Fr Sugiyo Pitoyo SJ, former Thailand Regional Superior; Fr John Che-chon Chong SJ, former Korean Provincial; former JCAP President Fr Tony Moreno SJ; Fr Eric Velandria SJ; and Fr Mark Raper SJ at the Major Superiors Assembly in Baguio, February 2020
From across the seas, with a mixture of shock, sadness, and gratitude, I join friends of Eric Velandria in Rome, Manila, Cagayan de Oro, and the many places that Eric has lived to say goodbye to him. Leaving dear friends in many places, Eric now travels on that mysterious journey that we must all take one day. How thankful we are for his gentle and humble presence in our lives. How thankful I am for his companionship, not simply during the years that we worked together for the Jesuit Conference, but for our friendship before, during, and after those years that we worked side by side. We share the shock of his sudden departure from our lives and our sadness at losing him. Personally, I give thanks that we could meet and talk from the heart just a few weeks ago in Rome. How precious such memories become!
In the Jesuit Conference, Eric held several roles. He was Socius, which means a companion and advisor to the leadership in that wide network. He was Treasurer, managing the resources made available by the member provinces and by generous contributors who shared our mission. Beyond those roles, Eric had a care for the Jesuits who lived in the international residence. His generous, perceptive, solicitous nature suited him well to all these responsibilities.
Fr Eric and Fr Mark with former JCAP Formation Delegate Fr Riyo Mursanto and lay women collaborators | Major Superiors Assembly, Singapore 2017
If he had a fault, it was that he underestimated himself. For that reason, Eric responded well to trust. He was gentle, humble, welcoming, and loyal. He could be surprised and sensitive when his contribution was not appreciated, but he would not assert his rights or insist on his due. In proposing ideas or projects, Eric was always discrete and malleable, ready to modify according to suggestions. His proposals always carried value. Resourceful for every complex task, he had ideas to contribute, as well as a network of friends ready to offer expertise.
For our lay colleagues, Eric was a source of consolation and inspiration, ever attentive to their needs and their likes, promoting among them a welcoming, cooperative space, with a sense that he was simply one of the team.
In one recent article he wrote about his life and work in the Social Justice secretariat of the Society:
“By God’s grace, I see Jesus providing me with this space to encounter Him anew … Jesus speaks, calls, and shows me the way through research on the cries of the earth and the anguish of the poor. Jesus also allows me to encounter Him, our Crucified-Risen Lord, through those who devotedly advocate for justice and reconciliation.”
With arms stretched wide, Jesus, gentle and humble in heart, our Crucified-Risen Lord, now welcomes Eric, a person after his own heart.
