Death of Jordan Navor in the Philippines

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Jordan Navor and Louella 'Lala' Vicente

I have used the photo above many times, especially to mark Lala's birthday on 27 September, the feast of St Vincent de Paul. It was taken in L'Arche in Cainta, Rizal, part of the Metro Manila sprawl. Jordan, born with multiple disabilities, became part of the community as a child and I met him many times over the years. Lala joined some years later. Punla, the Tagalog for seedling, is the official name of the community.


I was very saddened to learn yesterday of Jordan's death on Wednesday. But my instinctive reaction was a conviction that he is now surely in heaven with God. In the Irish language we have a beautiful expression for someone like Jordan: duine le Dia - a person with God. He was someone who was a great grace to those who knew him because he drew out their generosity and love in responding to his needs. The photo at the top shows this beautifully.

The photos above and below of Jordan, taken from the Facebook of L'Arche Punla, show him as a man, with a hint of how God sees him and how he sees himself now.


Kuya is the Tagalog form of address for an older brother, or someone who is like an older brother to you. It is a term both of respect and affection, similar to 'Uncle' and 'Auntie'.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Pray for all who are grieving for Jordan, particularly the members of his Punla L'Arche community in Cainta.

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