Provincial Perpective

When the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window. The Reverend Mother whispered this axiom to her
postulant, Maria, in Rodgers and Hammersteins delightful
musical, The Sound of Music. During the past few weeks, the
Viatorian Community members in Colombia are living witnesses to this reality. Over the past years, they have explored the
establishment of a new school in Villavicencio. For a brief period the project looked hopeful, but challenging issues arose,
forcing the door to close on that plan.

With little time to spare, I traveled to

Colombia twice during the month
of August. First, after touring the
school and property, I met with the
provincial and other representatives
of the sisters. The school was perfect,
with plenty of land for expansion and
development. On Aug. 30, the Clerics
of St. Viator and the members of the
Foundation of Colombia agreed to
purchase the school and to rename it Colegio San Viator
Tunja. With this new ministry in Colombia, the Viatorians
will be able to expand their mission of education beyond Bogot to Tunja, a city with a growing population and many
vibrant, expanding neighborhoods. I believe that God offered
us a new opportunity for life in the Foundation of Colombia
and to the Province of Chicago.

Then, just as the dust settled, God opened a window and

placed a new project in front of our very eyes. In the city of
Tunja, Colombia (less than two hours away from our school
in Bogot) the Sisters of Cristo Rey were confronting a difficult situation and were preparing to close their school, which
was only 10 years old. There simply were too few sisters available to administer
and teach at their
school. Then they
met the Viatorians,
shared their story,
opened their doors,
and invited the
Viatorian Community to consider taking over their dream
by purchasing the
school, the land, the local religious community house, and all
of the existing furnishings and equipment that already were in
place at the school. Indeed, a window opened and an opportunity presented itself to continue their mission, now with the
Viatorian spirit and presence.

I am grateful to Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, who initiated the

dialogue with the sisters, and to all who have so willingly
embraced Gods invitation to take the risk, step on the path,
and courageously follow the call to bring the Good News into
the hallways and classrooms of Colegio San Viator Tunja.
It is a wonderful mission, with great opportunities for growth
and possible vocations for our community. Congratulations
to all.
In St. Viator and Fr. Querbes,

Thomas R. von Behren, CSV

Provincial Province of Chicago

In this Issue:
2
3
4

5
6

7
8

Provincial Perspective:
If You Build It, They Will Come
Uncovering New Life in Saint Viator
Catholic Community Church
Paying it Forward on the Football Field
Building a Brighter Future with Young
Viatorian Leaders
Q&A with Kevin Ho
Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep Unveils
Plans for New Campus

www.viatorians.com

From the Archives... Preserving the Legacy of

St. Viator Parish One Alum at a Time

10 Viatorian Provincial Assembly: Gathering as a

11

Community
Responding to the Spiritual Needs of the
Hispanic Community in Kankakee

12 In Memoriam: Fr. Edward C. Anderson, CSV

13 In Memoriam: Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV
14 In Memoriam: Fr. Kenneth E. Yarno, CSV
15 Celebrating Our Jubilarians
16 Around the Province
2

Provincial:
Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV
Editor:
Fr. Thomas E. Long, CSV

Director of Communications:

Eileen OGrady Daday

Editorial Board:

Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV

Br. Donald P. Houde, CSV
Fr. Lawrence D. Lentz, CSV
Eileen OGrady Daday
Associate Joan Sweeney

Layout and Design:

Dianna Ehrenfried, Visualedge, Inc.
Email: news@viatorians.com

If You Build It, They Will Come

It was the move of the Blessed Virgin Mary statue that did
it, says Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV, pastor of Maternity of the
Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Bourbonnais.
The minute it was moved into place, he says, I knew it was
just right.

Our Lady of Grace originally was commissioned by a family

back in 1914 to be perched on top of the convent for the
Congregation of Notre Dame sisters, who arrived in Bourbonnais in 1860 to teach local students.

When the convent was razed in 1971, the

statue was moved to a high visibility location
along the curve on Marsile Street, in front of
the school.
I think moving it closer to the church makes
it even more prominent, says Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, associate pastor. It just seems more
powerful to see it as you enter church and its
a fitting place for our patroness.
Eileen OGrady Daday

Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV, pastor, rededicates the Our Lady of Grace statue during a dedication of the plaza in September

The 7 1/2-foot, 1,400-pound statue made of iron and dating back more than 100 years is the centerpiece of a newly
dedicated plaza, built over the summer to enhance the front
entrance of the church.

Other improvements include taking out two large spruce

trees to open up space for the plaza, installing stone pavers
throughout, planting new landscaping and placing a fountain.
New benches are coming.
Already, weve seen a difference, Fr. Pighini says. With the
plaza, people have a place to gather, both before and after Mass.

A parish family provided the lead gift for the renovation, but
several more donations have come in, including one from the
Viatorian Community, to finish the project. Fr. Pighini is
quick to point out that no money from the weekly collection
has been used for the enhancements.

The new outdoor plaza and gardens are the latest renovations
to the historic parish, which Viatorians view as the mother church. The Viatorians arrived in 1865 from Canada,
assumed the leadership of the parish and have continously
staffed it.
Three years ago, the church interior underwent a dramatic
facelift, with the painting of the ceiling cast as a starry night,
with gold leaf embellishments and all in contrast with the
altar and gleaming white sanctuary. One year later, a new pipe
organ was installed.

The environment has to be beautiful, both inside and out, Fr.

