an icon of St. Viator from Japan (1972)
As we gather around the province on October 21, the Feast of St. Viator, it is appropriate to take a moment and remember why Fr. Querbes chose him as the patron of the Congregation. Although we lack precise biographical details on Viator, who lived in the 4th century, it is easy to see why elements of his life made him a perfect patron for Fr. Querbes’ young community of teachers/catechists.
Viator was a lector of the church of Lyon. While “lector” is an instituted ministry today, in the fourth century, it was an important position that entailed more than just reading passages from Scripture at a liturgical celebration. In a society that was only about 20% literate, a person who could read was an essential ecclesial minister. The lector would be involved not only liturgically, but also in explaining the significance of the Scriptures for the Christian life. This would bring him into contact with the larger church as well as with the education of children and adult converts to the faith. The catechetical dimension of Viator’s ministry was all important to Fr. Querbes. He upheld Viator as an inspiration for his young community, as Viatorians began responding to the need of educating the poor children of rural France.
In this same way, St. Viator is an inspiration for us who participate in the charism today by “striving to live a lively and enlightened faith by serving the Word.” Our work in high schools, chaplaincies, and parishes and with immigrant young people have all been ultimately inspired by Viator, lector and catechist of Lyon.
Happy St. Viator Day!
Rev. Mark Francis, CSV
Provincial