Solidarity With and Prayer for the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines

August 31, 2019

Today is the funeral in Zamboanga Sibugay of Ms. Genifer Buckly, the young JVP who died in a robbery at her quarters in Pangantucan, Bukidnon. She and her companion, Ms. Kathleen Gatdula, who is now recuperating from stab wounds, were serving their assignment as teachers in Pangantucan Community High School when this tragedy occurred.

No words can adequately express the sadness such loss and suffering evoke. Indeed, evil stalks the land in so many forms, and claims too many innocent victims. But it is especially vile when it strikes out at good people like Gen and Kath who, with so many opportunities to utilize talents and resources for themselves, chose to offer what they had serving fellow Filipinos in a remote and less privileged region. We can only entrust them to the merciful and loving hands of the Lord, whose own undeserved sufferings in a mission for others are replicated in the offerings of Gen and Kath. Yet, evil will never have the last word. May God draw from their sacrifice the kind of redemptive fruitfulness that flows from the Son’s own passion.

I also want to extend to all JVPs, past and present, deepest sympathies and encouragement. We know you have been shaken, understandably, by what has happened. But you must also be affirmed in the wonderful work you are doing and have done. That beloved companions have fallen in the struggle should be a spur to renewed effort and sense of mission. You are doing God’s work, and along with the Lord I am sure Gen and Kath would be the first to cheer you on. Thank you for your generosity and dedication; they make the JVP effort truly life-giving, and make all of us proud to have mission partners like you have shown yourselves to be.

I commend Gen and Kath, their families and loved ones, and all the JVPs to the prayer of the Province. May the Lord comfort us in mourning, and strengthen us all to continue the spirit of commitment that has always been a hallmark of the JVPs.

Sincerely in Our Lord,

PRIMITIVO E. VIRAY, JR., S.J.
Provincial