Viatorian priests and brothers were on hand for the Night of the Lion gala Saturday, that raised money for its tuition assistance fund.
In attendance were: Fr. Charles Bolser, chaplain; Fr. Mick Egan, provincial and former president; Fr. Dan Hall, vice president of identity and mission; Fr. Dan Lydon, religion and Spanish teacher; Fr. Arnold Perham, retired math teacher; Br. John Eustice, former campus minister; and Br. Jhobany Orduz, visiting Colombian brother.
Mr. Brian Liedlich, president of Saint Viator High School, introduced these Viatorians to the crowd of nearly 250 guests in attendance.
“Thank you for your leadership, ministry and inspiration,” Liedlich said.
Viatorians opened Saint Viator High School in 1961, and they continue to work to provide a secondary Catholic education to young people in Chicago’s Northwest suburbs. Increasingly, however, their families turn to financial assistance to afford a Viatorian education.
Liedlich told the crowd that school officials have budgeted a record $1.65 million for financial aid this year, in response to a larger than ever number of applications for assistance.
“We know that 30 percent of our student body would not be able to attend Saint Viator High School without assistance,” Liedlich said.
He closed his remarks with a quote from the founder of the Viatorians, Fr. Louis Querbes, that underscored the evening’s mission.
“People are bolder when they’re doing God’s work,” he said. “Tonight, through your support, we’re doing God’s work.”