Pighini says. Beauty is just important when it comes to faith.
He likens it to the Viatorians overarching mission, which is
to build up communities of faith. And it starts, he says, with
honoring their parish patroness.

www.viatorians.com

Uncovering New Life in St. Viator Catholic Community

The scaffolds are down and the results are in: Parishioners at
St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas love the new
look of their church.
After attending Mass all summer in the school gymnasium,
they returned three weeks early to find the interior
of their church trimmed in shades of taupe, as well as new
pews, kneelers, carpeting, organ speakers and sound panels
to enhance its acoustics.
The highlight of the project is the iridescent tile work behind the crucifix set off by stacked stonework with bits
of gray and gold which really draws attention to the altar
and sanctuary.
With the crucifix on the stone and gold backdrop, it presents a beautiful focus for prayers, says Beth Schill, who coordinates marriages and baptisms for the parish.
Bands of gold trim enhance the columns in the church and
taupe highlights around the stained glass windows, seemed
to make the colorful images, well, pop, parishioners say.
We wanted to make the church feel warmer and more
welcoming, says Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, pastor.
A pair of murals on either side of the altar was commissioned when the church was built in 1995, and they continue
to offer a vibrant addition to the sanctuary.
Its amazing how the colors of the walls make everything
stand out, says Fr. Rinn, who has led the parish since 1999.
I sit in this church now and see things I never saw before.
Fr. Rinn worked with his associate pastor, Fr. Lawrence
Lentz, CSV, to design the churchs new look.
Given the Viatorians passion for good liturgy, we felt this
was a wonderful excuse for us to collaborate as confreres
and friends in this very special undertaking, Fr. Lentz says.
With the help of many others, this is our gift to the St.
Viator Catholic Community.
One of the last elements of the renovation was an image
of a stained glass window of the parishs patron, St. Viator,
positioned on the back wall, visible to worshippers leaving
the church.
Just the sheer size of the image makes an impact. It measures
12-feet tall and six-feet wide and was created from an original stained glass panel that hangs in the Viatorian Province
Center in Arlington Heights.
Hanging St. Viator in church, makes all the sense in the
world, Fr. Rinn adds. He is our patron.

www.viatorians.com

Eileen OGrady Daday

Paying it Forward on the Football Field

Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, still remembers his last football
game at Saint Viator High School. It took place exactly 10
years ago next month. He was a lineman with the Lions and
for the first time in recent memory, the team made it to the
second round of the playoffs.
Their dreams of advancing came crashing down when a
tipped pass led to a reception by their opponents from Batavia High School, who went on to win, 40-37. Fr. Dan Hall,
CSV, was one of the coaches on the sidelines, and he tried to
console an emotional Br. Lamick after the loss.
I still remember it as if it was yesterday, says Br. Lamick,
who would go on to play football at Division III Benedictine
University in Lisle, IL, before ultimately taking his first vows
in 2015 and joining the Viatorian Community as a professed
brother.

when youre their

classroom teacher.
Its another avenue of communication, he adds.
You really get to
know the kids.
Not that he cuts
his players any
slack, just because
he is a priest. He Ten years ago, Fr. Dan Hall, CSV, consoles senior
is their coach, af- lineman Peter Lamick.
ter all, and he doesnt fool around.
Kick each point as if it was a championship point, Fr. Hall says
to the young backup kicker on one of the first days of practice.

This fall, he returned to where it all started: the gridiron at

Saint Viator High School, serving as assistant coach of the
freshmen team alongside his mentor, Fr. Hall.

Concentrate on technique, he adds to the blocking linemen during point-after drills. If you dont, youre wasting
your time.

The experiences I had playing football in high school helped

instill in me some critical values, Br. Lamick says. It feels
odd to say that a sport played such an important role, but
God finds a way to reach us no matter where we are or what
we are doing.

Br. Lamick watched Fr. Hall put the young players through
their paces, and he smiled. He remembers hearing the same
commands when he played for him, and they helped shape
his life, literally.

In football, he adds, I discovered I loved being a part of a

community with a common mission, and when you add in
Christ, in many ways this resembles religious life.
For his part, Fr. Hall says he is ecstatic that Br. Lamick
has joined him in the coaching ranks. He remembers that
even as a player, Br. Lamick talked about becoming a coach
someday, and now that he has, Fr. Hall believes his young
freshmen players will benefit.
I get tremendous joy from it, Fr. Hall says of coaching. As a
coach, kids come and talk to you about things they wouldnt

When hes not coaching football, Br. Lamick continues to

work on his masters degree in education at DePaul University, and help out in Campus Ministry. Fr. Hall, meantime,
began the year as the newly installed Vice President of Viatorian Identity and Mission at the high school.
He likens the role to that of a spiritual advisor on the academic team, under new President Brian Liedlich. Or to put
it in simpler terms, he sees himself as an assistant coach, still
shaping students lives.

