New Exhibit at the Province Center

“The Spirit of Fr. Querbes Alive Today” was the theme of the celebrations in Vourles, France for the 150th anniversary of the death of Louis Querbes on August 30 – September 1, 2009.

Viatorians gathered to honor his memory, to enrich their knowledge of his life and spirituality, to renew their commitment to his ideals, and to pray for his beatification and canonization. They participated in a three day program of spiritual renewal, walking in the footsteps of Fr. Querbes, praying at his gravesite, attending lectures and celebrating the Eucharist at the two churches of his ministry, St. Nizier in Lyons and St. Bonnet in Vourles.

Photos of these events are displayed along with pamphlets and brochures brought back from the visit that are dedicated to Querbes. Also on display are the DVD and booklet created specifically for this anniversary called The Viatorians Today, the parish bulletin insert that was distributed, as well as the English version of the book Louis Querbes and the Catechists of St. Viator by Robert Bonnafous published for this special year.

The Arlington Heights/Chicago Region celebrated on September 1, 2009 at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL with a prayer service to commemorate Fr. Querbes and all deceased Viatorians. Photos of this event are also in the exhibit.

The Querbesian Year began September 1, 2009 and will be celebrated throughout the Viatorian community until August 31, 2010. Each province and foundation will undertake educational and spiritual activities and programs to make Fr. Louis Querbes better known and will launch a crusade of intercessionary prayers for his beatification.

The spirit of Louis Querbes is alive today and onward into the future with hope and promise!