2

Viatorian Community Winter 2012 Volume 17, No. 1

Sixth grader, Ramsey Johnson, works quietly on herliterature assignment at Maternity of the BlessedVirgin Mary Grade School in Bourbonnais, IL.But she’s not reading a book or working on a paper.Instead, she sits at her laptop, with its split screenopen to her calendar, current assignment, and athird screen showing an email from her teacher.

Surrounding Ramsey during her study hall areher classmates, each with their laptops open andworking on different subjects. The room is quietand the students engaged.

In fact, says Principal Terry Granger, they’re wired.

This Catholic grammar school is part of the firstViatorian parish in the U.S. It celebrated its 150thanniversary last year, yet its administrators remainfirmly focused on the future.

“We are committed to providing an education thatwill support the 21st century learning style andskills of our students,” Terry says.

While schools across the country wrestle with howto incorporate technology in the classroom – and stay

one step ahead of its technologically savvy students –Maternity BVM leads the Joliet diocese in this area.

Indeed, seven years ago, school officials launched its1:1 laptop initiative, providing a laptop for every sixth,seventh and eighth grader. The school purchasesthe computers and leases them to students for $54 amonth, and this year the school added desktops foreach fifth grader as a means of transition.

Students use Microsoft OneNote to take notes ontheir laptops, read their assignments on electronicbooks and take tests – all on their computers. Theyare proficient in creating PowerPoint presentations,circular graphs and Excel spreadsheets.

During the same study hall class, sixth grader JackArno works on flip cards on his laptop to go overhis science terms before a test while his classmate,Matthew Carroll, diagrams sentences by shading thedifferent parts of speech. “I like doing it on thecomputer better,” Matthew says. “My teacher emailsme my assignment and I work on it and send it back.”

Viatorian Parish School Wired for Success

Continued on page 2

Maternity BVM was the first in the Joliet diocese and the onlyschool in the region to use computers exclusively. Last year,diocesan officials named it School of the Year, and in September,the grammar school made front page news with its cutting edgevision of incorporating technology in the classroom.

Terry pushed for the bold conversion, after hearing technologyexpert, Ian Jukes, address an education conference eight years ago.Ian called for a change in the way schools think about engagingstudents and embracing technology.

He described students as having “digital cultural brains” that hadbeen profoundly affected by the digital culture into which theywere born. The goal for educators was to think creatively aboutincorporating technology in furthering 21st century learning.

Terry talked about the initiative with Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV,pastor, and Fr. James Michaletz, CSV, associate pastor and liaison tothe school. “It was easy to say, ‘Full speed ahead.’ " Fr. Michaletz says.

“There was no question about the need for a computer facility aswe moved into the future," Fr. Michaletz said. "But he kept us,and the parents, informed as he explored and developed the idea.”

Ultimately, Fr. Michaletz says, they respected Terry’s knowledge ofcreating a quality education and of being a leader in its delivery.

After a summer spent installing the infrastructure in the school forits wireless network and giving the teachers their laptops to getstarted, the school then “took a leap of faith” and launched.

“Lots of schools start with one or two grades, but we did all threegrades at once,” Terry says. “Everyone learned at once. We got acycle going so students could progress.”

Teachers played a big part in the conversion. Math teacher AprilLangelett says that while it was intimidating at first, she has adaptedand readily accepts any input from the students.

In a recent class, she took her students “shopping.” On aclosely supervised spree, they learned about sales taxes,pricing scales and discounts.

Student web access, however, is limited – there areno games, no YouTube and no instant messaging.Instead, student use is monitored remotely bytechnology director, Steve Langelett, whoobtained his technician certification since theschool adopted the program.

“I am constantly amazed at what the students are able to do usingthe technology we make available to them,” Steve says. “By the timethey graduate, they are as proficient on a computer as many adultsin the business world.”

Fr. Michaletz believes that with the advanced technology educationand Catholic formation gleaned at the school, Maternity BVMstudents will be prepared well for the global society in whichthey face.

“The school leads the area in so many ways in terms of technology,but it also is an excellent example of Catholic identify and witness,”Fr. Michaletz adds, “and quality education all around.”

Eileen O’Grady Daday

Viatorian Parish Wired for Success...continued from page 1

2

A Maternity BVM student uses flip cards on her laptop to review science terms.

3

One of the Three ‘Fundadorés’ Returns to Colombiato Celebrate 50Years ofViatorian Ministry

celebration

Fr. James Crilly, CSV, still remembers the day he and two confreres,Fr. Thomas Wise, CSV, and the former Fr. Adalbert Mayr, CSV,set sail on a ship from New York Harbor to Bogotá, Colombia, asmissionaries. “When we saw the Statue of Liberty, we said a HailMary, asking for Our Lady to protect us,” Fr. Crilly remembers.

Their prayers were heard. The mission they established 50 years agonow includes a thriving school, Colegio San Viator, of more than1,000 students and two surrounding parishes run by Viatorians.

Fr. Crilly returned forthe 50th anniversarycelebration in lateSeptember. The Mass,celebrated byArchbishop RubenSalazar of Bogotá,drew more than 1,500.It was a culminatingevent for the school aswell as its president,Fr. Pedro Herrera,CSV. He was a

member of the first graduating class, who ultimately entered theViatorians and returned to lead the school. “I was lucky enough tohave one Viatorian during each school year,” Fr. Herrera says. “Isaw in each one their care for us as students and their equality intheir relationships with all students.”

In his homily during a Mass for the Viatorians and their families,Fr. Crilly credited the many Viatorians who had served in Bogotá

over the years. Their success, he added, can be seen in its currentadministration, with Viatorian priests and brothers – all but onefrom Colombia – running the school.

