Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula urged families, schools and communities to pay closer attention to young people who may be silently struggling with emotional and personal problems following the fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
In a message of solidarity released Friday, Advincula said young people may be dealing with sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, family problems, bullying and academic pressure without those around them noticing.
“We need to listen to them, not only when they speak loudly, but especially when they suffer quietly,” Advincula said.
“We need to create spaces where they can speak without fear of judgment, seek help without shame, and know that they are valued and loved.”
Advincula issued the message following the Aug. 18 shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) campus, which killed two students, including the shooter.
He said the response to the incident should go beyond expressing condolences and should prompt a deeper examination of the difficulties faced by young people.
“We must not allow this tragedy to pass without listening deeply to what it tells us about the struggles of our young people,” he said.
Advincula called for collective efforts to build a culture of care, compassion, dialogue and support for young people instead of allowing fear and violence to prevail.
“In this moment of grief, let us turn to prayer, but let our prayer also lead us to united action. Together, let us strengthen a culture of care, compassion, dialogue, and accompaniment so that violence and hatred may never have the final word,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zamboanga expressed solidarity with the Jesuit community, the ADZU family and others affected by the shooting.
“We join the entire ADZU community in profound grief over the loss of young lives and in deep concern for those who have been wounded, traumatized, and deeply affected by this tragedy,” the archdiocese said.
It assured students, teachers, school personnel, families and the wider academic community of its prayers and support as they recover from the incident.
The archdiocese also emphasized the role of faith formation and catechesis in helping young people and educators build communities based on compassion, respect, dialogue, responsibility and peace.
“Our schools must remain safe spaces – places where young people can learn, grow, discover their dignity, and become instruments of peace,” it said.
The archdiocese also called for authorities to pursue the case with wisdom, fairness, courage and a commitment to justice.
“In this moment of sorrow, we choose prayer over fear, compassion over condemnation, truth over speculation, and justice over vengeance. We grieve with you. We pray with you. We stand with you. We walk with you toward healing, justice and peace,” it said.
Photo courtesy of CBCP News
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