Mass and Vigil for Reodica

Mass and Vigil for Reodica

By Marlou S. Tiro
The Philippine Reporter

TORONTO-It was cold and raining hard that Wednesday (June 9) evening. Only few had their umbrellas while others had to be contented taking shelter under a tree. Armed with their banners and placards, they continued to walk for Jeffrey Reodica’s cause and braved the heavy rain. Unhampered by the bad weather conditions, the family, friends and supporters of Reodica managed to march from St. Rose of Lima church, where a mass was held in memory of Reodica towards the site where he was shot by a policeman. For them, nothing was more important than to show their love for Jeffrey-and a solemn vigil aptly demonstrated such love.

At the site, people were silent for a while, in deep contemplation of their collective sympathy. While media people were busy pursuing their stories, others could not help but share their thoughts. “There is just an eerie feeling that cannot be explained”, said Efren Pabon. “You can feel that Jeffrey is here.”
“The heavy rain means that Jeffrey is angry of what happened to him”, said one mourner. “In the Philippines, we believe that if it rains it means that the dead person does not like to leave this world. Jeffrey is sad because he was not able to say goodbye properly,” added her companion.

“It is really sad to learn how this boy was killed,” said Sandra Smith member of OCAP (Ontario Coalition Against Poverty). “Our group is here to support his family. We understand what they are going through because we have experienced human injustices a couple of times.” It may be important to mention that Smith had an argument with the church’s property manager earlier over the display of their placards within the church’s premises.

A commotion also took place between the manager and members of the press, the latter told not to conduct their work within “private property” (church). It was, however, settled immediately by the vigil organizers.

Amidst a somber atmosphere, a short prayer was said, candles were lit and placed on the roadside, the spot where the fatal incident took place.

From a distance, one could see curious neighbors looking at vigil participants. Motorists passing by were also curious and did not hesitate to take a peep of what was happening.

The vigil held last Wednesday, June 10, at the St Rose of Lima Church along Lawrence Avenue East was part of the series of activities organized by the Justice for Jeffrey Reodica Coalition.

Among the 300 vigil participants were members of justice and human rights groups and from other ethnic minorities.