FEATURE: Colombian Viatorians on the Way to New Placements

This summer, a few of our Colombian religious are starting new ministry placements and/or studies:

• Fr. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV, has begun work as promotor vocacional (Coordinator of Vocation Ministry) and director de postulantes (Director of Pre-Novices). He will also assist Colegio San Viator (Saint Viator School) in Bogotá as capellán (Chaplain).
• Br. Juan David Ramírez, CSV, will begin studies in theology and philosophy at la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá.
• Fr. Edgar Orlando Suárez, CSV, has begun as rector (President) of Colegio San Viator in Bogotá.
• Fr. Juan Carlos Ubaque, CSV, has begun theological studies in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University for a License in Theology with specialization in religious formation.

Returning Home to New Ministries

Fr. John Alexander was ordained a priest a little over three months ago and continues to feel thankful. “Since my priestly ordination, I have experienced a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility as God continues to shape my ministry,” Fr. John Alexander said.

He previously served in Tunja and around the US, and he has now moved into Casa San Justo (Saint Just House) in Bogotá. There, he will live with the postulantes (pre-novices) and direct their formation. It is then his home base from which to promote vocations for the foundation and accompany young people, including assisting Colegio San Viator (Saint Viator School) as chaplain.

“Serving as the chaplain at Colegio San Viator, accompanying postulants in their formation, and promoting Viatorian vocations have allowed me to witness Christ’s presence in the lives of young people,” Fr. John Alexander said. “These ministries have strengthened my own vocation, reminding me that priesthood is not only about serving others but also about continually growing in faith, love, and fidelity to God’s call.”

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Responding to God’s Ongoing Invitations

The vocation to religious life snuck up a bit on Br. Juan David Ramírez, CSV. His discernment and formation have helped him prepare for life as a brother. And he credits his brothers in Tunja with helping him acclimate and find his stride as a religious and a teacher.

However, since his training is in pedagogy and education, he found he had a desire for digging more deeply into his faith. “My formation is as a math teacher, but as a religious, I don’t have as much formation,” Br. Juan David said. “So, I told my brothers I would like to study more.”

In considering further studies and turning to a greater focus on theology and philosophy, Br. Juan David also considered a new invitation from God. “They said we are going to see the possibilities [about studies]. And I’ve asked myself, ‘What do you think about ordination?’” Br. Juan David said. “So, at the start of studies, I said to my brothers again, ‘I would like to prepare for ordination.’”

Br. Juan David has joined the community at Casa San Justo and will begin theological and philosophical coursework at la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana with a view toward ordination.

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From Pastor to Rector

Fr. Edgar steered the early years of Parroquia San Viator (Saint Viator Parish) in Bogotá, including constructing the church. Now, he brings his experience and skills to Colegio San Viator, where he has begun as rector, similar to the role of president in US Catholic high schools.

In his welcome greeting on the school’s Instagram, Fr. Edgar shared his excitement and vision. “I come eager to see what we are able to do together for this school and with great energy for this new mission that our Provincial has commended to me,” Fr. Edgar said. “I want to be a rector who listens, who is present, who is always working for you.”

As a pastor, Fr. Edgar strived to be attentive to parishioners and families in leading the parish, and he brings this same view to leading the school community. “I am convinced that the alliance between families and the school is very important to achieving our objectives for these children,” Fr. Edgar said. “We begin this new year full of blessings, joys, and marvelous purpose for all of you and for our school.”

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On the Way to Italy

In January, the Viatorian General Council dedicated the new community residence in Rome. Now, four Viatorian religious have moved in to begin studies in Rome: one brother from each of Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Haiti and our own Fr. Juan Carlos Ubaque, CSV, of Colombia.

“The last days in Colombia were very emotional, saying goodbye to people I love and knowing that I will not see them for a few years,” Fr. Juan Carlos said. “Now in a completely different setting, I give thanks for this life, to my Provincial, and to God for this opportunity to immerse in international community and learn to live and study together in the Eternal City.”

While it is a major transition, life in Rome also brings great joy and awe. “It is my first time in Rome, and it has dazzling beauty. Its early Christian, Romanesque, and Barroque styles, are endeavors that such talented and skilled people made to proclaim God’s glory,” Fr. Juan Carlos said.

The four men are finishing an intensive Italian language course. Then, they will begin studies in religious formation direction at the Pierre Fabre Center of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Fr. Juan Carlos moved to our Viatorian residence in June to join this Viatorian cohort, with General Councilor Fr. Gerardo Soto, CSV, of Chile as the home’s local superior.

“I am living these moments with intention, joy, and affection,” Fr. Juan Carlos said. “I ask everyone to continue praying for me, manifesting the great ties that unite all of us as a Viatorian Community.”

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Final Notes

Br. Carlos Suárez, CSV, will begin graduate studies in Educational Psychology at la Universidad de la Sabana. While studying, he will continue his pastoral ministry at Colegio San Viator in Tunja.

At Casa San Justo, Joam Amaya Medina moved in and began his pre-novitiate earlier this summer. He joins first-year pre-novice Ángel Felipe Vásquez and second-year pre-novice Andrés Rozo Fontecha.

“Though I am nervous for the paths ahead, I trust that this experience will help me discover more clearly the purpose that God has for me. I look forward to learning from those who are part of this community, strengthening my relationship with God, and living the values of Saint Viator and Fr. Querbes,” Joam said. “I hope to build good relationships with my brothers and formation directors, grow each day in my commitment, and give my best.”

The quotes from Fr. Edgar, Fr. Juan Carlos, and Joam are interpreted from Spanish.