Eileen OGrady Daday

Br. Peter Lammick, CSV, gives his freshmen team a pep talk before a
practice early in the season

www.viatorians.com

Building a Brighter Future with Young Viatorian Leaders

Where do you go from here?
That was the parting question asked of the nearly
50 delegates and one dozen young adult leaders who
convened in July for the 7th annual Viatorian Youth
Congress.
After four days immersed in prayer, discussion groups,
sharing Eucharist together and learning about social
justice all at the Bellarmine Retreat Center in
Barrington, IL the congress came to an emotional
close.
But not before each delegation met to discuss action plans they intended to bring back to their own
communities, to help empower people living on the
margins of society.
Everything Ive heard here hits home, said Miranda Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, celebrates Mass during one of the days of the VYC.
Walters, 18, of Kankakee, who attended the congress (Photo by Matt Fitzgerald)
for the fourth straight year.
Associate Karen Cutler directed the congress and one of her
I love the whole feeling of community here, she added.
Were all coming from parishes and schools from across the
country, but we all find common ground with the Viatorians.
Delegates were surrounded by the Viatorian charism, from
everything they heard, saw and met. They gathered for large
group presentations in a room decked out with a timeline
featuring highpoints in the Viatorian ministry in this country, starting in 1865.
When delegations retreated to their small group rooms, each
one contained an image representing the Viatorians, and virtually everything they discussed had something to do with
the charism of reaching out to help those accounted of little
importance.

main goals was to mix teens with as many Viatorians as possible during their stay.
I think we succeeded with that, she said. Viatorians
served as delegation leaders, presenters, celebrants at Mass
and many new associates were interviewed and introduced
to the large group.
Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, helped design the unique congress
seven years ago, and he was on hand every day of this years
event.
The VYC helps our young faith leaders realize that they
are part of a worldwide family, said Fr. Brost said, that is
changing the world.
Eileen OGrady Daday
Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, gathers with some of the
delegates and leaders from the Las Vegas region
who participated in this years Viatorian Youth
Congress. (Photo by Matt Fitzgerald)

www.viatorians.com

Q&A

with Kelvin Ho

The 8th Day Center for Justice may not be a household word, but members of the Viatorian Community share its faithbased commitment to social justice. Viatorians are part of a coalition of 30 religious congregations that support the 8th Day
Center and its mission of promoting justice, equality and human dignity among all people. Together, they are committed to the
belief that all creation is sacred and interrelated, and they are driven to work together to advance change.
Viatorians do more than support the mission. They employ a staff member to advance their priorities. Kelvin Ho has been
in that role for one year. We caught up with him recently to find out more about him and how he forwards the Viatorian
mission.

Q.
A.

Ive also worked with groups like the Chicago New Sanctuary Coalition to support individuals facing deportation by
ICE. Around labor rights and economic justice Ive worked
with coalitions like Fair Economy Illinois and the Chicago
Teachers Union to push back against austerity measures in
Illinois.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I spent the first half of my childhood in Los Angeles

and the second half in Taipei before coming to Chicago for
college. I got involved in social justice during my last two
years of college, and it led me to spend the next year organizing college students in the Midwest to get their universities
to divest from fossil fuel companies. I worked on a campaign
to ban the use of hydraulic fracturing in Illinois and then
spent another two years doing labor organizing.

Q.

What are your thoughts about being the face and

voice of the Viatorians, out in the trenches of social justice?

A.

Im proud to be able to represent a community that

consistently puts social service at the forefront of its ministries.

Q.

You earned a degree in economics from the University

of Chicago, but you chose to work for social justice. Can you
tell us what prompted that and what drives you?

A.

I grew up in a family where politics was always a

topic of conversation at the dinner table. My grandparents
had been a part of brutally suppressed pro-democracy movements in Taiwan and hearing their stories of friends, who
chose to organize against the brutal regime despite the risks
to themselves, instilled in me a sense of idealism from a
young age.

Q.

What are some of the causes that you work to advance,

in the name of the Viatorians?

A.

My main organizing focuses have been around labor

rights, environmental justice, solitary confinement, immigration and economic justice.

Q.

Can you give some specifics of what you do toward

advancing these social justice causes?

A.

With respect to environmental justice Ive helped

groups like the Southeast Environmental Taskforce and
Rising Tide in garnering press for their demonstrations
against petroleum coke piles being dumped on the Southeast side of Chicago. On solitary confinement, Ive worked
with groups like the Illinois Coalition Against Torture and
Uptowns People Law Center to lobby for a bill that would
significantly limit the use of solitary confinement in Illinois.

www.viatorians.com

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep Unveils Plans for New Campus
A brief press conference took place last month at the site of a
former Kmart store in Waukegan, IL, but it shared big news
for supporters of Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep.
After more than 10 years of educating students in a former
parish facility, the school announced it had purchased a vacant big box store with the intention of converting it into a
state of the art school.
This is a milestone occasion for us as we formally embark on
our Cornerstone Campaign, said Preston Kendall, president
of Cristo Rey St. Martin. Our new facility will bring new
life, hope and a brighter future to both our students and the
communities of Waukegan and North Chicago.

the new site is something of a dream come true for school

officials and supporters alike.
At that time of its opening, 95 students occupied the second
floor and basement of a former Social Security Administration building in downtown Waukegan.
Two years later, with enrollment up to 140, the school leased
the former St. Joseph Parish complex from the Archdiocese
of Chicago. However, with enrollment now up to 400
students, it has outgrown that classroom building.
Artistic
rendering
of the
Cristo rey
College
Prep school

Phase One of the renovation of the building will include an

initial renovation of half the building, roughly 50,000 square
feet, to house 21 classrooms, a cafeteria, a library commons
area, as well as administrative office space. Among the classrooms will be three science labs to support the biology,
chemistry and physics curriculum.

Preston Kendall, president of Cristo Rey St. Martin College

Prep, brings students inside the building which eventually
will be their new school.

Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, looks at the rendering of the new
campus with supporters

Viatorians were among the founding religious communities

to financially back Cristo Rey St. Martin when it opened
in 2004, and they remain committed to its innovative vision
started by Fr. John Foley, SJ, who was on hand for the announcement, as was Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, Viatorian provincial. He described the day as the beginning of a
new era.
As partners in mission, the Viatorians are pleased to support
this undertaking and look forward to the day when we dedicate the new Cristo Rey St. Martin, Fr. von Behren said.
The vision continues.
Acquiring the new building came after a two-year search, and
the raising of $17 million to cover the purchase and phase one
renovation continues with the Cornerstone Campaign. But
www.viatorians.com

One aspect that hasnt

changed through its
series of moves is its
unique work study
model, which has students taking a rigorous,
college prep curriculum
while spending one day
a month working at
area businesses to help
afford their tuition.

This experience reinforces critical thinking

and organizational skills needed in todays workforce, says
Kristen Watson, development director for the school.
Cristo Rey St. Martin is part of the 32 schools across the
country in the Cristo Rey Network. They all share the
same mission of providing quality education, coupled with
innovative work experience, in order to break the cycle of
economic immobility for students growing up in challenging
communities.
Viatorians heartily agree, and over the years, they have supported the school both financially and spiritually. Its members
have served in administration, on its board, on the faculty and
staff, in Campus Ministry and as mentors and benefactors.

8

Eileen OGrady Daday

From the Archives:

Preserving the Legacy of St. Viator Parish One Alum at a Time
Documents, photographs and artifacts, oh my!
St. Viator Parish in Chicago has all of these, and Maggie Goschi Gebien 75,
director of alumni relations and development, is tackling them.
Her goals are to reconnect the grade school graduates with each other
and
with the school as well as to preserve the 128-year parish history. Photos of
the grade school classes and activities are a major portion of the collection, but
she is always looking for more.
For Maggie, this is not just a job, its personal.
The parish is an integral part of this community and my life, Maggie says. It
has given so much to me, and my hope is to pass on this heritage to our children.
St. Viator Parish was established in 1888 by the Clerics of St. Viator. As the
Maggie Goschi Gebien 75 looks through a school photo
album and graduation composites.
archivist for the Viatorian Community, I was called in to assist Maggie in the
arrangement of these historic materials and select the archival supplies and materials for rehousing the collection. The rich
parish legacy will be preserved and protected for generations to come, and many photos will be digitized for easy access.

Personal memories, family stories, tales, and more!

What better way to understand and preserve the past, than with an in-depth reflection
of one persons personal experiences of growing up in the parish.
Jack Smith, graduate of the class of 1956 and now a deacon at St. Zacharys Church in
Des Plaines, shared his memories of St. Viator Church and School during a recent oral
history interview with Br. Jim Lewnard, CSV historian, and myself.

Jack Smith 56 proudly shares his grade school

and family memories during an oral history
interview.

Jack brought in numerous photos and artifacts from his past. Visual materials prompt
memories and memories prompt stories. Sharing those with us, he described the love
he has for the church, school and especially for the Viatorians. Jacks family lived on
Addison Street, near the church and his grandfather and parents were very close to the
Viatorian pastors and their assistants.

Jack fondly remembers how the pastor would knock on the door every evening to sit
and watch the 10 p.m. news with his father back in the 1950s and how his mother always cooked a good hot meal for them
and the neighbors. Jack had to personally deliver these before he could sit down and eat his own dinner.
I think that makes them pretty good parish priests,
when you can remember stories of growing up with
them and relating to them, he said.
Now we need your help to uncover more hidden gems
from the past. If you attended St. Viator Church and
School, consider reaching out to Maggie Goschi Gebien 75 to share your stories and photographs and get on
the alumni mailing list. She publishes a newsletter twice
a year. Contact her at mgebien@stviatorchicago.org or
at 773-286-4040 ext. 31.
Joan Sweeney,
Viatorian Associate and Archivist

Class of 1956 in St. Viator Church with Fr. Edward Cardinal, CSV, pastor
(right) and Fr. Edward Gorman, CSV, assistant (left).

www.viatorians.com

Viatorian Provincial Assembly: Gathering as a Community

2.
1.

4.
3.
1. Jubilarians include, from left: Fr. Fredy Santos, Fr. Michael Keliher, Fr. Simon Lefebvre, Fr. John Palmer, Fr. Alan Syslo and Fr. John Van Wiel. Missing: Fr. John Pisors
2. Fr. Patrick Render, left, Fr. Lawrence Lentz, center and Associate Enrique Valdovinos take in the displays during the Provincial Assembly.
3. Fr. Lawrence Lentz, left, Fr. Thomas von Behren, right, and Fr. Richard Pighini, second from right, congratulate Associates David and Susan Surprenant on making their
definitive commitments to the Viatorian Community.
4. First year Associates, front row, from left: Jackie Dupon, Betty Faraci, Gema and Jos Rangel, Susana Tellez, Enrique Valdovinos and Ivy Vera, Second row: Definitive Associates
Connie Gerber, left, and David and Susan Surprenant

Fellowship, spiritual renewal and strengthening the bonds.

Those were some of the goals of the annual Provincial
Assembly, which this year drew more than 80 Viatorian
associates, brothers and priests to Saint Viator High School
for the three-day conference.
The timing of the assembly was key. This years gathering
occurred less than six months before the General Assembly,
which takes place in November in Madrid, when delegates
from around the world will gather to discuss issues facing the
international Viatorian Community.

