A vigil is being held in Surrey Sunday evening (April 27) in the aftermath of the Lapu Lapu Festival tragedy in Vancouver.
Eleven people, aged five to 65, were killed on Saturday, April 26, and more than two dozen others injured when a man drove an SUV into a crowd of people celebrating the Filipino festival, near Fraser Street on East 43rd Avenue.
A 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene by Vancouver Police after bystanders and witnesses intervened, according to a VPD press release.
A vigil is set for Sunday at 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 10460 139 St. in Surrey.
It's being organized by the Surrey Philippine Independence Day Society.
A social media posts says the event will be a night of "prayers, silence and love." All are invited to attend, and candles and flowers are appreciated.
"It was an unspeakable tragedy for our community that we are still not able to process completely yet 鈥� and probably never, and we stand in solidarity with every Filipino Canadians who are in deep sorrow and pain at this time," the society said in an earlier Facebook post.
"Some of our families are directly affected and as we strive our best to give them support and strength, we ask for everyone to continue praying and offering help and assistance to those who were affected by this senseless act of violence."
A statement from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church said the parish "mourns deeply in the aftermath of the tragic events that unfolded during last night's Lapu Lapu Day Block Party and Festival in Vancouver."
"Our hearts are heavy as we join our Filipino community in sorrow during this painful time," said a social media post from the parish.
"This yearly event celebrates the rich cultural contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community, highlighting the beauty of Filipino culture, heritage, and values. Central to this celebration is the spirit of 'bayanihan,' which reflects our commitment to supporting and uplifting one another. The kindness, warmth, and hospitality shown within our parish, the Vancouver Archdiocese, and the global Catholic Church are truly inspiring and never go unnoticed.
"Please know that our prayers are with all those affected鈥攙ictims, their families, and everyone touched by this tragedy."
The vigil is open to everyone.
