On Saturday, Br. Marc Innocent Prophète, CSV professed perpetual vows at the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights, Illinois, committing to the Viatorian Community for life.
Fr. Nestor Fils-Aimé, CSV, Superior General, came to celebrate the Mass, including preaching the homily, and receive Br. Marc’s vows.
Br. Marc is a native of Haiti who is living in the US while he studies ordination-track theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Fr. Nestor Fils-Aimé, CSV, Superior General – and a fellow Haitian – came to celebrate the Mass and receive Br. Marc’s vows. The Viatorian Region of Haiti is part of the Province of Canada, so Br. Jean-Marc St. Jacques, CSV, Provincial Superior of Canada, came to present him for profession.
“Our lives can only burst forth in thanksgiving to God, who chose this young man in whom he placed many great qualities and intelligence, to serve the Church in the community founded by the Venerable Louis Querbes,” Fr. Fils-Aimé preached in French in his homily, translated to English in the worship aid.
The Province of Chicago hosted this joyful day: Fr. John Eustice, CSV served as master of ceremonies; Fr. Jhobany Orduz, CSV sang the litany of the saints while Br. Marc laid prostrate in prayer; and Br. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV, a transitional deacon who studied alongside Br. Marc at CTU, proclaimed the Gospel and assisted Fr. Fils-Aimé.
The Viatorian Community turned out in strong support of Br. Marc, including Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial Superior of Chicago (top left); Br. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV, who assisted with Mass as deacon (top right); Br. Jean-Marc St. Jacques, CSV, Provincial Superior of Canada who presented Br. Marc for profession (bottom left); and Fr. Jhobany Orduz, CSV, who sang the litany of the saints (bottom right).
Br. Marc has been in the US for a few years now since beginning his studies, and he has become well-known around the Province of Chicago as he’s taken part in our community life for his joyful presence, bright smile, and infectious laughter. “From when he was born, he was already blushing from smiles,” Br. St. Jacques said in his presentation of Br. Marc.
At the community luncheon after Mass, Br. Marc and his sister, mother, and father – as well as his Superior General – shared their joy by singing a Marian hymn for the group. “I don’t think I would’ve been able to profess these vows without the support of all the Viatorians,” Br. Marc said in his speech. “I’m not smiling because everything is always fine, but because, even in challenging moments, all of you are behind me.”
Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial and many professed Viatorians from the US joined in the liturgy and came forward for the traditional Viatorian fraternal embrace at Mass following Br. Marc’s profession. Additionally, many Viatorian associates, a few CTU classmates, and more friends gathered, and Br. Marc was grateful for such support.
Br. Marc was joined by his mother, sister, and father.
“I don’t say yes by myself. I go forward counting on all your encouragement, support, and prayers,” Br. Marc said.
Fr. Fils-Aimé’s homily echoed this sentiment. “Vows are both signs of contradiction and hope. When taken and lived responsibly, vows become good news for the world. I hope that you, dear Marc-Innocent, will be a sign of hope for all those who cross your path,” Fr. Fils-Aimé said. “Be where the Lord wants you to be! May the Lord make you grow in His love and bless your religious life in building a beautiful, flourishing Viatorian Community. And may Jesus be proclaimed, loved, and adored.”
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