Throughout the weekend festivities, school officials honoredFr. Crilly as one of the fundadorés and showered him with celebritystatus. At the opening reception, graduates, now in their 50s, cameup to Fr. Crilly to thank him for changing their lives. One graduate,Fr. Crilly particularly remembers, got down on his knees and madea passionate appeal: “You are our father and we are your family.Come back and stay with us.”

Many graduates thanked Fr. Crilly for his vision in creating a schoolthat admitted students who could afford a private education withthose who needed scholarship help. “Our whole purpose in goingwas to have a school for Colombian boys and to have a mix of socialclasses,” Fr. Crilly says. “The normal custom was to open a payingschool and another one right next to it for those on scholarships.”

He and his two Viatorian confreres met with an advisory councilmade up of local dignitaries to begin making plans for the school,carved out of 80 acres of farmland. “We insisted that at least 20 percentbe scholarship students,” he adds. “We figured if it didn’t work, theycould always blame it on those ‘crazy gringos.’”

Their experiment worked.More private schools beganadopting the measure andnow the Ministry ofEducation mandates thatall schools offer scholarshipsto students.

Fr. Crilly stayed inColombia for 11 yearsbefore returning to theUnited States to work inparish ministry. But ina recent interview withmembers of the ViatorianYouth Congress, he described setting up the mission in Colombia ashis one of his most profound experiences as a Viatorian.

“Prior to leaving for Colombia, I was very much involved in teachingbiology at Spalding Institute in Peoria and I thought I’d be there along time,” Fr. Crilly says. “But God acts in mysterious ways.”

Eileen O’Grady Daday

Celebrants at 50th Anniversary Mass in Bogotá

Frs. Adalbert Mayr, CSV, James Crilly, CSV, and Thomas Wise, CSV,process out of St. Viator church after their commissioning ceremony.

An alumnus thanks Fr. Crilly for the impacthe made on his life.

4

From Barren Desert to Thriving LasVegas Parish,St. Thomas More at 25

At first glance, apreschool and mortuarychapel would have littlein common. But theycame together 25 yearsago in suburban LasVegas, when youngfamilies in thenew Green Valley

subdivision searched for a place to worship. “Everything was new.We had no grocery store or gas station. And no church,” says GailTodoroff. “I guess what drove us was the need to worship with ourneighbors and friends.”

The local preschool and later the Palm Mortuary Chapel offeredthem space. However, it wasn’t until the Viatorians sent Fr. ThomasLong, CSV, to serve as pastor that they established themselves asparish, in 1986 – all 125 families strong.

“We had a cardboard box that held everything for Mass,” says Gail,who with her husband, Doug, were among the first parishioners. “Weused a card table with a tablecloth for the altar and people broughtfolding chairs and flowers from their gardens. It was small and

close-knit. You could get your arms around the parish community.People really felt like they belonged to something.”

That simple need to worship together drove them, say the foundingmembers of the parish. Today, with more than 6,000 parish families,St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Henderson is one of the largestparishes in the Las Vegas Diocese.

Now, as then, the Viatorians run the parish. Fr. Patrick Render, CSV,serves as pastor, with associate pastors Fr. Robert Bolser, CSV, andFr. Michael Keliher, CSV, and Viatorian Associates Ken Rosania aspastoral assistant, and Juliann Dwyer as the religious education director.

Parishioners recalled theirpioneer spirit last Octoberwhen they gathered foran outdoor Mass andparish picnic in honor ofthe milestone. Fr. Longreturned to concelebratethe Mass, and he reflectedhow, right from the start,parishioners took owner-ship and worked to buildthe faith community.

“The dynamism of the laity made the difference,” Fr. Long said. “Theyknew what needed to be done and did it. They didn’t wait for the parishpriest to come in and do it.” Early parishioners stepped forward to runreligious education classes, set up training for Eucharistic ministers andestablished other ministries that reached out to needy residents.

“Our parish, over the last 25 years, has been involved with those ‘heldof least importance’ in the eyes of the world,” wrote Fr. Bolser in thebulletin as he reflected on the anniversary, “as we have reached out tothe poor and disenfranchised.” At the same time, he adds, signs ofgrowth and new life surround them, from the first community centerthey built back in 1988 to their new church in 1996. “Our liturgiescelebrate life in its fullness and all of its wonder,” Fr. Bolser added. “Wehave spent 25 years of joyfully celebrating life as a true gift of God.”

Fr. Render has served as pastor for more than 10 years and he continuesto marvel at the number of ministries the parish supports. “We are avibrant and faithful community within the diocesan church,” saidFr. Render in his greeting in the anniversary bulletin. “This is a dayfor celebrating and giving thanks, a day for counting blessings, a day offun and friendship – all under the watchful care of a beneficent God.”

Eileen O’Grady Daday

(L to R) Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, current pastor, Fr. Thomas Long, CSV, foundingpastor, and founding couple Gail and Doug Todoroff

St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Henderson, NV

St. Thomas More Community Center, the originalparish building, shortly after completion

Passion Sunday Mass

5

Later this year, Fr. FrancisWhite, CSV, will celebrate a raremilestone among Viatorians, when he reaches 75 years in religiouslife. Already he is the oldest member among his confreres – at94 years young – he now adds another feather to his cap.

His call to religious life goes back nearly a lifetime ago, but hevividly remembers the details and, he enjoys sharing them withstudents who visit the province center in Arlington Heights.“Someone has to ask you,” Fr. White says simply of his calling.

He remembers when it came. He was a student at CathedralBoys High School in Springfield, where many of his teacherswere Viatorians. One of them, Br. Charles Carlon, CSV, askedhim to consider becoming a novice with the Viatorians.

