The presence of the Clerics of Saint Viator in Chile began on November 16, 1957, when two Viatorian brothers from Spain arrived in Viña del Mar: Saturnino San Martín and César Elorrieta. Just a few months later, in March 1958, they took over the leadership of the San Antonio Parochial School, founded by the priest Félix Ruiz de Escudero, a former student of the San José School in Vitoria, directed by the Clerics of Saint Viator.
On February 2, 1962, the congregation established a new community at the La Laguna estate in Curacaví, where they managed a primary school for four years.
In 1963, on March 4, an important stage began with the opening of the San Viator School of Ovalle, located in the Fourth Region.
In March 1964, the congregation received an invitation from the Society for the Protection of Children and took charge of the Las Nieves educational complex in Puente Alto. They remained there for 27 years, leaving a deep mark on the formation of students and the educational community.
On February 24, 1980, the Viatorians took over El Divino Salvador parish in Ovalle, strengthening their pastoral presence in the region.
On August 15, 1987, the Delegation of the Clerics of Saint Viator of Chile achieved the status of Region, consolidating its autonomy within the congregation. One year later, in 1988, the first Chilean associates took their commitments to the congregation, enriching it with their lay charism.
In 1989, the congregation inaugurated the San Viator School in Macul, in the Metropolitan Region. Five years later, in 1994, classes began at the El Señor de Renca Polytechnic High School, strengthening their commitment to technical education and social promotion.
The Viatorian mission extended beyond the borders of Chile in June 2001, when Br. José Antonio Izaga and Fr. Luis Trigueros brought the Viatorian charism to Alto Beni, Bolivia.
February 9, 2003, marked a significant milestone: the creation of the Province of Chile. The provincial headquarters was initially established in the commune of La Florida and, in 2018, it moved to a house adjacent to the San Viator School in Macul.
In January 2005, the CLAC novitiate experience began in Puente Alto, with a group of novices from the Haiti foundation.
In 2007, the educational project of the San Antonio School of Villa Alemana was born, a sign of a presence that educates and accompanies with the Viatorian charism. That same year, the Viatorians took over the administration of a parish in Cochabamba, Bolivia, a pastoral service lived with generous dedication until the end of 2019.
The Provincial Chapter of April 28, 2012, approved the creation of the Querbes Vocational Guidance Center in Viña del Mar. This center has been dedicated to offering a space of welcome, reflection, and prayer for young people, fostering vocational discernment and the promotion of new Viatorian vocations.
In 2019, the province took over the San Juan Evangelista parish in Viña del Mar, which had previously been served by a Viatorian for twelve years. Additionally, on August 19, 2019, "La Inmaculada" parish was created in Ovalle, as a result of the division of "El Divino Salvador" parish.
The province also has three retreat houses: in Olmué (Valparaíso Region), Sotaquí (Ovalle), and Puente Alto (Santiago), which serve as spaces for prayer, formation, and community gathering.
The history of the Viatorians in Chile is marked by the sacrifice, generosity, and dedication of many religious and associates who have devoted their lives so that Jesus may be known, loved, and adored.
Currently, under the leadership of Fr. Marcelo Lamas Morales, Provincial Superior since 2015, the Province continues its mission with renewed commitment. In his third term, which covers the 2023-2026 period, he continues to guide the Viatorians in their work of evangelization and service.
This history remains alive and is written day by day by each member of the Viatorian community in their tireless effort to build the Kingdom of God.
