After nearly two years in the making, a 36-page comic book that animates the life of St. Viator, is a reality.
Called “Heroes of Faith: St. Viator of Lyon,” the book was developed by the Vocation Ministry office of the Viatorians as a way to present the story of St. Viator in a way that is accessible for young readers.
At this point, it is published in a digital format — look at it here — but plans are in the works to offer the story in a print edition soon.
The colorful story illuminates the life of young Viator, growing up in the 4th Century Lyon, France and being inspired by Bishop Just.
Together, they fought off a mob that stormed the city, before eventually fleeing into the Egyptian desert and a stark existence in monastic life. They died within a year of each other, around the year 390.
“The idea behind the comic book arose from conversations I had with Viatorians during their regional meetings,” says Bart Hisgen, assistant vocations director. “There was a need to develop resources for young readers and youth around the life of St. Viator.”
The last time a comic book was developed around the life and times of St. Viator was the late 1950s, in Spain. Consequently, Bart worked with graphic designers to redraw all the images in high-resolution and recolored each frame. He also translated the text, making culturally appropriate changes where needed.
Response from around the Viatorian provinces was immediately positive. In fact area youth ministers and pastoral associates wanted to know how soon they could obtain the print edition to use with their young students interested in learning more about the Viatorians’ 4th Century patron.