Viatorians worldwide pause every Sept. 1 to remember their founder, Fr. Louis Querbes, who founded the congregation in 1831, in Vourles, France, where he served as pastor of a small church.Querbes 1

Today we celebrate the 157th anniversary of his death.

The observance took place in parishes and schools throughout the Viatorian Province of  Chicago, as well as in international locations around the world.

At the Viatorian Province Center, retired members of the Viatorians prayed for the beatification of Fr. Querbes. His cause has been taken up by Vatican officials, who have called him a Servant of God and his cause advances toward being named venerable.

Viatorians gathered at Maternity BVM Cemetery in Bourbonnais in observance of Fr. Querbes Day

Viatorians gathered at Maternity BVM Cemetery in Bourbonnais in observance of Fr. Querbes Day

In Colombia, Fr. Querbes’ vision of ministering to young people in the church and of raising up communities of faith, is evident even as the number of Viatorians continues to grow there.TomVonBehren 027

“On his day of remembrance for all of us who are his heirs as members of the Viatorian Community, let us say a prayer of thanksgiving for his life and his vision,” said Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial, “for his passion and for his utter belief in God’s providence.

“Indeed, his community is alive and well,” Fr. von Behren adds. “Happy Fr. Querbes Day to all.”