Viatorians in Spain run large parishes and six schools, including locations in Madrid and in the Basque region, near the border of France. They also staff a parish and school in the Foundation of Honduras.
(L-R) Bishop Christopher Glancy, Fr. Robert M. Egan and Fr. Claudio Rios with Viatorian associates.
In all, the Province of Spain has 88 professed religious members and 62 associates, spread out across 15 communities. Consequently, there is much going on in Spain, and Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, Superior General, is there this week to experience its vibrancy, firsthand.
Fr. Claudio Rios celebrates Mass.
He is accompanied by Fr. Claudio Rios, CSV, a General Councilor from Chile, and Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV, who is providing translation during the visit.
Fr. Jesús Arroyo with Fr. Robert M. Egan
In addition to visiting parishes and schools, the Superior General wants to hear from Viatorians themselves — both professed and associates — about the life in each of these communities, and how the Viatorian charism is being advanced.
Fr. Jesús Arroyo, CSV, was elected last month to his second term as provincial of Spain, and he is optimistic about the challenges that lie ahead.
“We must maintain the joy of our vocations,” Fr. Arroyo said. “Through our pastoral work, we must take the Viatorian charism to all corners of the world, without neglecting the formation, spirituality and community life of all Viatorians.
“The Viatorian Community,” he added, “is a model of the people of God, and that can be a beautiful testimony in all latitudes.”