For the first time in 12 years, a new Provincial Superior leads the Viatorian Community in
the United States and Colombia.
Fr. Mick Egan, CSV, was elected by his confreres in April and installed on Sunday during a ceremony that was steeped in tradition. Members of his Provincial also were installed, including: Fr. Dan Hall, CSV, assistant provincial; Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Fr. Albeyro Vanegas, CSV, and Br. John Eustice, CSV.
“Your willingness to be present — and of those who form the council with you — is an eloquent expression of your deep faith in what we are and in the mission that we accomplish in our world,” said Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV, Superior General, in a letter read by Br. Carlos Ernesto Flórez, general councilor.
Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, immediate past provincial, served as a delegate for Fr. Ambeault and presided over the ceremony.
“This is a joyous celebration,” he said. “On this Pentecost Sunday, we recognize the Holy Spirit in our lives and hope that same spirit infuses this new provincial and his council.”
In his homily, Fr. Egan drew inspiration from the words of the prophet Micah, who encouraged the people of Israel to “act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God.”
Fr. Egan added that like the disciples in the room on Pentecost, he and his new council have some uncertainty about what lies ahead, but that they would heed Micah’s words: “As for me, I will look to the Lord.”
“We have a renewed sense of hope, of energy and of trust in God,” he added. “And we have an openness to the Holy Spirit, to where it is God calls us to serve.”