Brothers and Priests
The Clerics of St. Viator are
a Roman Catholic men’s congregation of pontifical rite.
Unlike diocesan clergy comprised solely of priests and deacons,
or peer religious communities that have only priests or have only brothers,
the Clerics of St. Viator is comprised of both brothers and priests.
We also belong to the Viatorian Community,
our inclusive identity with our women and men lay associates.
So what does that mean?
Professed Viatorians all begin as religious brothers.
When men in formation complete their pre-novitiate and have their request to continue formation approved, they continue into novitiate. These men are now novices, and they are considered part of the congregation and referred to as “Brother.”
Upon completion of novitiate, if a novice’s request to profess temporary vows (sometimes known as “first vows”) is approved, the newly professed man then affixes CSV (standing for Cleric of Saint Viator) to his name.
- Brothers and priests both start with the same formation and profess the same vows to become Viatorian Brothers.
- Brothers and priests both live in community.
- Brothers and priests both serve the people of God, inspired by the Viatorian charism and mission.
After we professed our first vows,
we all began our Viatorian lives as brothers
and strive to retain that brotherhood
in all of our religious life.
Fr. John Eustice, CSV and Fr. Jhobany Orduz, CSV are two of the newest Viatorian priests.
Fr. John was ordained in 2024 after 19 years as a brother, and Fr. Jhobany was ordained in 2025 after 11 years as a brother.
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline, process, or path.
Some Viatorians discern
God’s invitation to priesthood and
respond by seeking priestly formation and ordination.
Viatorian brothers who desire theological studies with an view to ordination must discern with community leadership and receive approval. Most of our men study for priesthood at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
Professed Viatorians who are ordained priests are distinguished by additional capacities to serve the people of God – particularly through Sacramental ministry and certain ecclesiological offices.
Professed Viatorians who discern a lifelong vocation in religious brotherhood live their entire religious life as brothers and may instead seek other theological studies, professional certifications, or graduate degrees that complement their ministries as brothers.
Professed Viatorians dress for each occasion.
Viatorians often wear formal clerical dress – black slacks, dress shirt, and suit coat. Priests wear a collar with a white square at the front, and brothers wear a black collar with a white rim.
Many wear these clothes for formal events, especially Church gatherings and major events at sponsored institutions. This visible witness helps emphasize our vowed commitment and our representation of our congregation and the Church.
When Viatorian priests celebrate Sacraments, we vest appropriately for the liturgical setting and context.
Professed men wear a Viatorian ring designed by Fr. Querbes as a symbol of our commitment and identity, and many wear a Saint Viator medallion, too. For some, these subtler signs are their preferred “habit.”
Viatorians also often wear casual clothes, especially for social gatherings and commonplace parts of everyday life. Many of our community gatherings, social events, and shared prayer include both professed and lay Viatorians, and many professed then prefer to dress casually and mix more naturally with the wider community.
Some will wear formal blacks while
working at ministry placements or
representing the community or Church.
Many may also dress casually for community nights,
informal gatherings, and other social outings.
Often, all professed Viatorians are wearing
their ring and/or medallion.