Our worldwide Viatorian Community serves the Church and the world with great joy and vitality – and also strives to share that hope in accompaniment of discerners and those drawn to the Viatorian life and charism. Our global solidarity series on Viatorian Voices concludes by connecting this unified witness, that gathers and shares this charismatic joy from everywhere that Viatorians live and serve.
In addition to excerpts from the guests in our eight full episodes with members from eight countries, this ninth episode features reflections from Japan, Chile, and Peru.
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Fr. William served in Japan for many years. Here, he celebrated memorial Mass at Rakusei school (top) and a Mass at a local church (bottom) in 2023.
Fr. William Serge Bationo, CSV, is a native of Burkina Faso who served for many years in Japan, where Viatorians founded a school in 1952 that continues serving hundreds of students today. Fr. William invited Associate Oshima Yukinobu to share a bit about our school. “Each morning begins with prayer together with the students, and during the religious activities, we reflect on and savor the Gospel,” Oshima said. “Once a month, we hold prayer meetings with associates. I would like to continue sharing with others how we are loved by God, and to pray together for peace and for the world’s Viatorian Community.”
In sharing the joy of our vocation, Fr. William added his reflection. “A vocation is not something imposed from outside – it is a quiet invitation that grows within you, often through your desire to serve, teach, and walk with others,” Fr. William said. “The Viatorian charism is beautiful because it is rooted in community life, faith, and the commitment to accompany young people.”
Fr. Rodrigo Andrade, CSV, of Chile offered a Spanish-language reflection, shared alongside an English translation. “Jump in and take a risk. Discern. Put your life into the hands of God,” Fr. Rodrigo said. “Pray. Discern well. Consider spiritual direction. Hang in there, and dare to discover the adventure of being a Christian today! A hug to you all!”
Associate Geber Rodriguez sent his affection and reflection on behalf of our community in Peru. “Our Viatorian Community is a space that shows that faith isn’t only a feeling but something rooted in announcing the good news of Jesus Christ,” Geber said. “[Vocation is] staking your life on the joy that doesn’t depend on certain styles, successes, or approval, but on knowing that you’ve been called again and again. You feel the spark of God’s knocking on your door. Don’t be afraid. Through listening and responding, sometimes in the middle of noise, a question appears that won’t leave – and if you feel called to something more, then it becomes up to you to respond.”
We invite you to discover the diversity and unity of expression present in our global Viatorian Community, and reflect on the common thread of our charism and community life. Episode 109, which concludes our global solidarity series, can be found on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
Spanish quotations interpreted into English – thanks to Fr. Dan Lydon, CSV, for assisting with interpretation.