The Venerable Louis Querbes, founder of the Viatorians, died on September 1, 1859. On or around this day, Viatorians around the US gathered to commemorate our founder for prayer, fellowship, and celebration.
Henderson-Las Vegas Region
Viatorians gathered at St. Viator Catholic Community for Mass.
At Mass, Associate Ky Guerrero, Associate Janet Manfredi, Associate Tommy Gugino, and Associates Kathy and John Keating each recommitted for five additional years. Ky, Janet, Tommy, and Kathy initially committed in 2020, and John initially committed in 2015.
Additionally, Associate Sonja Brouwers made her definitive commitment. She initially committed in 2015, and associates who have belonged for over ten years may elect to commit to Viatorian association for life.
Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial, joined the region for their Querbes Day gathering, where he celebrated Mass and received these commitments.
Bourbonnais-Kankakee Region
Viatorians gathered at the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery for a prayer service near the graves of deceased Viatorians. The Viatorian burial places in Bourbonnais include the final resting place of the first Viatorians who came to the US from French Canada to plant the seed of the charism here.
The group enjoyed a breakfast afterward at a diner in nearby Bradley.
Arlington Heights-Chicago Region
Viatorians came together at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois, where many Viatorians who lived and served in Illinois are buried in our community’s plot. The group shared in a community prayer service there.
One week earlier, the regional leadership team led a service morning, weeding the grounds, cleaning the stones, and tidying the area where our men are buried.
Bonus:
St. Viator Parish School in Las Vegas commemorated Fr. Querbes in their school assembly’s prayer.
Eighth grade students led the group prayer.
Vice Principal Associate Paul Mertzman coordinated the distribution of Fr. Querbes prayer cards and quote stickers for the whole student body.
