The History of Viatores Christi

Structure of Viatores Christi today

Viatores Christi is a limited company and also a registered charity (no. 5526) and employs four full-time staff.

Council
It is managed by a Council, made up of voluntary members who are elected at the Annual General Meeting. The Council comprises of nine members including a president and a vice-president.

The Council is responsible for the overall running of the organisation and the implementation of policy agreed at the AGM.

Committees
There are eight functional committees, which report to Council and support the work of the association.

How it all began

Viatores Christi grew from among a group of UCD students who were members of the Legion of Mary who had participated in holiday volunteer work.

1960 - 2007

1960 The first members went on assignment in 1960 to Nigeria. The following year members departed for Peru, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

1966 To facilitate the increase in numbers, it was agreed to purchase 9 Harcourt Terrace, which was to be home to Viatores Christi until 1986.
1968 Most Rev. Dr. John Charles McQuaid, Archbishop of Dublin blessed and opened the new headquarters at Harcourt Terrace, Dublin 2. The President of Ireland, Mr. Eamon De Valera was also present. Over 200 members of Viatores Christi had gone overseas on assignment to 25 countries by this time.
1970 The ‘Friends of Viatores Christi‘ group was formed to enable people to support V.C. financially and by their prayers.
1976 In October, Viatores Christi became an independent association receiving great support from the Irish Bishops and missionary congregations.
1977 This year saw the constitutional committee draw up a constitution for Viatores Christi. A separate committee drew up an operational manual for the association. Both were agreed by the membership.
1986 We had outgrown 9 Harcourt Terrace and we had to find a new home. Following a major fundraising campaign we purchased the premises at 38/39 Gardiner Street Upper, Dublin, which continues to be our headquarters.
2005 Viatores Christi celebrates its 45th anniversary! Since 1960, approximately 2000 members have served in 46 countries.
2006 This year saw a re-introduction of Home Mission. This is an opportunity to work full- time in Ireland in a voluntary capacity.