TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Dioceses, religious organizations, priests, friends, and supporters in Cagayan of Fr. Mark Anthony Ventura took to social media their call for justice on his killing of on Sunday, April 29.
In a Facebook post, the Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary (TAMS), where Ventura was once a rector, joined Fr. Fredel Agatep in posting a black photo with texts, “I am Fr. Mark Ventura” to denounce the killing of the priest.
The post came with a statement urging people to make the photo their profile picture to take a “firm stand” against killers and terrorists.
“Anyone of us can become a victim of killers and terrorists. Let us stand firm and denounce any form of destruction of human life,” the statement said.
‘Missionary priest’
To his brothers in priesthood, Ventura was a good priest.
In his homily this Sunday, a priest said Ventura decided to stay in his assignment because he loved being a missionary priest. He said the young priest just opened a chapel in his area last year.
He would say mass anywhere just to raise funds for projects of his flock, the priest shared.
In terms of the motive of the killing, people close to him say they are still facing a blank wall.
They only know that the whole archdiocese is in mourning.
Priests have sent out their prayers and calls for justice online.
Meanwhile, netizens also posted their messages for the late priest.
Hazel Parcon said Ventura is the coolest priest she’s ever met.
Paul Lopez thanked Ventura for being their rector in his time at the seminary.
“You’re the one who taught me that life is hard when no one is beside you,” posted Lopez.
“Mahal na mahal ka po namin. Maraming salamat po sa lahat lahat. You will always be in our hearts,” JS Ubias said. Northernforum.net