothers Commit Themselves to the Viatorians for Life
1/30/2012
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With two brothers making perpetual vows, another professing temporary vows and pre-novices heading into first and second years of the pre-novitiate, the foundation of Colombia continues to drive more vocations into the Viatorians.

In January, Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial, presided over a liturgy of profession during a special Mass at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá. Br. Daniel Villalobos, CSV and Br. Edwin Ruiz, CSV, both pronounced their perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, while Br. Oscar Gutierrez, CSV, made his first, temporary vows.

“There are many significant moments in a congregation, but none more significant than to celebrate perpetual professions,” Fr. von Behren says. “They’re committing themselves to us for life --- and we are committing to them for life. It signals the start of walking together in community, ministering as brothers.”

Br. Villalobos is a native of Colombia, who currently is working as a pastoral minister at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Corozal Town, Belize. Br. Ruiz studies theology at Universidad Javeriana while Br. Gutierrez studies communications and journalism at Universidad los Libertadores, both in Bogotá.

Their professions came during a busy weekend in Colombia. At the same time, members elected Fr. Edgar Suarez, CSV, as their new superior. He will leave his position as pastor at San Basilio Magno Parish to assume the leadership role. Fr. Suarez will be assisted by his newly elected councilors, Fr. Carlos Luis Claro, CSV, and Br. Frank Enciso, CSV, as well as Fr. Alejandro Adame, CSV, and Fr. Rafael Sanabria, CSV, who were appointed.