Br. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV has begun his ministry as a transitional deacon in the Bourbonnais-Kankakee region. He moved into the rectory at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Bourbonnais, where he’ll minister and live with Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, pastor, and Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, parochial vicar, who will mentor him and collaborate with him as he begins ordained ministry.
Br. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV
Br. John reflects back on his ordination day with deep gratitude. “The journey to that moment was long and winding, filled with moments of joy, doubt, and introspection. Then on that day, all those emotions coalesced into a profound sense of purpose and commitment,” Br. John said.
Already, Fr. Moses has brought Br. John along to Sacred Heart Church, our ministry in Kankakee County’s Pembroke Township, where Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV is parochial administrator. With a mix of Black and Hispanic Mass-goers, Viatorians typically celebrate bilingual Mass, and Br. John can minister there in both languages.
Bishop Glancy lays hands on Br. John at his ordination to the diaconate.
Back in Kankakee, Br. John is part of the rotation of Viatorians ministering at St. Patrick Church’s Misa en Español each Sunday afternoon. There, he can assist with the liturgy and preach in Spanish.
Then at Maternity BVM in Bourbonnais, where the congregation is primarily English-speakers, Br. John is focusing on English-language ministry when assisting with Mass, preaching homilies, and ministering baptisms.
He was ordained a transitional deacon in June by his brother, Bishop Glancy, whose homily and laying on of hands remain strong memories. “He spoke of the deacon’s role as a servant of the Lord, a bridge between the church and the world. I felt a surge of pride and responsibility as I listened to his words,” Br. John said. “The bishop laid his hands on me, praying that the Holy Spirit would descend upon me and empower me for the ministry ahead. The sensation was almost palpable, as if a weight had been lifted onto my shoulders.”
At Mass for Br. Marc’s perpetual profession, Br. John proclaimed the Gospel and assisted Fr. Fils-Aimé at the altar.
With this responsibility also comes neat opportunities, such as the Mass earlier this month for the profession of perpetual vows by Br. Marc Innocent Prophète, CSV. Fr. Nestor Fils-Aimé, CSV, Superior General came to celebrate Mass and receive Br. Marc’s vows, and Br. John assisted him with the liturgy, including proclaiming the Gospel. In a wonderful reflection of Viatorian internationality, a Haitian Viatorian celebrated Mass; a Canadian Viatorian exercised his office as Provincial and presented his brother for profession; an American Viatorian assisted as master of ceremonies; and a Colombian Viatorian – Br. John – assisted as deacon.
So, now, this next phase of Br. John’s ministry is underway in Bourbonnais – and he’s grateful to gain further perspective on this whole process and on his religious life and vocation. “As I look back on that day, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of the diaconate, and I pray that I may be faithful to the ministry to which I have been called,” Br. John said. “Thank you, all my community, for supporting me. I am Viatorian for ever and ever.”