A homecoming of sorts took place last week, when Fr. Alan Syslo, CSV, moved back to the Viatorian Province Center. He last lived in Arlington Heights when he was a novice, from 1957 to 1958, or more than 60 years ago.
Fr. John Van Wiel and Fr. Alan Syslo concelebrated their 50th jubilee Mass together.
“It’s exciting,” Fr. Syslo said of his return.
In moving into the retirement wing of the Province Center, Fr. Syslo has been reunited with Fr. John Van Wiel, CSV, as well as other Viatorian confreres. Fr. Syslo and Fr. Van Wiel were ordained to the priesthood together in 1966.
Fr. Syslo spent many years in the Henderson/Las Vegas region.
Fr. Syslo brings years of specialized ministry back to his community. Since professing his first vows, his assignments have taken him from teaching roles at Saint Viator High School and the former Spalding Institute in Peoria, to the west coast and the Las Vegas area, where he ministered to those suffering with HIV/Aids and veterans with post traumatic stress syndrome.
His last assignment before retiring was as parochial vicar at St. Thomas More Catholic Community in Henderson, NV, where parishioners enthusiastically threw him a party celebrating his 50th jubilee as a priest.