Viatorians are called to walk with and serve people who society tries to account of little importance. So, we read the signs of the times and strive to respond by discerning relevant, impactful action.
As immigration policy and enforcement become increasingly harsh, the Viatorian Community continues moving to stand with and advocate for immigrants.
Border Immersion for Cristo Rey St. Martin Students
Fr. Corey Brost, CSV frequently takes groups of young people and adults to the US-Mexico border for educational immersions. One of the steadiest groups of participants is students from Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, the high school that Viatorians co-endorse in Waukegan, Illinois.
Br. Peter (left) and Fr. Corey (third from left) traveled to the border with the group.
Following Fr. Corey’s June trip with CRSM students and adult chaperones, including Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, the school collected reflections from students to share their ongoing education and formation toward greater social justice.
Monse, a recent CRSM graduate, shared this reflection: “I now understand that spreading the goodness of God means more than prayer; it means stepping up for justice, especially in moments of uncertainty. I feel called to speak out, to fight for dignity and fairness, and to ensure that we never forget where we come from.”
Read more from CRSM and its exemplary students and alumni in their recent blog post about this trip.
Viatorian Youth Leader Interning at Viator House
Trevor Lyon is an alumnus of Saint Viator High School, a veteran Viatorian Youth Congress young adult leader, and a student of faith, studying theology alongside psychology and music at Creighton University. This summer, in addition to leading VYC, Trevor is interning at Viator House of Hospitality.
Trevor (fourth from left) helped welcome VYC 2024 delegates last year with the young adult leader (YAL) team on day one of the congress.
Br. Peter suggested the idea to Trevor, who was looking for volunteer work over the summer and relished a chance to serve alongside Viatorians. He’ll pitch in with driving, cooking, and house life alongside the men living at Viator House as they seek asylum in the US. “I have enjoyed getting to know the guys. They’re all very kind and welcoming people, and it’s been a privilege to work with them and learn about their culture,” Trevor said.
Trevor intends to go to graduate school for psychology and work toward his PhD. Even if his day-to-day work at Viator House won’t figure directly into his professional path, he values the broader experience of being with these men and deepening his understanding of who they are and what they’ve faced. “Many of the guys have gone through some of the toughest struggles someone can go through psychologically. So, it allows me to see that from a different point of view than just what I’d read in textbooks,” Trevor said.
Viator House has served 122 participants from 29 nations, reunited 37 young men with family or friends, and celebrated gaining asylum for 17 young men since opening in 2017. VHH is consistently seeking volunteers for tutoring, driving, house life, and other roles. We invite you to consider how you might be able to help this ministry and the young men it serves and then connect with VHH to learn more.
Ongoing Public Witness
As harsh immigration policy and enforcement continues, Viatorians continue to organize public witness in support of immigrants. On Friday, June 20, a large group stood in downtown Arlington Heights, Illinois, holding signs and expressing public solidarity with people in immigration.
A few images from the June 20 public witness gathering in Arlington Heights.
Viatorians recently reflected on the importance of these witnesses, including Fr. Tom Long, CSV who shared, “In a large public event, there is comfort that others feel similarly. And strength in numbers brings a certain potency – the larger the event, the greater possibility that those in authority may listen.”
Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, Director of Programs and Housing for Viator House, is also active with Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants (SBI). The group has pledged to continue regular public witness in response to the present climate of policy and enforcement and its human impact, and supports these Chicagoland witness events.
The best way to keep up with ongoing plans for subsequent public witness is to follow Viator House of Hospitality on Instagram and Facebook, where they share alerts about upcoming plans and share photos and videos of recent witnesses.