CSV; as well as Associates Connie Gerber and Daniel

Schwarz, both of Las Vegas.
The first night of the assembly featured a Mass and joyous
dinner celebration for this years jubilarians. Their years of
religious life and of the priesthood collectively span nearly
two centuries and stretch from Illinois to Nevada and
California, to as far away as Bogot, Colombia and Taiwan.

Part of the agenda was to choose delegates for the General

Assembly, as well as to craft a response to the international communitys major priorities vocation ministry and social justice.

They include: Fr. Simon Lefebvre, CSV, 70 years of religious life; Fr. John Palmer, CSV, and Fr. Michael Keliher,
CSV, 50 years of religious life; Fr. Fredy Santos, CSV, 25
years of religious life; and Fr. John Pisors, CSV, Fr. Alan
Syslo, CSV, and Fr. John Van Wiel, CSV, who all celebrated
50 years of priesthood.

Representing the Province of Chicago at that meeting in

Madrid will be Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, Fr. Mark
Francis, CSV, Fr. Mick Egan, CSV and Br. Gustavo Lpez,

Today, we give thanks that weve been able to serve the people
of God in so many different ways, Fr. Van Wiel said in his
homily, and pray for the grace to continue.

www.viatorians.com

10

Responding to the Spiritual Needs of the Hispanic Community in Kankakee

Fr. Fredy Santos, CSV, returned last spring to Kankakee to
pursue a labor of love: ministering to the growing number
of Hispanic residents in the area and empowering them in
their faith.
A Colombian native, he earned his undergraduate degree in
science education, with a specialization in catechesis from
the Universidad La Gran Colombia in Bogot. But as part
of his preparation for the priesthood, Fr. Santos spent time
with Spanish speaking parishioners at St. Patrick, St. Rose
of Lima and St. Teresa parishes in Kankakee.
Now he has returned, and he has a full slate of responsibilities.
Viatorians have been in Kankakee for more than 100 years,
but this is the first time a Viatorian has reached out to the
Hispanic community here, says Fr. John Peeters, CSV, pastor
of St. Patrick Parish. Its a new ministry and one that is
needed, especially from a native speaker.
More than 10,000 Spanish speaking residents live in Kankakee
and up to 50,000 in the wider Kankakee Valley region.
Fr. Santos works closely with officials from the Joliet Diocese
to help fill the void. He says Masses at St. Martin of Tours,
St. Teresa and St. Rose of Lima parishes, which are covered
by only two diocesan priests. He keeps a timetable of the
teams of Eucharistic ministers, lectors and acolytes serving in
the three parishes, and it turns out the list is important.
Candidates for the Diocese of Joliets first Hispanic pastoral
leadership formation program were recruited from these active

The second night honored this years associates, who were

at various stages of their commitments to the Viatorian
Community.
A special group included Connie Gerber of Las Vegas, and
David and Susan Surprenant of Manteno, IL, who all made
their definitive commitments.
Another group of adults joined the Viatorian Community
for the first time. They made their first commitments for
a period of two years after completing a two-year discernment program. They included Jackie Dupon, Betty Faraci,
Gema Rangel, Jos Rangel, Susana Tellez, Enrique Valdovinos
and Ivy Vera; all from St. Viator Parish in Chicago.

parishioners. The
leadership training classes began
this month, and
they will focus on
the parishioners
developing their
personal, spiritual,
intellectual
and
pastoral skills that
they will in turn
share in their faith
communities.

Fr. Fredy Santos participates in the opening prayer

session at this years assembly.

Its an important
project, says Fr. Santos. These ministers are in formation,
working with professional theologians.
He also leads a family Bible study group every week, coordinates baptism and marriage preparation classes as well as
quinceaera celebrations. Fr. Santos is involved in the youth
group that all three parishes feed into, and last summer he
accompanied them to a retreat at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Des Plaines, IL.
I am very happy in my ministry here, Fr. Santos says. By
providing formation, I am helping this community to deepn
their faith and live the Gospel.

Eileen OGrady Daday

Associates in Las Vegas gathered Sept. 12 to make their

commitments. They included Mimi Roos, who made her
five-year recommitment, as well as Mary Jane Miller, Maggie
Saunders, Kathy Underwood and Deacon Michael Underwood, who all professed their definitive commitments. Finally,
more commitments took place Oct. 16 in Bourbonnais, where
Associates Ken and Michelle Barrie made their definitive
commitments, and Curt and Kathy Saindon and John Dussman, all made their first commitments as associates.
What a wonderful celebration of our cultures and of our
faith, Fr. von Behren said. Thank you for making this
important commitment to the Viatorian Community.
Eileen OGrady Daday

11

www.viatorians.com

In Memoriam
High School in Rock Island, IL. In 1966, he advanced
into educational leadership and served as principal of
Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, NV, until
1969. He also served as associate pastor and pastor at
St. Viator Catholic Community, and later as rector of
Guardian Angel Cathedral, both in Las Vegas.

Fr. Edward C.Anderson, CSV

1921-2016

The Province of Chicago lost

its oldest member and a former
provincial, with the passing of
Fr. Edward C. Anderson, CSV.
He died Aug. 14 in Las Vegas
after a long illness. He was 94.

Between teaching so many Viatorians as seminarians

and later serving with them at ministry sites across
the province, Fr. Anderson became a popular figure
amongst his peers.

