Like many Viatorians, Br. Edwin Barreto, CSV, discerned his calling to religious life through discussions with other Viatorians, especially Fr. Rafael Sanabria, CSV, his pre-novice master.
Br. Edwin Alfonso Barreto, far left, was among four brothers to profess first vows last year. They included: Br. John Alexander Avellaneda, Fr. Daniel Hall, Provincial, Br. Parmenio Enrique Medina, and Br. Juan David Ramierez
Br. Edwin made his first profession of vows in 2019. Once he completed his university studies in philosophy and Spanish that August, he began teaching language and literature to primary grade students at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá.
Br. Edwin comes from a devout Catholic family in the city of Ibagué, which is in the center of Colombia’s coffee region. He is one of four brothers, whose father is a retired police officer and whose mother is a kindergarten teacher. And religious life runs in the family a bit – Br. Edwin’s paternal aunt is a member of the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, a religious order founded in Colombia. “She has been an example and model in my religious life,” Br. Edwin says.
Br. Edwin Alfonso Barreto, CSV
Br. Edwin says he was drawn to the Viatorians because of their charism, prayer life, and pastoral work with people of all ages.
“I was motivated by that spirit of service and brotherhood and that ability to find spaces of intimacy with God,” he says. “I wanted to be with men who find joy in being ready to contribute their abilities for the benefit of others.”
Br. Edwin hopes to advance the Viatorian charism and joy of religious life to his students, while teaching them more about the vocation of being a religious brother.
“Being a Viatorian has enriched my life,” Br. Edwin says. “It has given me the opportunity to put my skills and abilities at the service of the community – and bring to life the legacy of our founder, Fr. Querbes.”
More on Br. Edwin from Viatorians.com:
- FEATURE: Fr. Dan Lydon on the Way to Colombia (2025): Br. Edwin stepped down from directing formation to shift full-time to theological studies, handing on this important ministry to a brother and his own formation continues.
- Colombia Welcomes New Pre-Novices (2025): As Director of Pre-Novices/Postulantes, Br. Edwin assisted with the welcome for these men into formation who he accompanied.
- Vocations Continue to Grow in Colombia and Chile (2024): As Director of Pre-Novices/Postulantes, Br. Edwin assisted with the welcome for these men into formation who he accompanied.
- Academic Success for This Colombian Brother (2020): Br. Edwin earned undergraduate degrees in philosophy and Spanish.
Updated July 9, 2025 by Associate Dan Masterton..