Montevideo, november 17th. 2005 - We want to share fraternally with you all what we are living these days in midst of the unexpected and painful news that our friend Patricio Rodé issuffering from a terrible illness.
Since last July -as some you already know- Patricio began to feel intense pains in his back. Despite those pains - with his well-known generosity and commitment - he traveled to Africa in order to perform responsibilities related with the Movement. When he returned to Uruguay the pains did not diminish, but after a quick consultation to his doctor, he traveled again to Europe and Chile to fulfill previous obligations, taking strong pain-killers all the time. Finally in Montevideo, he had to wear an orthopedic corset from neck to hip, beginning to lose mobility in the lower members soon after.
More in-depth medical studies eventually revealed that he had suffered a fracture of a lumbar vertebra, caused by a tumor located in that area. At the same time, the reports told us that the tumor was a metastasis, but even today the original tumor is unknown. The physicians recommended an urgent surgery in the vertebral column, in order to remove the tumor and to extract some material for further biopsies. In the last 20 days his condition has aggravated in view of the fact that many metastases were revealed. At this point the doctors are skeptical on an eventual improvement on his condition; moreover, they predict the deterioration of his physical condition in the near future.
As you can imagine these hard circumstances adds an enormous distress to Patricio, his wife Cristina and his son Miguel since are happening only 7 months after the astonishing decease of Claudia -Patricio's daughter- who passed away as a result of a violent liver tumor.
Nevertheless, today we want to share with you the testimony that Patricio is offering to us. Once more, Patricio is giving to us a profound and touching testimony of faith. It is the faith in the God of life -announced and 'experienced' by Jesus-, that has nurtured and sustained him along hisentire life. Patricio has known how to share this experience of faith passionately and clearly with all of us. But his testimony of faith has been enriched even more in these hours of suffering and uncertainty.
In the past few days he has received many expressions of solidarity and sympathy from fellows and friends all around the world. Those gestures have shown and fortified the invisible and sacramental network of fraternal affection and solidarity that we have celebrated with him in the anointing of the sick. We would like to remark specially the wonderful gesture that Paul Ortega had last week when he traveled to Montevideo in order to chat with Patricio about our Movement, something that Patricio has appreciated very much.
Dear brothers and sisters: we are writing these notes not only to let you know you about these appalling facts. Above all, we want to share with you his touching testimony of confidence in God. We have discerned the need to share these inspirational experiences with you. Patricio is telling us all that our Movement was and is a invaluable experience of faith; a space where you can express the best that you are and you have, building community and promoting justice as followers of the God of Life. We know that this fertile testimony will be treasured by those - like you- who have the benefit of the friendship of this humble disciple of the Carpenter of Nazareth.
United in prayer, solidarity and hope we salute you all
Catholic Movement of Professionals, Uruguay