The charism of the Clerics of St. Viator, commonly called the Viatorians, is devoted to proclaiming Jesus Christ and His Gospel while building and nurturing faith communities where faith can be fully lived, deepened, and celebrated. They emphasize education, catechesis, parish ministry, campus and youth outreach, and service alongside lay associates, inspired by the example of their patron St. Viator, a 4th-century catechist. Members seek to respond to the needs of the Church by forming communities of faith, engaging in teaching at all levels, serving in parishes, and offering pastoral care rooted in the Gospel and the vision of their founder.

The Clerics of St. Viator were founded on 3 November 1831 in Vourles, France by Father Louis Joseph Querbes in response to the social upheavals and educational needs following the French Revolution, particularly the lack of catechesis and parish support in rural communities. Pope Gregory XVI granted pontifical approval to the congregation in 1838, and the Viatorians soon expanded beyond France to Canada and the United States, where they established schools, parishes, and ministries of education and pastoral care. Over the centuries the congregation became international, with provinces and mission presences in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa (e.g., Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso), and Asia. Throughout their history, the Viatorians have emphasized teaching, community ministry, and partnership with lay collaborators as central to their service in the Church.

Email: vocations@viatorians.com (primary vocation office email: connect to discernment and formation team)