Br. Fredy Contreras, CSV, has a lot on his plate these days.communion

Fr. Thomas von Behren, left, Br. Fredy Contreras, center and Msgr. Misael Vacca Ramirez, right

Fr. Thomas von Behren, left, Br. Fredy Contreras, center and Msgr. Misael Vacca Ramirez, right

By day, he leads the Middle Years Program at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá, started by the Viatorians more than 50 years ago.final blessing

Currently, the Middle Years Program in the midst of an assessment with the International Baccalaureate Program. The goal is to become authorized later this year , as the Primary Years Program did in the spring.

At night, Br. Fredy continues his studies toward the priesthood and his master’s degree in Bible theology. One year after becoming an acolyte, he was ordained a transitional deacon as part of his formation program dictated by Canon Law.

As if that isn’t enough, Br. Fredy also serves as director of vocations for the Foundation of Colombia, with the Viatorian Community — which is a busy job, these days.lying prostrate

His ordination took place at San Juan Maria Vianney Parish. Msgr.  Misael Vacca Ramirez presided, along with other Viatorian priests on the altar including Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial.

“In this time when many religious communities are experiencing declining vocations and few vocations,” Fr. von Behren said, “this is a hopeful sign.”blessing of the hands

Br. Fredy is a native of Colombia and a graduate of the Universidad de San Buenaventura in Bogotá. He took his first vows as a Viatorian in 2008 and hopes to be ordained next year.