Associate Hector Obregon-Luna is the Executive Director of the Latino Resource Institute of Illinois. Before his keynote at an October 2025 conference in Dallas for domestic violence education, Hector introduced himself not just as a non-profit leader and counseling expert, but also as a Viatorian Associate.
Hector traveled to Dallas to provide a keynote and facilitation at this Catholic conference in October 2025.
“In this keynote presentation, I explored the roots of the ideas behind domestic violence beliefs and furnished diocesan leaders with tools and church resources to respond more assertively, with the goal of enabling and fostering safety, healing, and hope in the community,” Hector said. “I believe that when we refine our thinking and behavior, we become accountable for our actions and their consequences, allowing true change to begin.”
The keynote, “Understanding the Beliefs Behind Domestic Violence: Equipping Lay Leaders to Respond with Compassion and Care,” was part of a conference serving 70 diocesan leaders from around the Dallas area, including pastors and deacons as well as lay leaders. Hector directed youth ministry and religious education at St. Viator Parish in Chicago for over 15 years, and he is also a trained counselor with experience in domestic violence and anger management counseling. So, his unique education and experience made him a great fit for such a presentation.
Hector first connected with LRII through its late founder and briefly worked for him part-time before the founder died in 2015. As the COVID pandemic began to ease in late 2020, Hector had a providential idea to call the founder’s daughter and discovered the organization was hiring. After a few months working with LRII, he was promoted to Executive Director, in May 2021.
“For me, this ministry is more than a profession – it is a vocation. My work with LRII is another way of being Christ’s presence among the people. God has entrusted me with this mission,” Hector said. “Wherever I serve, I strive to listen deeply, respect others, and help them feel valued. This is at the core of my calling, and my theological formation and spiritual journey enable me to accompany others with compassion, empathy, and love. I do theology in the everyday life of the people.”
Associate Hector Obregon-Luna with Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV
Hector and LRII are focused on resourcing immigrants and their families with services such as counseling, parenting skills training, and support in accessing social services. Viatorians are committed to serving and walking with people who society tries to account of little importance, and Hector lives this out in his work.
The deep roots of his faith and his vocation in ministry go back to his native Peru, where a Catholic missionary priest helped Hector catalyze his faith. After coming to the US, Hector went on to study at Viatorian-sponsored Catholic Theological Union in addition to working at St. Viator. Over time, these Viatorian connections helped him discover a call to Viatorian association.
“Being involved with the Viatorian life and ministry has inspired me to continue my personal vocation as an associate, and share my gifts and talents of accompanying people through catechesis, counseling, mentoring, and music,” Hector said. “Working side by side with Viatorian members has been an enriching and life-giving experience for me.”
Hector initially committed as a Viatorian associate in 2013 and carries the charism with him, whether serving Latinos around Chicagoland or bringing his expertise on the road. “Wherever I am, I know I have been called to serve. The Viatorian Community has continually supported and nurtured this calling through leadership and guidance,” Hector said. “I am deeply grateful to the entire Viatorian family. They have helped me strengthen my vocation, spirituality, and sense of community.”
More on Hector from Viatorians.com:
- One Young Adult’s Unfolding Response to God’s Invitations (2025): Viatorian Youth Leader Viviana Tellez discusses her discernment and vocation to campus ministry, citing Hector particularly as an affirming and supportive mentor when he was her youth minister at St. Viator Parish in Chicago.
- Taizé Prayer Livestream a Success (2020): When the pandemic limited in-person prayer gatherings, Hector’s musical ability and technological proficiency were a huge help to the Viatorian Community ministering online, including livestreams of Taizé Prayer.
Hector (front, left of candles) was part of a faithful masked team that setup and live-streamed Taizé Prayer during the peak of the pandemic restrictions.
- First VYConnect Resonates with Teens (2020): Hector’s tech savvy and ability to stay in touch with youth group members helped engage them in VYConnect, the temporary stand-in program for VYC during the pandemic.
- This New Teacher Returns to His Viatorian Roots (2019): When Alex Tellez took a teaching role at Cristo Rey St. Viator in Nevada, it became clear that his time working alongside Hector at St. Viator helped prepare him and direct his decision.
- St. Viator Parish Celebrates Milestone Anniversary (2018): Hector took part in the 130-year anniversary of the parish and 90-year anniversary of the church building. He also pitched in with campus cleanup and improvements ahead of the big day.
- Viatorian Associates Renew Their Commitment (2015): Following his initial commitment in 2013, Hector renewed his commitment for additional three years.
- Viatorians Featured During Celebration of Consecrated Life (2015): Hector shared a reflection on the impact a missionary priest had on his faith while growing up in Peru.
- Immersing Young Adults in the Life of the Church (2014): In engaging youth adults in ongoing ministry, Hector’s music ensemble ministered at the installation of Cardinal Blasé Cupich in Holy Name Cathedral.
- Helping Teens Uncover their True Identity (2014): Hector played a big role in preparing and leading a youth retreat for Catholics on the NW side of Chicago, focused on self-understanding.
- Youth Ministry Mixes it Up at St. Viator (2012): Hector’s newly started youth group began a once-a-month family Mass with young people leading liturgical ministries, including Jean Ang who as just 14 at the time but went on to become a VYC young adult leader and coordinator.
Updated by Associate Dan Masterton on November 24, 2025.