As we continue to strive for greater international solidarity, here is a seasonal digest of the good news from some of the other countries where Viatorians live and serve:
Rome & the Vatican: Meeting the Pope
Fr. Nestor met Pope Leo XIV.
Fr. Nestor Fils-Aimé, CSV, Superior General, had the opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV in November. He shook hands with the pope and introduced himself as both a Cleric of St. Viator and as a confrere of our own Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, who was classmates with Leo at Catholic Theological Union and remained friends with him, including through their coinciding time as superiors based in Rome.
This moment was part of the assembly of the Union of Superiors General (USG) in the Vatican in November. Pope Leo gave an opening address and then answered several questions from the leaders of men’s congregations. Fr. Nestor also celebrated a Mass during the assembly for French-speaking members.
Haiti: Vows and Dedication
Several brothers professed first vows on November 9, 2025, received by Fr. Wilford Douze, CSV, Regional Superior: Br. Pither Augustin, CSV, Br. John Wesley Francique, CSV, and Br. Sam Willy Étienne Matelus, CSV. Congratulations, brothers!
The following week, the community celebrated the opening of their new regional facilities, including hosting Bishop Wismic Jean-Charles, SMM, to bless the building.
(Left to right) Fr. Jean-Paul Saint-Germain, CSV, Fr. Paul Pierre, CSV, Br. Pither Augustin, CSV, Fr. Wilford Douze, CSV, Br. Sam Wilby Étienne Matteus, Br. Jhonn Wesley Francique, CSV, and Fr. Jean Michelin Cadet, CSV.
Burkina Faso: Big Moments to Celebrate
Br. Victor received his grand prize.
Fr. Céraphin Ouédraogo, CSV, Regional Superior, successfully defended his doctoral thesis in November to earn his Doctorate in Education Sciences. He studied at Norbert-Zongo University in Koudougou, where he earned “very honorable” commendation for this final work. His thesis was titled, “Effects of the pedagogical video capsule on student performance in urban post-primary and secondary schools in Burkina Faso.”
Additionally, Br. Victor Zongo, CSV, entered his poetry collection, Des ténèbres à la lumière (From Darkness to Light), into the Ouagadougou International Book Fair, and he won the Grand Prize for poetry.
Japan: Celebrating Our Associates
Fr. William (center in each photo) enjoyed his visits with the vibrant community in Japan.
Fr. William Serge Bationo, CSV, of the Province of Canada visited the International Community of Japan in November. While his business was to sign over our former parish to the Diocese of Kyoto, he relished the time with the school staff, which continues to relish its Viatorian identity, and with associates in the area. He enjoyed the time in fellowship and prayer and the chance to pass along information from his experience at the Fourth Viatorian General Assembly, which Japanese delegates could not attend.
“Many expressed their regret at not having been able to participate. One concern was often repeated: the fear of feeling forgotten,” Fr. William said. “I reassured them that they belong fully to the Province of Canada and the international Viatorian Community. I have been deeply moved by their pastoral commitment, despite the absence of Viatorian religious. Their dynamism is a living testimony to the vitality of the Viatorian charism.”
With Fr. William and the Province of Canada, we invite you to remember our sisters and brothers in Japan in your prayers as we pray for their continued zeal in ministry and service.
Canada: Continuing in Servant-Leadership
Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV, has been appointed to serve a third term as the Executive Director of the Canadian Religious Conference (CRC). For over 70 years, the CRC has brought together leadership of over 250 Catholic religious congregations serving in Canada. The goal is to network religious leaders for effective leadership, collaboration, and relationships with civil authorities. Fr. Alain began this work in 2019, and his reappointment runs through 2028.
Sr. Brendalee Boisvert, CSM, President of the CRC, affirmed Fr. Alain’s continued good work. “Fr. Alain is a visionary who is unifying leaders and who strengthens the mission and community of the CRC. His continued leadership is essential at this pivotal time,” Sr. Brendalee said.
Spain: A Green Deal
In the Vitoria-Gasteiz area of Spain, a new array of solar panels has been installed on the roof of the sports center at Centro San Viator. The Ajuria-San Viator Energy Community worked with the school to install the 500 panels as part of a ten-year energy agreement. Once the panels were connected to the electrical grid, the community can now utilize some of the energy captured there to power its campus while also passing on clean energy to the grid.
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