It was in the early 1930s, during the Great Depression, Fr. Whiterecalls. “Br. Carlon asked me to think about the novitiate. Ididn’t plan on going to college, so I was taking typing and book-keeping.” Fr. White says. He entered the novitiate out of highschool in 1936 and professed his first vows one year later, in 1937.

For someone who didn’t see himself earning a college degree, hewent on to earn two – one in Latin from the former St. ViatorCollege in Bourbonnais and another in philosophy fromSt. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA – before earning hismaster’s in school administration from the University of Illinois.

By the late 1940s, whenViatorians arrived inJapan, Fr. White was oneof the few Viatoriansholding an advanceddegree in administration.Consequently, he was sentto the Far East as the newsuperior of the delegationand principal of a newboys’ school. He was 34.Looking back, Fr. Whitecomments that serving inJapan made the deepestimpact on him, as hereflected on his years as aViatorian. However, once

again, he never saw it coming. At the time of his assignment, hewas working with students at St. Joseph School for the Deaf inthe Bronx, New York. “I loved that work,” Fr. White says. “Ithought I’d be there forever.”

He arrived in Kyoto in 1949, lessthan five years after the end ofWorld War II and the Americanbombings of Japan. “The peoplewere wonderful to us,” Fr. Whitesays. “They valued an educationabove all else.”

Some 60 years later, the schoolhe worked to open, Saint ViatorRakusei High School in Kyoto,continues to be ranked amongthe top 20 private schools inJapan, with more than 1,000 students.

He still laughs when describing the students who eagerly servedas altar boys at Mass, participated in the annual Christmas pageant,and took optional religion classes, all while their parentsremained practicing Buddhists.

“The people of Kyoto considered it an honor to send their sonsto the Viatorians for a high school education,” Fr. White said.

Fr. Whiteremained inJapan until1956, beforereturning tothis countrywhere hetaught at hisalma mater,Cathedral BoysHigh School,among others,before serving

as spiritual director for novices in the early 1960s.

His later years in active ministry were spent in Las Vegas, includingserving as pastor at St. Viator Church and nearly 20 years asassociate pastor at Guardian Angel Cathedral.

“The people in Las Vegas absolutely love him,” says Fr. Thomasvon Behren, CSV, provincial. “He is a giant of a Viatorian.”

Eileen O’Grady Daday

devotion

Celebrating 75Years in Religious Life

Fr. Francis White, CSV

Fr. Francis White enjoys sharing experiences with students.

Fr. White with a family in Japan in the 1940s

In the Footstepsof Our Founder...

Fr. Querbes Pronounces hisVowsbefore Gregory XVI

During the September 27, 1838 farewell audience, Pope Gregory XVIextended to Fr. Querbes a unique personal privilege. During this final papalaudience, Fr. Querbes asked the Pope to bless his parish, community,benefactors and collaborators, to which the Pope was pleased to grant. Buthe asked no specific privileges for himself, only a blessing. At the conclusionof the audience, Pope Gregory XVI proposed that Fr. Querbes pronounce hisvows to God as the principal director, or Superior General of the Clerics ofSt. Viator, in his presence. Fr. Querbes was honored and did so in these words:

VowIn the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

I, the undersigned, priest of Lyons and principal Director of the Catechists ofSt. Viator, promise in the presence of God, no longer conditionally, but absolutelyand unreservedly, poverty and regular obedience to you, Supreme Pontiff, Vicarof Christ, according to the statutes confirmed by our Holy Father Pope GregoryXVI. And may God so help me.

Done at Rome, in the Palace of Quirinal and in audience with His Holiness.This 27th day of September, 1838.J. Louis J. M. Querbes, Priest.(Pierre Robert 178)

The original vow was signed “J(ohn) Louis J(oseph) M(arie) Querbes, Priest”. Thevow document is in the archives of the Sacred Congregation of Religious in Rome.An artist conception of this papal ceremonial event was painted by Felix Urbini, aChicago artist, and is among the collection of religious art held by the Province ofthe United States This painting is prominently displayed at the Viatorian ProvinceCenter in Arlington Heights.

At baptism on the day of his birth, August 21, 1973, Louis Querbes was formallygiven the names: John Louis Joseph Marie Querbes. John Louis, (for the King,since the Querbes’ were Royalists), Joseph (from his father) Marie (honoring theBlessed Virgin) and the Querbes family name. The next day August 22, his birthwas recorded on the civic register. Fr. Querbes used the name, Louis MarieQuerbes for many years. Later he abbreviated his name to Louis Querbes.

Fr. Querbes had originally intended, after securing Papal Approbation for his newcommunity, to intone his Nunc Dimittis and turn over the reins of governance of theClerics to others. The Jesuit Fathers, the Cardinals of the Sacred Congregation, and,finally, the Pope himself urged him to remain as director of his youngreligious society. These urgings and recommendations Fr. Querbes accepted underobedience as he pronounced his vows before the Pope. Father Louis Querbesvowed to retain perpetually the leadership of the Parochial Clerics ofSt. Viator. Henceforth, for twenty-one years, from September 27, 1838, to hisdeath on September 1, 1859, Fr. Querbes served as both founder and SuperiorGeneral of the Clerics of St. Viator.

Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV

Gracious God,

be forever blest for

your gift in

Fr. Louis Querbes,

dedicated pastor in the

education of youth,

and in the service of

sacred liturgy,

and founder of the

Viatorian Community.

6

peace advocate7

The Viatorian Community and the Our Lady of VictoryMissionary Sisters jointly support Erin Cox as an advocatefor peace and justice, as well as an 8th Day Center for Justicestaff member in Chicago. Since beginning the position inOctober 2010, Erin has added much vitality to Viatoriansocial justice work.

