Our Viatorian connection with Catholic Theological Union continues as Br. Peter Lamick, CSV begins ordination-track theological studies there. Br. Peter joins fellow Viatorian students Br. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV from Colombia, Br. Marc Innocent Prophète, CSV from Haiti, and Associate Ann Perez, Vice President of Mission and Identity at Saint Viator High School, who have been studying there.
Br. Peter (second from right) enjoyed a fraternal trip to Colombia, where an over half the professed men of our province gathered to celebrate the ordination and first Mass of Fr. Jhobany Orduz, CSV.
“Over the past few years, I’ve felt a deeper call towards conversion, developing my professional expertise as a minister and discerning how to proceed,” Br. Peter said. “I believe sacramental ministry – an integral facet of raising up communities where faith is lived, deepened, and celebrated – is embedded in my desire to seek studies and ordination to priesthood. Attending CTU reflects my hope and commitment to carry the Querbesian charism into the lives of today’s Church and world.”
Br. Peter professed first vows in 2016, and, in his first decade of religious life, he had ministered as a high school teacher, learning support specialist, and athletics coach before spending the last two years as Director of Vocation Ministry. Br. Peter will remain on the Vocation Ministry Team as Fr. John Eustice, CSV steps into the director role this summer.
Br. Peter will move to Chicago in August, where he will live with Br. Marc and the students from the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, a fellow sponsoring community of CTU, in their Hyde Park residence. “The Precious Blood brothers are very welcoming, but it’s not the same as living with my own brothers. I’m very excited to study and live with Peter, who will bring even more Viatorian spirit into the house,” Br. Marc said.
Br. Marc (right) has been taking part in the community life in our province since coming to the US, including joining our 2024 Provincial Assembly in Las Vegas.
Br. Marc has studied theology before, but this is his first experience as an international student and second-language learner. “It was challenging at the beginning, but I’ve truly appreciated each class and every minute. The professors provide excellent materials and well-prepared lectures, and the students are very friendly,” Br. Marc said, noting particularly his course on trinity and mission with Fr. Stephen Bevans, SVD.
Next year, Br. Marc and Br. Peter will study alongside Ann, who received a Fr. Jack Linnan, CSV Scholarship and continues toward a master’s degree in ministry, with emphasis on spirituality. “I hope next year brings us even deeper joy and connection,” Br. Marc added.
As for Br. John, he had continued theological studies he began while in Colombia. He was living with his brothers at the Saint Viator High School residence and even served as a short-term substitute in the school’s Spanish department. He initially studied English at Dominican University and then took on coursework at CTU.
“The best part of CTU was spending time with brothers and sisters from different religious communities as well as lay people,” Br. John said. “Sometimes someone would make a mistake in presiding classes, which made us laugh. Of course, it was fraternal and helped us to learn. I’ll cherish those memories.”
Br. John’s housemates at Saint Viator High School took him out for a celebratory dinner before he moved down to Bourbonnais. Left to right, here’s Fr. John Eustice, CSV; Fr. Corey Brost, CSV; Fr. Dan Hall, CSV; Br. John; and Br. Michael Gosch, CSV.
Br. John will be ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV on Saturday, June 14 at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Bourbonnais, Illinois. He has moved there and will minister in the parish and the region for his diaconate year with Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, pastor, and Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, parochial vicar.
In the past several years, Viatorian graduates of CTU include Fr. John Eustice, CSV, Fr. Jhobany Orduz, CSV, Fr. Dan Lydon, CSV, Fr. Jason, and Fr. Moses as well as Associate Kim Martinez – who studied on a Linnan Scholarship – Associate Dan Masterton, Associate Brian Hansen, and Pre-Associate Pat McGarry.
“CTU is known for connecting theological studies with the real world,” Br. Peter said. “John and Jhobany had wonderful and enriching experiences at CTU. I see how they grew as persons and ministers from their formation.”
In 2024, (front row, left to right) Fr. Jhobany Orduz, CSV, Associate Kim Martinez, and Fr. John Eustice, CSV all graduated from CTU together. A big Viatorian contingent came out to celebrate: (left to right behind them) former CTU president and professor Fr. Mark Francis, CSV; CTU alumnus Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV; Associate Karen Cutler; newly-started CTU student Br. Peter Lamick, CSV; CTU alumnus Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV; Director of Priestly Formation Fr. Patrick Render, CSV; and Br. Rob Robertson, CSV.