In his more than 60 years as a Viatorian, Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, has served in leadership at Saint Viator High School, as Provincial Superior, and as pastor for three parishes — St. Joseph’s in Springfield, IL; St. Thomas More in Henderson, NV; and St. Viator in Chicago. Wherever he went, people commented that there was something different about Viatorians.
In this roundtable episode of Viatorian Voices: Conversations on the Way, Fr. Render reflects on that question: What makes Viatorians unique?
“People tell us that we’re relatable, that we’re easy to be with — and welcoming,” he tells Br. John Eustice, CSV, who serves as moderator. “There’s a spirit of community that we create and people experience it in our schools and in our parishes. There’s a real sense of hospitality that makes people feel like they belong.
“Building up community is one of the characteristics of Viatorians,” he adds, “and that’s very visible and evident.”
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