Working alongside the Viatorians, Erin has spoken with thestudents at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights andSt. Martin de Porres High School in Waukegan on immigrationissues. Her work in Waukegan is especially important becauseimmigrants make up a significant percentage of its population.Not surprisingly, she vigorously advocated for the successfulpassage of the Illinois Dream Act.

Q. With Viatorians being a community of educators, how do youunderstand education?

A. I see education as a way of making justice visible. For example,on Human Rights Day a group of us participated in ademonstration demanding an end to torture. Through suchactions, the issue is raised in a conscious way in order tobegin a dialogue.

Q. How do you see your ministry as part of the Viatorian vision?

A. Working to achieve justice is an integral part of the Viatorianvision. I see myself not just as the social justice person but asan extension of the Viatorian ministry.

For example, I worked with Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, topresent a workshop on the issue of torture and one of thepresenters was a torture survivor. The session provided anopportunity for people to hear both the facts and the personalstories and then to make up their own minds. We presentedit at St. Viator Parish in Chicago and the workshop isavailable to other parishes.

Q. What are your major areas of focus?

A. Presently, I am concentrating on the issues of immigrationand torture. Previously, I worked on the School of AmericasWatch, Colombia, Anti-War and mountaintop removal.

Q. You are working both with the Viatorians and Our Lady ofVictory Missionary Sisters. Can you talk more about that?

A. The sisters do much work for immigrant rights. They operatea center for immigrants in Chicago where they offer ESLclasses and job training. In the past, they also conducted asurvey of various agencies to help determine what theresources are for immigrants seeking help.

Every Monday a group of religious sisters and laywomen gettogether for shared reflection. I find it a wonderful way toget to know them on a personal basis and to learn how,although our backgrounds may be different, we complementeach other for a shared vision.

Q. How do you see your work within the Viatorian vision?

A. When I was at the Viatorian assembly last summer, I wasimpressed by the Viatorian collaboration between the laityand vowed religious, on an equal basis. I think this partner-ship is very healthy and working together enhances thework that we do.

Fr. Thomas Long, CSV

Q & A with Erin Cox

Erin speaks with children in Colombia during an international delegation.

Partnering with theViatorians on Social Justice

A core Viatorian principle affirms the dignity of each humanbeing – especially those who are accounted of little importance–and acknowledges the need to work for systemic change thatrespects the human rights of everyone. One way that theViatorian leadership decided to implement this principle is byadvocating for comprehensive immigration reform. The need isobvious given the current statistics that point to a devastatinghuman tragedy.

1. In fiscal year 2011, the U.S. Immigration and CustomsEnforcement (ICE) deported 397,000 people.

2. Between January and June 2011, ICE deported more than46,000 parents of U.S. born children.

These statistics represent the breakup of thousands of families,with many children being placed in foster care where they sufferthe crippling feelings of confusion, loss and abandonment, whilethe parents face the possibility that they may lose their parentalrights. As ICE continues to perpetuate such human sufferings,its acronym becomes an ever-growing reality for many people.

When people leave the detention center, either as a releaseddetainee or as someone who has just visited a loved one, they areoften lost and penniless. For example, one man had his own land-scaping business, but after ICE detained him for over 10 months,he lost his business, home and savings - making him homelesswhen he left the center. Having no legal documents from hiscountry of origin due to war, he was a man without a country.

Thousands have similar stories and the common denominatorsinclude having little or no money to return home, buy food orrent a room for the night; their clothes are worn and notknowing anyone, they can easily succumb to despair.

The Ministry of Accompaniment focuses its attention on suchvulnerable people. Sponsored by a group of religious men andwomen along with committed laity, people take turns being atthe detention center exit to offer help to those leaving the center.

They make arrangements to provide shelter, clothing and food,as well as moral and spiritual support as they begin to makeemployment, mental health and legal appointments. They areafforded respect and dignity as they make the transition fromdetention to independent living.

The ministry attempts to meet the basic human needs of thesevulnerable men and women, while offering them a safeenvironment. Sharing with one another on an equal basis andacknowledging the other’s common human worth are hallmarksof accompaniment. The detention system frequently trampleson and breaks their spirit. The ministry stands in contradictionof that form of degradation.

The ministry began last fall and the Viatorians have partnered withothers to enthusiastically endorse it, including Fr. Charles Bolser,CSV; Viatorian representative at 8th Day Center for Justice, ErinCox; Fr. Christopher Glancy, CSV; Br. Michael Gosch, CSV;Br. Daniel Lydon, CSV; and St. Viator (Chicago) parishioner,Ivy Vera.

Working in collaboration with other religious and laity,Viatorians seek to enact a key element of the Viatorian Charter:“As Viatorians of the Province of Chicago, we resolve to expandand deepen our prophetic role as a community of associates,brothers, and priests by addressing contemporary social issues.”

Fr. Thomas Long, CSV

8

ViatoriansAddress anImmigrationTragedy

social justice

Guillermo Campos-Ojeda says goodbye to his wife Adela and daughter Paloma before boarding a deportation flightchartered by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2010.

(Photo

byScottO

lson/Getty

Images)

9

Viatorians Launch Service Corps and Immersion Experiences

The Viatorian Vocation Office is launching two newprograms to help young adults grow in faith while living outthe Viatorian charism.

TheBelize Immersion Program will give young adults theopportunity to spend a week in Corozal District, Belize,working in Viatorian ministries while dialoguing about thefaith with Viatorians and young adults from that culture.The trips will take place each June and December duringChristmas break. Further information is available athttp://viatorians.com/immersion.

