tragedy

most of you have probably heard of the brutal death of fr. rey roda. i first heard about it tuesday night when jerry got a text about it. i was shocked. more so because i met the man once during my trip to tawi-tawi.

i was introduced to him in bonggao while his scholars being interviewed by another ADF staff. we had a bit of conversation while we were waiting for them to finish. our small talk eventually led to JVP. he actually asked for one and was approved but never pushed through because of the messy peace and order situation back then. we also talked a bit about the late rosing (then executive director) as well as his days in the underground. i think he was a bit disappointed about how some of his peers lost their bile and have ended up in the hands of the administration anyway.

all in all, it was a pleasant conversation. he was very likable and had a good sense about him. i never got to see him after that, but he was the only priest i remembered other than the one i had a meeting with.

then the news of his death. another sad time for the Church. losing another priest with a missionary spirit. he should be a hero for thinking others before himself.

sigh. when will this end?

please pray for him.