An important meeting took place earlier this month, when the Extraordinary General Council met in Valladolid, Spain. The international gathering drew all of the provincial superiors of the different Viatorian provinces, as well as members of the General Direction and the Superior General.
(L-R) Fr. Marcelo Lamas, Provincial of Chile; Fr. Mark Francis, Provincial Council member of the Chicago Province, Fr. Pierre Demierre, Provincial of France; Fr. Carlos Orduna, General Council member from Ivory Coast; Fr. Claudio Ríos, General Council member from Chile; Fr. Robert M. Egan, Superior General, from the U.S.; Fr. André Crosier, General Council member from France; Br. Benoit Tremblay, General Council member from Canada; Fr. Nestor Fils-Aimé, Provincial of Canada; and Fr. Jesús Arroyo, Provincial of Spain
In all, they came from seven different countries and spoke three different languages — English, French and Spanish. But this much they shared: their vows as Viatorians, committed to the charism of their founder, the Venerable Louis Querbes, and a fervent desire to advance the interculturality of the Viatorian Community.
The Extraordinary General Council typically takes place each year, in a different province. Last year, the provincials met in France, near Vourles, the birthplace of the Viatorians. Their meetings are a means of discussing with the General Council about issues that affect the provinces and foundations of the community. Ultimately, these Extraordinary General Council meetings promote solidarity between the General Council and the provinces, and by extension, strengthen the unity of the congregation.