His confreres remember him

fondly, and they all point to
the fact that he was the first
elected provincial of the Province of Chicago from 1969
to 1974 signaling a profound change in the way the
Fr. Edward C. Anderson, CSV
Viatorian Community was led.
Fr. Anderson ushered in a new spirit and vision for the congregation, says Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial.
With a Vatican II spirit, Fr. Anderson laid a foundation that
embraced collaboration with the laity and an openness to
the emerging post-Vatican II changes that were taking place
throughout the church in the United States.

Fr. Ed Anderson, CSV, center, joined the administrative team at

Bishop Gorman High School in 1966, with Fr. Philip Clifford,
CSV, left, and Sr. Irmalyn, CSC, vice principal

He allowed the spirit to move within the community,

Fr. von Behren adds and he encouraged experimentation in
the way in which religious life was lived.
By all accounts, Fr. Anderson did not seek the leadership
position. He was a scholar, who had earned undergraduate
degrees at St. Charles College in Baltimore and DePaul
University in Chicago. He went on to do graduate work at
Fordham University in New York, and earned a masters
degree in education at the University of Illinois.
It was at Catholic University of America, while Fr. Anderson
studied for his licentiate in sacred theology, that he also
taught moral theology to Viatorian seminarians, both in
Washington and back in Arlington Heights, where he returned in 1954 after earning his degree.
He was an excellent teacher, says Br. Don Houde, CSV.
Like all good teachers, he listened to his students and he
challenged them.
His teaching assignments would take him to St. Joseph School
for the Deaf in New York City, Archbishop Stepinac High
School in White Plains, NY, Spalding Institute in Peoria, IL,
Cathedral Boys High School in Springfield, IL, and Alleman
www.viatorians.com

He was widely read and well respected, says Fr. Richard

Rinn, CSV, pastor of St. Viator Catholic Community, who
remembers Fr. Anderson as an active member of the board
of trustees for Bishop Gorman High School, after his term
as principal.
The ability to elect their own provincial superior came as a
result of a two-year self-study undertaken in the Viatorian
Community following Vatican II. When elected, Fr. Anderson was charged with implementing some of the decisions
that came out of the study.
It was a rebellious time for the church and the country, Br.
Houde adds, and (Fr. Anderson) had to cope with that. It
wasnt easy, but he handled it well.
A funeral Mass took place Aug. 20 at St. Viator Catholic
Community before Fr. Anderson was laid to rest at Davis
Memorial Park, both in Las Vegas.
He will be missed.

12

Eileen OGrady Daday

university, overseeing preparation classes for outgoing volunteers. In 1966, he ultimately would serve as deputy director of
the Peace Corps in Nigeria.

Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV

1927-2016

A collection of African art,

religious icons and family photos filled the walls of Br. Leo
Ryans rooms at the Province
Center in Arlington Heights,
capturing a life spent in
higher education, the Peace
Corps and in religious life.

A call to serve his Viatorian Community followed, when in

1967 Br. Ryan was elected to serve as a member of the General Council in Rome and later as director of education for the
Viatorians, overseeing all of the appointments of Viatorians
serving in schools.
In 1972, Br. Ryan left his administrative role to serve as the first
president of Saint Viator High School, leading an administrative team that included Br. Donald Houde, CSV, as principal
and Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, as assistant principal.

The largest piece of artwork was a framed poster of

a log cabin in New Salem,
IL, where Abraham Lincoln Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV
lived as a young man. Highlighted on the poster was this quote: The better part of ones
life consists of his friendships.

Leo brought his whole career in management into the administration of the school, Br. Houde says. He wanted to make
Saint Viator a significant educational experience for students.

Br. Ryan lived that credo throughout his long life. He passed
away June 22, at the age of 89.
For Leo, it was about relationships, said Fr. Thomas von
Behren, CSV, provincial, at his memorial Mass on July 2 at
Saint Viator High School.
Br. Ryan grew up in the small town of Waukon, Iowa and enrolled at Marquette University in 1944, before being inducted
into the Army during World War II. He served in the infantry
and was chosen to be among the delegation to travel after the
war to the Central Pacific to test the strength of the atomic
bomb, authorized by President Harry Truman.
Witnessing the destructive force of the bomb firsthand, he
discerned a call to religious life, a decision from which he never
looked back.
He returned to Marquette to complete his degree before
pronouncing his first vows as a Viatorian in 1950. Br. Ryans
first assignments took him to Springfield, IL, where he taught at
Cathedral Boys High School and later at Spalding Institute
in Peoria.
A move to St. Louis University to pursue his doctorate in management and educational administration, after having earned
his MBA at DePaul, signaled a career change into higher education. From St. Louis, Br. Ryan returned to Marquette, where
he was an assistant dean of the evening business school and
continuing education director.
Toward the end of his eight-year assignment at Marquette,
Br. Ryan took over as director of Peace Corps activities at the
13

In 1974, Br. Ryan left the

high school to become dean
of the business college at the
University of Notre Dame for
five years, before serving as
dean of the College of Commerce at DePaul.
Fr. Dennis Holtschneider,
DePaul president, gave one
of three eulogies at Br. Ryans
memorial Mass, describing
Br. Ryan as legendary.
Hes the one who organized
Chicagos corporate leaders
and our many alums, Fr.
Holtschneider said.Working
together, they raised DePaul
regarded school of business.

