Viatorians remain connected with our friends and partners in ministry in Belize, and recently, the province provided a financial grant to Chunox St. Viator Vocational High School to assist with facilities expansion.
In a letter to Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial, the school community sent its greetings and gratitude. “Chunox St. Viator Vocational High School is profoundly grateful for the unwavering commitment, generous donations, and steadfast support to our institution,” Francisco Magaña, Chairman of the Board, and Marconie Moh, Principal, said. “Your continued support reflects the enduring commitment of the Viatorian Community and Provincial Council to the development, growth, and well-being of our school.”
Chunox St. Viator was founded in 2004, during the time of our Viatorian Foundation of Belize. Viatorians established the foundation in 1998, and various professed Americans served there for over 15 years, primarily through St. Francis Xavier Parish, based in Corozal Town.
The school offers both classroom education and hands-on vocational training, including with live animals in pigpens, chicken coops, and fish tanks. The school’s motto, “Educating for Life,” reflects this diverse mission, included in the school’s seal with the image of St. Viator.
Students at CSVVHS learn both in the classroom and beyond, including in distinct school facilities for vocational training with fish, animals, produce, and more.
This grant assists with campus expansion, including a bathroom facility for staff and visitors. “This grant ensures that our learning environment continues to evolve in ways that benefit students, teachers, and the wider community we serve. This is a proud testament to the Viatorian Community’s enduring legacy in Belize,” Magaña and Moh said.
CSVVHS was established in 2004, and Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV (top left, then in initial formation), Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV (top right, then in pastoral leadership at St. Francis Xavier), and Fr. Mark Francis, CSV (top right, then as Superior General) attended the inauguration of the school. Fr. John Eustice, CSV (bottom left, then a brother) often ministered to students there, and Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV (bottom right with brothers after his profession) would enter formation around this time, profess first vows in 2005, and be ordained a priest.
In 2014, Viatorians transferred the St. Francis Xavier Parish to the Franciscan Community of Mexico. Our connection continues through Belizean native Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, and the name of St. Viator on this great school. Additionally, Viatorian groups have often traveled to Belize to serve the local communities – including one organized by Bishop Glancy’s mom, Judy. Now, as Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parochial Vicar, Fr. Moses continues the parish mission trips to Belize: he traveled with the group for their January 2025 trip, and they plan to return in January 2027.
The letter concludes with an earnest open invitation: “You are always welcome to visit Chunox St. Viator Vocational High School, also your school. Adored and loved be Jesus.”