The second program, the Viatorian Service Corps, will giveyoung adults the opportunity to spend a year in ministry withthe Viatorians (http://viatorians.com/vocations/vsc.asp).Three to five young adults will live together in Christiancommunity in Kankakee while working daily in ministriessupported by the Viatorian institutions in that region. Theyear will be structured so that the young adults involved willfocus a great deal of time in dialogue and prayer withViatorians and each other about where God is leading themin their lives.

Both programs are aimed at helping young adults fromViatorian schools and parishes realize their importanceto the future of the Viatorian charism. Bart Hisgen,assistant director of Vocation Ministry, will direct both.Consider inviting a young adult you know to contactBart or Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, director of vocationministry vocations@viatorian.com, 847-637-2129,for more information.

Fr. Corey Brost, CSV

Students at one of the 19 schools at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Corozal Town, Belize

Two student interns from Las Vegas at last summer's Viatorian Youth Congress

charism

10

In Memoriam – Fr.Thomas Langenfeld, CSV(1932-2011)

In the course of one summer,Fr. Thomas Langenfeld, CSV,went from being the incomingprincipal of Saint Viator HighSchool in Arlington Heights tobeing elected a worldwideleader, the superior general ofthe Clerics of St. Viator.

“It was a complete surprise,”said Fr. Donald Fitzsimmons,CSV, a counselor at the schoolat the time and his classmate.“No one saw it coming.”

Fr. Langenfeld died on Oct. 1st,after complications from a fall near his home in Las Vegas.He was 79.

In 1972, Fr. Langenfeld wasbeing groomed as the nextprincipal of Saint ViatorHigh School and as the oneto lead its groundbreaking“school within a school”model of education. Heleft briefly that summer totravel to Rome for thecongregation’s generalchapter meeting, held everysix years, and he came awayas the new superior generaland head of more than1,300 priests and brothersaround the world.

“He was the first Americanelected and the youngest,” said Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, thecurrent superior general. “But more than that, he took thereforms of the second Vatican Council to heart and promoteda new spirit of religious life.”

Prior to that life changing summer, Fr. Langenfeld had previouslyserved as principal of Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakeebefore becoming assistant principal at Saint Viator High School,where he had helped redesign its curriculum. Students were placedin one of four programs designed around their different learningstyles. “It was a seismic shift in the organizational structure ofthe school that would last for 15 years,” said Br. Donald Houde,CSV, an administrator at the time.

He was unable to see the changes implemented at Saint Viator,but at age 39, Fr. Langenfeld took his organizational skills to leadViatorians around the world. His colleagues said Fr. Langenfeldpromoted a collaborative way of governing, including promotingdecision making at the grassroots level and greater collaborationamong community members. “I think his biggest contributionwas the whole idea of decentralization,” Fr. Fitzsimmons added.“Before that, all of those things were decided for us in Rome.”

Fr. Langenfeld was born on Aug. 13, 1932, in Springfield, one of11 children born to Clifford and Bessie (Newman) Langenfeld.He attended Cathedral Boys High School in Springfield where hisViatorian teachers made a deep impression on him. Fr. Langenfeldeventually joined the Clerics of St. Viator, professing his firstvows in 1951. He was ordained a priest in 1960.

Fr. Langenfeld spent the last years of his ministry in Las Vegas,where he retired in 2002.

“He was a true pastor of the congregation,” said Fr. Thomas vonBehren, CSV, provincial. “He wanted us to bring a human aspectto the way we ministered, to be the face of Christ and not just ofthe institutional Church.”

We will miss him.

Fr. Thomas Langenfeld, CSV

Eileen O’Grady Daday

Pope John Paul II and Fr. Langenfeld, CSV

“He took the reforms of the secondVatican Council to heart and

promoted a new spirit of religious life.”

Br. Langenfeld teaching at Spalding Institute in Peoria, IL

Associate Margery Gill

11

A freak accident in Novembertook the life of Margery Gill,one of the first lay Viatorianassociates in the Las Vegasregion. She was killed, reportssay, by a UPS delivery truck nearher home when she went out forthe mail. Investigators declaredit to be an accident. However,her sudden passing, at the age of69, left her colleagues at St.Thomas More Parish in LasVegas and the Clarke County

School District stunned and saddened.

“She is deeply mourned here in the parish,” said Fr. PatrickRender, CSV, pastor of St. Thomas More Church.

Her untimely passing came less than one week after she hadrecommitted to the Viatorian Community as an associate foranother five years, during an All Souls’ Day ceremony led byFr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial, and by Fr. Render.

Part of the loss for parishioners stemmed from her many yearsof service. Margery had been an elementary teacher in theClark County School District for 41 years and all but the lastthree years had been spent teaching second graders.

“Her love of children was always evident,” Fr. Render added,“especially as she lined up First Communion processions. Kids’faces lit up when they saw their teacher here in the parish.Squeals of ‘Miss Gill’ would often be heard.”

Margery was a native of Wisconsin, but she spent more than 40years, or nearly two thirds of her life, in Las Vegas, worshippingin parishes led by Viatorians.

In 2004, when members of the Viatorians extended theircommunity to include lay associates, Margery was one of thefirst they invited in the Las Vegas region. Her commitmentwas unwavering and reverent right from the start, her colleaguessay. “She felt her commitment to the Viatorian Community sokeenly and deeply,” said Associate Connie Gerber. “When shemade her re-commitment to the community a few years ago,she became so teary, she had to excuse herself for a fewminutes before she could continue.”

Margery served her parish as a lector, catechist, Eucharisticminister, member of the RCIA team, and of the liturgicalenvironment committee, as well as volunteering in the parishand religious education office.