Br. Leo V. Ryan received an honorary

doctorate degree during the 2013 DePaul
University graduation ceremony

from a regional to a nationally

Upon his retirement in 1988 as dean, Br. Ryan remained at

DePaul as a professor of management, while also lecturing
at the Helsinki School of Economics in Mikkeli, Finland
and teaching management during fall semesters at Adam
Mickiewicz University in Pozna Poland.
Even with his many titles, being a Viatorian and a religious
was the most important title of all for Leo, Fr. von Behren
said. He embraced the vocation of being a brother and saw
that he could have a significant impact in our world and church
without being ordained.
He will be missed.

Eileen OGrady Daday
www.viatorians.com

In Memoriam
Fr. Kenneth E. Yarno, CSV

We all thought he looked like Paul Neuman,

Costello says. He was sweet and gentle and a
sympathetic shoulder to lean on if things didnt
go well.

1932-2016

The auditorium at Saint Viator

High School, the baptismal font at
St. George Church in Bourbonnais
and a hand carved, wooden clock
at the Viatorian Province Center.
They all share the imprint of Fr.
Kenneth Yarno, CSV, whose love
of woodworking and attention to
detail sustained him during his 65
years of religious life.

In 1973, Fr. Yarno was tapped to serve as principal of Bishop McNamara High School in
Kankakee, where he would stay for eight years.
Beyond making physical improvements to the
campus, he also launched a new fundraising idea,
Madcaps, drawing on his theater background.
There were live performances on stages set up
throughout the school, says Viatorian Associate
Susan Surprenant, a former student.

Fr. Yarno passed away June 8 after

suffering a stroke. He was 84.

A switch to pastoral ministry came in 1983 for

He was a good and holy priest
Fr. Yarno, calling him to be pastor of Immaculate
- a gentle, quiet and just man
Fr.
Kenneth
E.
Yarno,
CSV
Conception
Parish in Kankakee before serving as
who drew people to him, said
pastor of St. Viator Church in Chicago, and later St.
Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV,
Joseph
Church
in Springfield.
provincial, at his funeral Mass on June 15.
Fr. Yarno entered the Viatorian Community in 1950 after It was there that Fr. Yarno formed a lasting friendship with
graduating from St. Patrick High School in Kankakee, where the school principal, Sr. Rita Bregenhorn, OSU.
Viatorians had taught him. He pronounced his first vows in
1951 and was ordained a priest in 1959.

In 1994, Fr. Yarno was assigned to be pastor of St. George

Parish in Bourbonnais, where he would spend the next 15
years.

He would earn degrees in philosophy, industrial arts and ultimately a certificate in educational administration. However,
his first assignment after ordination was as assistant director
and ultimately director of vocations.

He loved the people

here and enjoyed all
the peace and solitude of
St. George, says Viatorian Associate David Surprenant.

This was no small task, coming after Vatican II and with

all the upheaval in the 1960s, Fr. von Behren said. But Ken
persevered.

During his years as pastor, Fr. Yarno oversaw the

renovation of its church
and built the baptismal
font and lectern out of
the same marble as the
altar.

It was in 1968, that a fire occurred at Saint Viator High

School that left the auditorium and stage gutted. Fr. James
Michaletz, CSV, the principal at that time, said the first thing
he did was to ask permission for Fr. Yarno to be assigned to
supervise its restoration.
He had a background in industrial arts, and he was very
organized, Fr. Michaletz says of his good friend. He was a
godsend.

In retirement at the Province Center, Fr. Yarno built models

and clocks that adorn the building, including a large one built of
hand-cut balsa wood, which resembles a chalet in France.

Fr. Yarno not only resurrected the theater in time for its next
musical, but he stayed on as producer of the next three shows.

We celebrate his journey of life and of service, Fr. von Behren

said, and as a religious priest.

Kate Costello, who has directed the last 15 musicals at Saint

Viator and appeared in them during her high school years,
remembers Fr. Yarno fondly.

He will be missed.

www.viatorians.com

14

Eileen OGrady Daday

Celebrating Our Jubilarians

Fr. John Pisors celebrated 50 years
as a Viatorian priest in September.
Looking back, it appears he was
destined to become a Viatorian.
He attended elementary school at
St. Viator Parish in Chicago and
followed in the footsteps of his
brother, the late Fr. Thomas Pisors,
CSV. He also had two sisters who
Fr. John Pisors, CSV
became members of the School
Sisters of St. Francis in Milwaukee. Most of his 50 years as a
priest have been spent in Colombia, South America, and most
of them at Colegio San Viator. In preparation for his role as
teacher, Fr. Pisors received his Bachelors degree in mathematics
with a minor in Latin from Loyola University in Chicago. He
received his Masters degree from Catholic University of America
in science and mathematics. Although Fr. Pisors spent shorter
assignments at Blessed Agnes Church in Chicago, and at
Parroquia de Christo Rey and Parroquia Santa Magdelena
Sofia Barat, both in Colombia; he has devoted most of his
life to the students at Colegio San Viator. Over the years, he
has taught many of the core subjects, while also helping out
in sacramental ministry at surrounding parishes. His steady
involvement over all these years has helped the school build
a solid reputation as a bilingual, college prep school and one
that has distinguished itself as an accredited International
Baccalaureate program.
Fr. Alan Syslo was ordained a
priest on June 4, 1966. He obtained his undergraduate degree
in accounting at Loyola University
in Chicago, before doing graduate study at George Washington
University in Washington DC,
earning a masters in social work
at Rutgers University, and his
masters degree in management at
Illinois State University. His Fr. Alan Syslo, CSV
first teaching assignment was at Saint Viator High School
in Arlington Heights where he taught business and religion. From there he was transferred to Spalding Institute
in Peoria, where he taught his major subjects and served
as dean of men. After seven years he joined a small group
interested in team ministry in Louisiana, which added
parish ministry to his resume. From there he went to Las
Vegas and broadened the scope of his work, taking on the
challenging task of ministry to the gay community in the
California counties of Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito,

