Br. John (left) enjoys a dinner for Viator Day in Colombia a few years ago with (left to right) Fr. Juan Carlos Ubaque, CSV, Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, Fr. Fredy Contreras, CSV, and Br. Juan David Ramirez, CSV.
As we seek deeper internationality with all parts of our global Viatorian Community, we are continuing our series of podcast episodes with Viatorians from other countries. In this episode, we stay within our province and turn to our Foundation of Colombia to hear from Br. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV.
Br. John professed first vows in 2019 and perpetual vows in 2022, and he has spent the last few years in the United States. Here, he has studied English, continued his theological studies and priestly formation at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, IL, and been ordained a transitional deacon. He has been ministering as a deacon at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bourbonnais, IL, since his ordination last summer. He even briefly filled in as a Spanish teacher at Saint Viator High School to help fill a medical leave.
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He was drawn to the Viatorian Community while he was also considering diocesan seminary. Fr. Fredy Contreras, CSV, who was accompanying him in discernment, helped him understand the differences between religious life and diocesan priesthood, which clarified Br. John’s preference for him. “Diocesan priests often live alone. I prefer to argue with my brothers; I prefer to play with my brothers; I prefer to spend my life with my brothers,” Br. John said, affirming Viatorian community life.
Br. John assisted Fr. Nestor Fils-Aimé, CSV, Superior General, in celebrating Mass for the perpetual profession of Br. Marc Innocent Prophete, CSV, of Haiti, in August 2025.
Br. John discusses a bit about Church life in Colombia, including Marian devotions, and how leadership worked with him to plan his studies in the US. As he finishes up this time of studying and ministering in the US, he sees the movements of the Holy Spirit in the exchanges of language and culture within our community and our Church. “Languages are like the Holy Spirit enacting our faith. For me, it shows our variety,” Br. John said. “When you are willing to do this, you enjoy this, and you feel well doing it.”
Hear more about Colombia, our Viatorian Community there, and what Br. John thinks makes our community so distinctly special – he believes it comes from sharing between religious and lay members – in Episode 102 on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
This series began in December with Ep. 101, exploring our solidarity with Haiti and Fr. Dudley Pierre, CSV.