Outside the parish, Margery tutored at-risk students, deliveredbackpacks and clothing to homeless families, and designedcreative art projects for students with behavior challenges inClark County schools.

Among her local Viatorian Community, Margery served on theregional leadership committee as well as on the pre-associatesadmissions team. Just last summer, she was elected by her peersto serve on the new Viatorian Community Council to addressissues of concern to members across the country.

“She always reminded us, 'Are we following in the footsteps ofFr. Querbes?'," Fr. Render said. “She quoted it to candidates, toother associates and at regional gatherings. It was her constantquestion and challenge.”

We will miss her.

Eileen O’Grady Daday

Associate Margery Gill

in memoriam

(1942-2011)

“She always reminded us, 'Are we followingin the footsteps of Fr. Querbes?’ She quotedit to candidates, to other associates and atregional gatherings. It was her constantquestion and challenge.”

12

Digitization projects are the big pushfor archives, museums,historical societies and libraries thesedays. In today’s world of Internetaccess and Web 2.0 technologies,researching in person is happening lessand less. Finding entirecollections and catalogs onlineis happening more and more.

So how does a small, religious,nonprofit archives handle this? Well, this past summer theViatorian Community Archives acquired state-of-the-artequipment, an Atiz BookDrive Pro scanner, to aid in this task.This scanner is equipped with overhead cameras to capture theimages and software that flattens the curvature of the pages ofbound books that sit in its cradle.

At the moment, there are two long-term book digitizationprojects happening in the Viatorian Community's archives:

The newspaper from the St. Viator College collection,The Viatorian, consists of 48 bound volumes (approximately13,000 pages) dating from 1883-1938. The newspapers are

rich with Viatorian history of events and people in thecommunity during those early developing years of theprovince. And most are in good condition – having beenpreserved in a controlled environment. Access to these online,with browse and search capabilities, will promote research ofthe Viatorian Community in the United States.

From the Archives… Access and Preservation ofViatorian A

Diverse Urban Parish Shares Rich Latino TraditionsThe church building at St. ViatorParish in Chicago dates back to 1927and features high Gothic ceilings, richstained glass artwork and a beautifulstone-carved sanctuary. But increas-ingly, parishioners’ Latino culturebrings the historic church alive.

With its lively music, hand clappingand pageantry at Masses celebratedin Spanish, the parish’s diversity andvibrancy is on full display. Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV,pastor, recognizes that and he is partnering withmembers of the Latino community to deepen parishunity through lay empowerment and peer ministry.

He recently invited six parish members to considerbecoming Viatorian pre-associates. Fr. Bolser envisionsthat with lay associates and professed Viatorians workingtogether in ministry – on equal footing – the parish lifewill continue to grow and become stronger.

José and Gemma Candido Rangel along with Antonio andVirginia Gallegos already provide leadership in variousways. Throughout the year they collect and prepare foodand serve it to those in need. At Thanksgiving, theyserved more than 400 people. Realizing that servicemust be continually nourished spiritually, they provideretreats for various groups such as young people, adultsand singles.

Each week,José, Antonioand Virginialead the musicfor the SundaySpanish Massand for theThursdaynight charis-matic prayersession.Theirenthusiasm

Joan Sweeney carefully scans a book from Belize dating back to the 1860s withthe Atiz Book Drive Pro scanner for the Viatorian archives.

Joan Sweeney

Antonio and Virginia Gallegos and José Rangel leadthe music at the Thursday evening prayer sessions.

Mass celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe

Reenactment of the appearanceof Our Lady of Guadalupe to

Juan Diego of Tepeyac

Archival Materials

13

reaches out to the congregation as people join in lively singingaccompanied by rhythmic clapping. They are living out the dictum:“The one who sings prays twice.”

Sitting down after the charismatic prayer session, they shared theirthoughts about their roles within the parish and as pre-associates.They expressed gratitude for being part of the St. Viator Communityand having the opportunity to share their time and talent with thecommunity at large. Interestingly, they noted that when they firstarrived at St. Viator, the parish felt different from what they wereaccustomed. Nonetheless, the welcoming spirit of the parishmotivated them to keep coming back.

Pre-association carries with it a responsibility to take their ministryeven more seriously. However, that is a joy because of the simple truththat when you give, you receive so much more, especially in faith.

Proper formation of young people and adults in the faith is vitallyimportant. For these important tasks, Linda Nishi works extensivelyin the Rite of Christian Initiation program for adults.

Carrying out the Viatorian mission to youth, Hector Obregon-Lunaworks with young people as the youth minister and director of

religious education. A native of Peruand a Catholic Theological Uniongraduate, Hector is committed toinvolving the family in the educationalprograms.While at CTU, he participatedin the Peacebuilders Initiative, whichhe is incorporating at St. Viator.

All of the talents and work of thesepre-associates take place in an ethnically diverse urban parish,which offers a unique opportunity for parishioners to know andappreciate each other’s culture and traditions. Recently, the parishhosted the traditional Posada, a Latino tradition of re-enacting Josephand Mary seeking shelter in Bethlehem. They invited everyone toparticipate, to which many non-Latinos accepted.

The pre-associates are but one way that lay members are assumingtheir role as church leaders. Working with the professed Viatorians,they are building up communities of believers where the faith islived and celebrated.

Fr. Thomas Long, CSV

The record books from the Foundation of Belize areanother story. St. Francis Xavier Parish in Corozol Town,Belize, holds 40 register books of handwritten sacramentalrecords from 1848 to the present. “Time and the elementshave taken their toll on our records,” says Fr. Daniel Hall,CSV, pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish. Tropical conditionsare not the ideal environment for storing anything madeof paper or wood. Not only is the heat and humidity aproblem, but termites are as well. Many of the books are ina fragile state – pages are brittle, ink is bleeding or fading,and termite holes runthrough the pages.These books needto be handled withgreat care and muchpatience. Digitizingthese books will savethe contents frombeing lost forever,making the time andeffort worth it.