and San Luis Obispo. Reflecting on the past 50 years, I

see three events that have had a great impact on my life,
Fr. Syslo says. The first was being involved in the lives of
persons suffering and dying with AIDS. The second was
learning and helping veterans being affected with post-traumatic stress disorder. The third is an ever growing knowledge
and deeper appreciation of the liturgy, both in the Word and
in the Eucharist. This has made me see that all theology
is rooted in the liturgy, and I have been blessed to be able
to celebrate the Divine Liturgy of the Byzantine Rite. Fr.
Syslo now serves as an associate pastor at St. Thomas More
Catholic Community in Henderson, NV.
Fr. John Van Wiel also celebrates
50 years as a priest. Like many
of his confreres, he was strongly
influenced by his Viatorian high
school teachers, in his case at
Alleman High School in Rock
Island, IL. As he celebrates
50 years of priestly ministry, he can count the ways he
has lived a religious life. He
spent 35 years teaching chemis- Fr. John Van Wiel, CSV
try at Saint Viator High School, but he also served as a
teacher, coach, dean of discipline and principal at Bishop
McNamara High School in Kankakee, as principal of Alleman High School in Rock Island, IL, and as a teacher and
dean of discipline at Griffin High School in Springfield, and
the local superior. His interests and talents begin in science
and end in the arts. He is a good watercolorist. He studied
at St. Procopius College and Loyola University, before completing post-graduate work at St. Louis University, Catholic University of America, University of North Carolina,
and the Viatorian Seminary in Washington DC. Certainly
during my 50 years of priesthood and 56 of religious life, I
have received much more than the hundredfold promised by
Jesus to those who have left all to follow him, Fr. Van Wiel
writes. I have been blessed in many ways by friends and
families who have welcomed me into their lives and by the
many students, teachers, parish priests and parishioners with
whom I have worked. I loved being a teacher. I could walk
into school in a bad mood, but in a short time the energy
and liveliness of the students would have me smiling. Knowing that in some way, what I taught helped students make a
career choice, was always a great reward. I am truly grateful
for my years as a priest and a Viatorian.

15

Br. Donald Houde, CSV

www.viatorians.com

Clerics of St. Viator

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Around the Province...

Br. John Eustice, CSV,
returned to his role as codirector of the Campus Ministry department at Saint
Viator High School but
he did so with a song in his
heart. Over the summer,
Br. John attended a ukulele
camp offered by the schools
band director, Mr. Vince Genualdi. He sat in with students and
learned to make and play his own ukulele. What a great
way to start the summer creatively, Br. John said. Look for
him to strum his ukulele tunes at his next retreat.
Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV, is known for
his green thumb at Maternity of the Blessed
Virgin Mary Church in Bourbonnais. His
lush gardens brighten all corners of the church
campus, including his private sanctuary behind the rectory, where he has cultivated a
colorful oasis in the midst of shade trees. His
efforts are drawing notice. One year ago, the
church gardens were part of a community garden walk and this
past summer, Fr. Pighini and his gardens made the cover story
of Chicagoland Gardening Magazine. What interests me about
gardening, Fr. Pighini says, is the design aspect and creating
beauty.
In the July edition of the Tablet, an international Catholic journal published in
London, Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, wrote
the cover story, which asks: Which
Direction Does God Face? In it, Fr.
Francis responded to a call by a Vatican prelate, Cardinal Robert Sarah, for
the celebrant at Mass to face the same
direction as the congregation, that is, with his back to them as
was common in the Tridentine Rite. One of the main goals
of the (Vatican II) liturgical movement was its emphasis on

restoring liturgical participation by the laity at Mass, Fr. Francis writes. For this reason it promoted dialogue Masses. While
Cardinal Sarah promoted making the change as soon as Advent,
Fr. Francis said that activity is past. Read his entire article,
here
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/features/2/8626/which-waydoes-god-face-.
For the second straight year, Fr.
Jason Nesbit, CSV, was asked
by members of the Chicago
Bears front office to come and
say Mass for some of the coaches, players and staff when they
were at training camp at nearby
Olivet Nazarene University. Brian McCaskey, head of training camp operations for the Bears, asked Fr. Nesbit to return
and he brought Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, with him to serve
as acolyte. I know this is probably the most peaceful moment
they get for most of the day, Fr. Jason said. I wanted to respect
their privacy and also ensure that the main reason for going
over was to lead them in prayer and ensure those who were
there receive the sacraments. In other words, he didnt ask for
autographs, but he did grab a photo.
Parish duties at St. Viator Catholic
Community in Las Vegas kept Fr. Richard
Rinn, CSV, from celebrating an important
milestone in September: his 50th high school
reunion from Saint Viator High School.
He was remembered, however, during the
weekend event as one of many successful graduates of the Class of 1966. One
year after graduating from Saint Viator, Fr. Rinn entered the
Viatorian Community and he has never looked back. During
his nearly 50 years of religious life, he returned to his alma mater to teach and ultimately serve as its president. He continues
to advance the Viatorian charism in Las Vegas, where he has
served since 1999.