On Saturday, The Viatorian Community welcomed Br. Tony Davies and Br. Sal Solis with a Reception of Novices at Mass at St. Patrick Church in Kankakee, IL, the site of their novitiate.
(Top) Fr. Mark formally welcomed Br. Tony and Br. Sal, who also (bottom) brought forward the gifts for the preparation of the altar.
This gathering also was the Bourbonnais-Kankakee region’s celebration of Querbes Day (September 1). Provincial Superior Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, celebrated the Mass. Director of Novices Fr. Dan Lydon, CSV, concelebrated and shared reflections on the novitiate, both in a call to worship and in preaching the homily.
“Novitiate is an intentional stepping away from normal routine to make room for the absolute fullness of Christ. The schedule will give you structure – and this is good – but it is not the full purpose,” Fr. Dan said. “The disciplines exist to create space for radically falling in love with God. Christ is walking with you. Seek Christ above all rules.”
Last year as pre-novices, the brothers began with an introductory experience of Viatorian religious life through residential living and part-time ministry based at the Province Center. Now as novices, they undertake an intentional time for examining Viatorian religious life and contemplating the religious vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience – which they could request to profess for an initial three-year period following their novice year. “This is not so much about intensive study as a time to step back from the world, listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, and anchor yourselves in the tradition of the Viatorian Community. May the zeal of Fr. Querbes burn brightly in your hearts,” Fr. Dan said.
Fr. Dan (center) is directing the novice year for Br. Sal (left) and Br. Tony (right). They are living at St. Patrick Rectory, and spending most of their time there, but they will travel around the province for various experiences directed by Fr. Dan, too.
Their novitiate formally began on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, in a service at the Province Center. Novitiate must be one full year in length, so it will continue into next August. As part of Saturday’s reception, Fr. Mark gifted each novice a Viatorian pin and a copy of the Viatorian Constitution to aid their discernment. “Let the words of our constitutions guide your prayer, inspire your service, and guide your steps in your novice year. May God bless you with peace, protect you from anxiety, and fill you with his love,” Fr. Mark said.
Viatorian associates, brothers, and priests gathered for this Mass, which included a communal prayer of rededication to the Viatorian mission. After Mass, the group enjoyed a community lunch at George’s Family House in nearby Bradley, IL.
This local celebration was just one small measure of the joy we share with our global Viatorian Community. “A celebration like this isn’t just for our province but for our whole worldwide congregation. We make this good news known to all the faraway places in our community,” Fr. Mark said. “New members walking with us in this way of life is great news, and we thank God for their individuality, their God-given gifts, and the joyful day they bring us as Viatorians.”
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Happy Querbes Day from the Bourbonnais-Kankakee Region!