Parish rallies around bomb victim

The trauma of a holiday bombing has failed to shatter the faith of a Clifton Park girl and her parents.

Although 10-year-old Jordan Tessa Reardon suffered cuts and burns when a package bomb blew up in her face Christmas Eve, the family's faith is as strong as ever, according to Rev. John Cairns, pastor of their parish, St. Edward the Confessor Church.

"The family is grateful for the prayer support they have received from the parish," Father Cairns told The Evangelist after meeting Jan. 6 with Jordan and her parents, Mary and Jude. "In fact, both Mr. and Mrs. Reardon told me that their faith in God played a major role in helping them cope with the trauma of the past few weeks."

Burn unit

Jordan, a fifth grader at Tesago Elementary School, spent several days at Westchester County Medical Center Burn Unit following the Christmas Eve explosion. While there, she received treatment for first- and second-degree burns to her face, hands, arms and chest.

A hospital spokesperson said a combination of Jordan's wearing eyeglasses and shielding her eyes with her hands at the time of the explosion prevented injuries to the child's eyes. Others think Jordan may have had some additional protection.

"I believe she had an angel looking over her shoulder," Father Cairns said.

Prayers for Jordan

Prayer support for the family began as soon as word of the tragedy reached parishioners Christmas morning.

"We invited the faith community to join us in prayer for the recovery of the child and the safety of the family at both Masses on Christmas Day," Father Cairns said. "The family has also received many personal messages of support from parishioners."

Elisa Marchand, a family friend who is also Jordan's religious education teacher at St. Edward's, shares her pastor's belief that the little girl had heavenly protection on the night in question.

"I truly believe that God was with them that night," said Mrs. Marchand, noting that Mrs. Reardon's given name is Mary Noel and that she was born on Christmas Day.

'Outgoing child'

Mrs. Marchand, who has known Jordan since kindergarten, described the little girl as "an outgoing, optimistic child. I don't think that will change because of what's happened."

At press time, it was not known whether Jordan would be attending her religious ed class this week. "We don't really expect her to join us for another week, but she may surprise us. She's an amazing girl," Mrs. Marchand said. "Right now, we're planning to use some of our class time to make cards for Jordan and to say prayers of gratitude that God was with Jordan and her family on Christmas Eve."

Father Cairns said that Jordan's mother hopes to return to her own duties as a catechist at St. Edward's as soon as possible. She is in the process of preparing second graders to receive First Communion. Mrs. Reardon has been a catechist at the parish since Jordan was in kindergarten.

Gifts on Epiphany

Since he visited Jordan on the Feast of the Epiphany, it was fitting that Father Cairns arrived at the Reardon home bearing gifts from the parish staff. Specifically, Jordan was presented with what he termed a "Care Package," consisting of a "Babe the Talking Pig" puzzle, a stuffed bear, some snacks and candy, and a "Where's Jesus" book -- similar to the "Where's Waldo" series, but designed so children will search for and find religious symbols.

Father Cairns said he was impressed by Jordan's bubbly personality and her graciousness in receiving the gifts. He was also touched to hear Mrs. Reardon express concern over getting her thank-you notes written in a timely fashion.

"She is so appreciative of everything that's been done for Jordan and the family, and she is anxious to personally acknowledge the many cards and gifts that have been sent," Father Cairns said of Mrs. Reardon, marvelling that "already she is thinking of others."

While the Reardons have shunned publicity since the Christmas Eve incident, Mrs. Reardon did tell The Evangelist in a brief phone conversation that she is extremely grateful to Father Cairns and the parishioners of St. Edward's.

"Father is superb and the people at church have been just great," she said. "The support we've received has been phenomenal. Through all of this, we have never felt alone."

(01-09-97) [[In-content Ad]]