Scanning to aid access to materials and help preserve content isthe goal of the Viatorian Archives. Along with an HP Scanjet8300 flatbed scanner that can handle single documents, as wellas, slides and negatives, the archives is making strides in itsdigitization efforts. Stay tuned for progress reports on theseprojects and others…from the archives.

Further information is availableon the archives webpage:http://www.viatorians.com/archives/and the archives news blog:http://www.csv-archives-news.blogspot.com/

Joan SweeneyViatorian Associate and Archivist

Hector Obregon-Luna

Around the Province...Fr.Daniel Belanger, CSV, pastor of St. George Parish in Bourbonnaishas been appointed to serve on the board of directors of Provena St.Mary's Hospital in Kankakee, the first hospital to be built inKankakee. As a board member, he will help “guide the hospital’sdevelopment in a way responsive to community needs consistent withthe mission and direction provided by Provena Health.”

In early September, Morning Sun Books publishedViatorian Br. James Lewnard’s third book,Trackside in the Land of Lincoln with Richard Ward,which is the latest in a series about trains thatcrisscross central Illinois. In addition to hiswriting, Br. Lewnard teaches history at SaintViator High School and is an instructor inConcordia University’s education department in River Forest.

In response to the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, Fr.Corey Brost, CSVand the Children ofAbraham, a Chicagosuburban group of Muslim,Jewish and Christian teensand adult religious leaders,led an interfaith prayerservice in downtownArlington Heights thatdrew hundreds of people.

The Feast of St. Viator,October 21, was celebrated by the province members in a variety ofways including Taste of St. Viator festivals, special Masses andprayer services at Viatorian parishes and schools, and the welcomingof 16 men and women into pre-association. All have entered into adiscernment program where they will study and reflect on the history,mission and spirituality of the community. The Province of Chicagohas a total of 83 associates who are critical in furthering the visionand charism of Fr. Louis Querbes, Founder of the Clerics of

St. Viator.

SeveralQuerbesScholars fromSaint Viator HighSchool spent partof their school dayon the Feast of St.Viator interview-ing members ofthe Viatorian

Community who work or reside at the Viatorian Province Center inArlington Heights. The scholars are in the process of compilingfirsthand accounts of the present and past ministries of active andretired Viatorians.

Br.DonaldHoude,CSV, andBr. Leo Ryan,CSV, wereinducted into the Fifty YearClub at DePaul University. InOctober, they attended theDePaul University ReunionLuncheon where Fr.DennisHoltschneider,CM,university president, welcomedthem to the select group.Br. Houde earned his under-graduate degree in 1958 and his master’s degree in 1964, while Br. Ryanearned his MBA in 1953.

Members of the Viatorian Community in Las Vegas conducted theirtraditional observance of All Souls’ Day by remembering deceasedViatorians buried at Davis Memorial Park Cemetery. Afterwards,they gathered at St. Thomas More church for a commitment andrecommitment ceremony. Associate Marion Roos made her firstcommitment; Associates JuliannDwyer, Rosy Hartz,DickHofacker,KimMartinez, Bridget Moore, and Clairmarie Slaveck renewedtheir commitment for three years; and Associates John Berger,Paula Hannon,Mary and Daniel Miller,Maggie Saunders, KathyandMichael Underwood renewed their commitments for a periodof five years.

Fr.Corey Brost, CSV, and Br.Michael Gosch,CSV, co-led a BridgesRetreat for 35 students from St. Martin de Porres High School andSaint Viator High School on December 1-2 with their respective campus

Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, (center) with teenagemembers of Children of Abraham

Several Querbes Scholars interviewed Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV.Participants of the Bridges Retreat enjoy a light moment of fun.

(L to R) Br. Donald Houde, CSV, Fr. DennisHoltschneider, CM, and Br. Leo Ryan, CSV

ministers Jim Dippold,TimMasterton and KellyWilda. Theywere inspired with the manner in which these young people fromdifferent communities came together and shared their experiencesof prejudice, discrimination and racism.

Mr. SeanTessmer entered thepre-novitiate on January 1. Sean,who is 25 and has completeda B.A. in philosophy and aCertificate in Ethics from ArizonaState University, will spend thisperiod of formation discerningreligious life as he lives andministers with Viatorians atSaint Viator High School inArlington Heights.

International NewsBr. Frank Enciso, CSV,of the Foundation ofColombia was ordained atransitional deacon onOct. 28 at Parroquia SanBasilio Magno Church inBogotá. He will completehis diaconate internship atthe same parish whilecontinuing his ministryas vocation director forthe foundation.

The Viatorian membersof the Province of Canadaended a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of CollegeChampagneur. The college, presently directed by Br. SylvainBrabant,CSV, is known for providing an excellent education.For more information, please visit www.champagneur.qc.ca

The Viatorian Foundation of Japan celebrated the 60th anniversaryof Viatorian ministry last October. Superior General Fr.MarkFrancis, CSV, was present for the celebration which coincided withthe diaconate ordination of Br.Tomoaki Sugawara, CSV, the firstJapanese Viatorian to be ordained. During the same weekend,Fr. Francis celebrated St. Viator Day with the 1,300 students atSt.Viator Rakusei Junior and Senior High School. Less than aweek after Br. Sugawara’s ordination, the Province of Chilecelebrated the diaconate ordination of Br.Carlos Arancibia, CSV.Congratulations, Tomoaki and Carlos!

