The international Viatorian Community welcomed its newest priest this month, with the ordination of Fr. Serge William Bationo.
It will be the first of two priestly ordinations in two months for the Viatorians, with the second one coming June 13, with the ordination of Br. Daniel Lydon at St. Viator Church in Chicago.
A native of Burkina Faso in Africa, Fr. Bationo was ordained in the Kawaramachi Cathedral in Kyoto, Japan, where Viatorians have ministered since 1948.
Fr. Bationo said his first Mass at St. Viator Church in Kitashirakawa the day after his ordination.
“This is a historical event here in the foundation of Japan,” said Br. José Ignacio Vicario. “The entire community – religious, associates, parishioners, teachers, and friends – lived those two days filled with prayer, unity, collaboration, and family spirit. Today, we feel even closer and more united.”