On Wednesday night of the Provincial Assembly, the Viatorian Community celebrated its three jubilarians at a special Mass (available on YouTube):
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Fr. Don (left) listened in as Fr. Mark (right) preached the homily.
Fr. Donald Wehnert, CSV, is nearing 75 years of religious life, having professed first vows on August 15, 1951, and he is currently living in the retirement community of our Province Center;
- Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, is nearing 50 years of religious life, having professed first vows on July 31, 1976, and he is currently serving as Provincial Superior;
- and Fr. Felipe Montes, CSV, is nearing 25 years of priesthood, having been ordained a priest on December 1, 2001, and he is currently serving as Parochial Vicar at Parroquia San Viator (Saint Viator Parish);
- additionally, the community remembers Fr. Donald Fitzsimmons, CSV, who died earlier this year and would have celebrated 75 years of religious life in August, having professed first vows the same day as Fr. Donald Wehnert.
At the age of 93, Fr. Wehnert still possesses an astoundingly strong memory and chimes into conversations with good humor. Fr. Mark, who celebrated the Mass, offered a word of thanks before the final blessing, joking about everyone’s putting up with him for 50 years. Without missing a beat, Fr. Don, whose wheelchair was parked right up front by the ambo, replied nice and loudly, “We’ve really enjoyed it!”
In the left photo: Fr. Don enjoyed the dinner and toasts alongside other senior members, including Br. Pat Drohan, CSV (left), Fr. John Van Wiel, CSV (behind Br. Pat), and Fr. Charlie Bolser, CSV (foreground), who turned 88 yesterday. In the right photo: Fr. Mark ministered communion to Bishop Chris Glancy, CSV, at Mass.
Fr. Mark also preached the homily, in which he reflected on his gratitude for God’s grace through the Viatorian Community. “My predominant emotion looking back on 50 years is gratitude – to the community for my spiritual and intellectual formation, for the extraordinary fellow Viatorians with whom I have lived, for the patience and forbearance of how they’ve put up with me for many years,” Fr. Mark said. “All of this is based on my profound conviction of God’s presence in my life that has sustained me, over the years, in the joyful and painful moments.”
The community came together for dinner after Mass, which included toasts and gifts for the jubilarians. Provincial Councilor Fr. Tom von Behren, CSV, toasted Fr. Mark.
Fr. Felipe Montes, CSV
“Mark prepared himself, from the early years, to be able to communicate and to be a leader,” Fr. Tom said. “First, he was called to Colombia, including to lead the foundation and guide formation there. Then, later, he was called to become our Superior General – elected to two consecutive terms, which is not always the way that happens.”
Fr. Don directed his jubilee donation to Viator House of Hospitality for young men seeking asylum in the US, and Fr. Mark directed his gift to St. Viator Parish School’s Micah Program of inclusive education for students with special needs.
Fr. Felipe was not able to attend this assembly, and we look forward to his anniversary later this year.
Congratulations, Fr. Don, Fr. Mark, and Fr. Felipe!
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