Br. Michael Gosch, CSV

In its ongoing effort to promote issues of justice, the ProvincialCouncil of the Clerics of St. Viator added its signature to threesign-on letters in the fall of 2011.

The first letter, written by the NationalWICAssociation, wassent to Washington Senator PattyMurray and RepresentativeJebHensarling, co-chairs of the Joint Select Committee onthe Deficit Reduction. The letter requested that funding forthe Women, Infant and Children Program not be cut. WIC isa “short-term preventative public health nutrition program…targeted to high-risk populations.”

The second letter, written by Bread fortheWorld and signed by leaders ofChristian congregations across theChicago area, was sent to IllinoisSenatorMark Kirk regarding the U.S.government budget. Specifically, SenatorKirk was asked to “create a circle ofprotection around programs that meetthe essential needs of hungry and poorpeople at home and abroad.”

The third letter, written by Jubilee USANetwork, and signed by religious leadersacross the nation, was sent to SenateMajority Leader HarryReid and SenateMinority LeaderMitchMcConnell. Theletter urges them not to support a “repatriation tax holiday” whichallows “U.S multinational corporations to bring home offshoreprofits at a reduced tax rate.” This tax avoidance measure“benefits extremely wealthy corporations, their executives andshareholders while other taxpayers bear the hefty expense.”

These are concrete ways the administration of the provinceadvocates on behalf of those accounted of little importance.

Br. Michael Gosch, CSV

Viatorians PromoteIssues of Justice

15

Email: news@viatorians.comWebsite: www.viatorians.com

Provincial:Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV

Editor:Fr. Thomas E. Long, CSV

Director of Communications:Eileen O’Grady Daday

Editorial Board:Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSVBr. Michael T. Gosch, CSVBr. Donald P. Houde, CSVFr. Thomas G. Kass, CSVBr. Leo V. Ryan, CSV

Layout and Design:Dianna Ehrenfried, Visualedge, Inc.

Viator Newsletter is published three times a year by the Office ofMission Advancement for the Clerics of St. Viator, Province of Chicago.

Sean Tessmer

The diaconal ordination of Br. Frank Enciso, CSV

2

Clerics of St. Viator1212 E. Euclid AvenueArlington Heights, IL 60004-5799Newsletter – Winter 2012

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 7160

PALATINE P&DC, IL

Provincial Perspective

Last night was New Year’s Eve and I was safely tuckedin my bed by 10:30 p.m. As I was falling asleep I remi-nisced a bit about the holidays just past, about previousNew Year’s Eves and about the year 2011 coming to anend. And in those moments between wake and sleep, Iwas filled with gratitude thanking God for all of themany blessings bestowed upon my family, the ViatorianCommunity and upon me, personally.

Over the past weeks, I have been reflecting upon theword gratitude. And in my readings and reflections,I have discovered that gratitude is more than beingthankful for the “things” we have. Rather, I havebegun to realize that gratitude is a profound emotion,a personal realization, that goes beyond feelings orsentiments. Gratitude moves an individual into adeep sense of appreciation, of acceptance of God’sgraciousness in one’s life. Gratitude practiced becomesa way of living that acknowledges our utter dependenceupon God’s goodness, a goodness that expresses itselfas a blessing.

In this issue of Viator, you will read about the ViatorianCommunity and discover various ways in whichViatorians live out their call to serve our Lord, JesusChrist. And in particular, you will meet a specialViatorian, Fr. Francis White, CSV, who celebrates his75 years in vows in 2012. When I think about Fr.White, I am filled with gratitude to God for giving ourcommunity a man who has faithfully lived out his lifeas a religious in the modern world. Here is a man who75 years ago heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit andresponded to the call to serve. And for 75 years,Fr.White has walked in service as a Viatorian.

From Springfield, Illinois tothe Bronx, from Kyoto, Japanto Las Vegas; Fr.White hastouched the lives of thousandsof people, many who became hisfriends, as he followed in the footsteps of our founder,Fr. Louis Querbes. As teacher and catechist, as a priestand spiritual director, Fr.White lived out his Viatoriancommitment. As I reflect upon the service of Fr.Whiteand the service of so many other Viatorians in ourcommunity, yes, I am indeed grateful. I am filled withgratitude to God for blessing our community and theChurch with men, and now women, willing to reachout to those in need and share the gospel so that thefaith can be lived, deepened and celebrated.

And so, as we enter into 2012, I pray that we maybecome women and men of gratitude, depending moreupon the blessings of God and less upon our owninventions and concerns. I pray that we may enter intoa more profound sense of awe of our God and of God’sgoodness, as we live seek to live a life in service toothers. May our gift of service be a way of thankingGod for the gift of life.

Happy New Year and blessings from the ViatorianCommunity.

In St. Viator and Fr. Querbes,

Rev. Thomas R. von Behren, CSVProvincial

Inside

Page 1Viatorian Parish Schools

Wired for Success

Page 3One of theThree ‘Fundadorés’

Returns to Colombia to Celebrate50 Years of Viatorian Ministry

Page 4From Barren Desert to Thriving

Las Vegas Parish – St. Thomas More

Page 5Celebrating Our Jubilarian

Page 6In the Footsteps of our Founder

Page 7Q & A with Erin Cox

Page 8Viatorians Address anImmigration Tragedy

Page 9Viatorians Launch Service Corpsand Immersion Experiences

Page 10-11In Memoriam -

Fr. Thomas Langenfeld, CSVAssociate Margery Gill

Page 12-13Diverse Urban Parish

Sharing Rich Latino Traditions

From the Archives...Access and Preservation ofViatorian Archival Materials

Page 14-15Around the Province

Viatorians PromoteIssues of Justice

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED