The Itinerants Path

The Brothers from Marbel community left very early from Koronadal City to Cotabato to attend the burial of Fr. Rey Roda, OMI. The Requim Mass whcih was officiated by Bishop Angelito Lampon, OMI, DD was already starting when we were still approaching Sinsuat Avenue in Cotabato City. Many people flocked down the street going to the Immaculate Conception Catheral to join the crowd in saying goodbye to the slain priest in Tabawan Island in Tawi-tawi. I sensed the sad atmosphere inside the Cathedral but I also sensed the oneness of people during the Mass.

During the homily of Bishop Angelito Lampon, OMI, DD, he was trying to console the people with his sense of humor but at the middle of his talk, he gave in to the sadness of losing one of his priests. Fr. Rey Roda is loved much by the people, to the extent that they are ready to face the challenges left in Tabawan. The present danger in their own place is now courageously faced. The people from Tabawan Island who would go to Tamontaka for the wake told the Bishop that they would rather go back to the Island and face the danger rather than coming to Cotabato for they can be with Fr. Rey Roda beyond the grave. The Bishop was deeply touched with the people’s love for him.

The burial was being attended by many people who knows the murdered priest. They came from different places where the late priest was assigned before. Religious priests, nuns and brothers joined with the people composed of Christians and non-Christians. Students from different schools in Cotabato and Tamontaka, Shariff Kabungsuan positioned themselves on the streets as they waved their flaglets while the funeral car was passing by. It was a touching moment for everybody who were there.

His body is laid rest at Oblates Cemetery at Marian Hill in Tamontaka, Shariff Kabungsuan (former Maguindanao). Fr. Rey Roda, OMI is being buried today, but let us not bury his dreams for the Tabawan people.

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