Across our Foundation of Colombia, Viatorians continue to walk faithfully with young people, accompanying them in deepening their faith and identifying God’s invitations for them, including to Viatorian religious life. As we catch up with Colombian ministries, let us also pray for the people of Colombia after the earthquake earlier this week.
V Encuentro Juvenil Viatoriano (Fifth Viatorian Youth Encounter)
Last month in Tunja, Viatorians organized their fifth annual youth day for students from area schools, including our own Colegio San Viator (Saint Viator School).
Fr. Fredy (top) and Br. Peter (bottom) each addressed the hundreds of young people gathered at la Universidad Santo Tomás.
Viatorian religious welcomed guests from Hijas de la Caridad (Daughters of Charity), Hijas de la Iglesia (Daughters of the Church), Congregación de la Siervas de la Madre de Dios (Servants of the Mother of God), Orden Franciscana (Franciscans), and Dominicas de Santa Catalina de Sena (Dominicans of Saint Catherine of Siena) – a wide range of women and men religious who gave witness to the diversity of religious life.
The program included music led by Ministerio Musical LatíDios and talks by Rector Fr. Fredy Hernando Contreras, CSV, and Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, of the US who was studying Spanish in Colombia this summer. The theme was ‹‹a santidad también viste de jeans y tenis›› (“holiness can also be seen in jeans and tennis shoes”).
Br. Carlos Suárez, CSV, organized the program as part of his leadership in pastoral ministry for our school. “Holiness can be lived today, in daily life and in the concrete circumstances of each young person,” Br. Carlos said. “To be holy does not mean to stop being a young person but rather learning to live your youth from an encounter with Christ. We can show young people that they can be protagonists of a Church that is alive, joyful, and committed.”
Br. Carlos enjoyed organizing a day that was practical as well as lively. “Our fraternity was made visible in the shared participation of the young people, the teachers, the religious, and the different communities, and our Viatorian identity was presented to young people in relatable language, including the spirituality of St. Viator and Fr. Querbes,” Br. Carlos said.
Encuentro Vocacional (Vocation Encounter)
Fr. John Alexander (second from right) celebrated Mass for the men who participated in the retreat.
From July 31 to August 2, Viatorians led nine young men who are discerning religious life on a retreat. Coordinador Vocacional (Vocation Coordinator) Fr. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV, and Br. Edwin Barreto, CSV, led the experience.
“Throughout these days, the participants learned more about the spirituality and charism of Viatorian religious life, shared their experiences, and deepened their prayer life,” Fr. John Alexander said. “We hope they will discover that vocation is not simply a personal choice, but a generous response to a call that God places deep within the human heart.”
Fr. John Alexander and Br. Edwin shared personal experiences from their vocations to religious life, and Fr. John Alexander led Exposition and celebrated Mass. “Each story, question, and desire they shared reminds us that God continues to call and that there are young people willing to pause, listen, and ask what God desires,” Fr. John Alexander said. “May the Lord continue to inspire generous vocations, and may our communities always be places where every young person feels welcomed, accompanied, and free to discover God’s dream for their lives.”
Welcoming Our New Postulante (Pre-Novice)
Joam (left) at a recent meal outing with Ángel (standing) and Andrés (right).
As part of the weekend retreat, the Viatorian Community formally welcomed Joam Amaya Medina into religious formation. Director de Postulantes (Director of Pre-Novices) Fr. John Alexander led the ceremony, and Joam’s housemates at Casa San Justo (Saint Just House) Br. Juan David Ramírez, CSV, and Pre-Novices Ángel Felipe Vásquez (in his first of two years) and Andrés Rozo Fontecha (in his second year) joined the gathering.
“Entering postulancy does not mean having all the answers. It means being willing to take a step forward, open one’s heart to God, and begin a deeper journey,” Fr. John Alexander said. “We accompany Joam with our prayers and fraternity, trusting that the Lord will continue to guide each of his steps and grant him the freedom and generosity he needs to respond faithfully to God’s call.”