The school year at Colegio San Viator (Saint Viator School) in Bogotá opened with a pair of festival days: the Mi Fe Vuele Como Una Cometa (My Faith Flies Like a Kite) family day on August 30 and Masses and celebrations for El Día del Padre Luis Querbes (Fr. Querbes Day) on September 1.
(Top) Fr. Felipe preached alongside students dressed in the contemporary French habit Fr. Querbes would have worn, and (bottom) young students received Fr. Querbes bookmarks as gifts for the day.
“These celebrations of faith hold a very special meaning for me because they remind us of who we are and of the mission that gives purpose to our educational ministry,” Rector Fr. Edgar Suárez, CSV, said. “Celebrating the Eucharist together, gathering as a Viatorian family, and remembering the life and legacy of Fr. Querbes return to the roots of our charism while asking ourselves how we can continue to make it alive today.”
For the Sunday fun day, students, families, alumni, and all friends of the school community were invited to campus for a 10am Sunday Mass followed by an afternoon on the grounds. The school offered concessions and invited families to bring potluck items, with the outdoor areas open for kite-flying, sports, and games.
Two days later, school Masses honored the anniversary of the death of Fr. Louis Querbes, founder of the Viatorians. Primary School Chaplain Fr. Felipe Montes, CSV, celebrated Mass with the young students. Secondary School Chaplain Fr. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV, celebrated Mass for the older students, with Fr. Edgar concelebrating and Br. P. Enrique Medina, CSV, who directs the religious education department, serving the Mass.
“To be Viatorian is something that we carry on together, including when our paths bring us far from our school. The teachings of Fr. Querbes persist in our form of living, accompanying people, and leaving our mark,” Fr. John said. “Because, once you are Viatorian, you are always Viatorian – it is a legacy that remains with you as ‘A Lion for Life.’ We must see in one another the loving face of our God, who continues to grow our Viatorian charism.”
Fr. John (top, center) prayed the Eucharistic Prayer alongside Fr. Edgar (top, left) and Br. Enrique (top, right), and (bottom) Br. Enrique assisted with ministering communion.
In leading the community, Fr. Edgar hopes these special celebrations reflect the mission that goes deeper than homework and tests. “A Viatorian education is much more than academic excellence. We seek to form young people who can discover God in their lives, recognize others as brothers and sisters, serve generously, and leave a positive mark on the world,” Fr. Edgar said. “This is why we speak so often about identity, fraternity, and transcendence – three dimensions that we want our students to experience not only in the classroom, but in every encounter and every celebration.”
As the Viatorians move toward our bicentennial in 2031, these joyful days reflect the vitality that endures from our charism and mission. “These celebrations remind us that the Viatorian charism is still very much alive. Many years after Father Querbes’ death and thousands of miles from Vourles, France, his dream continues to bear fruit here in Bogotá, in the hearts and lives of our children and young people,” Fr. Edgar said. “For me, as rector and as a Viatorian religious, it is both a great joy and a profound responsibility to help keep that flame burning brightly for new generations.”