Henry John Acorda Receives Posthumous St. James Award of Bravery from Česká Třebová Parish in Czech Republic

Father Miloš Kolovratiník hands a letter and small plaque of St. James the Apostle for the family of the late Henry John Acorda at Holy Mass to Consul Juan E. Dayang, Jr. Another photo shows Father Kolovratiník with Consul Dayang, Filipino Community leader Michelle Marquez of the European Network of Filipinos in the Diaspora and parishioner including Martin Voleský. (Prague PE photo)

PRAGUE 06 August 2018 – The Philippine Embassy in Prague reported to the Department that a migrant worker who died in Bratislava, Slovakia and was cited the Department of Foreign Affairs as a “hero who came to the rescue of the defenseless” was honored by a Catholic community in Česká Třebová.

Saint James Church parish priest Father Miloš Kolovratiník invited the Embassy to accept on behalf of the family of the late Henry John Acorda a posthumous award for his heroic bravery, during the Feast of Saint James.

Chargé d’affaires, a.i.  Juan E. Dayang Jr. visited Česká Třebová, about 200 km from Prague to attend the Holy Mass and received the letter and a plaque of St. James to be delivered to Mr. Acorda’s family.

In his homily, Father Miloš emphasized the importance of caring for immigrants. He said that there are many foreigners who have left their countries for the Gospel, such as St. Adalbert of Prague who spread Christianity to Poland and Prussia and gave up his life for the faith. He also mentioned Gjon Perdedaj who saved a woman from a thief in Prague 17 years ago, who almost lost his life and became invalid.

He said that the story that touched him this year was Mr. Acorda’s story. In his homily, he said that Mr. Acorda’s purpose to work in Slovakia was right as he sent his income to his family in the Philippines. He also narrated what happened to the Filipino OFW that led to his death.

In his handwritten letter dated 22 July to Mr. Acorda’s family, Father Kolovratiník offered apologies on behalf of all living in middle Europe as well as an admiration of his courage when the Filipino defended the women against the man who eventually caused his death. He requested the Embassy to deliver the letter to Mr. Acorda’s family. END

Handwritten condolence letter of Father Miloš Kolovratiník to the family of Henry John Acorda and a small metal plaque of St. James. (Prague PE photo)

For more information, visit www.praguepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinCzechRepublic/.