A little less than three years ago a small delegation from this Anglican Diocese of New Westminster travelled to the Philippines for a visit with the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines. After a long couple of flights we stayed a night in Manila and in the morning we started the 12 hour drive to Bontok in the Mountain Provine.
For me it was the first time that I had been to the Philippines. And I continue to cherish it. We were warmly welcomed everywhere we went: in tiny communities or large centres. We had a very busy schedule as people did not think that we needed to sleep. And we were fed at every possible opportunity. The generosity of time and kindness was overwhelming.
We were there because our partner Diocese of Northern Philippines had elected a new Bishop and we were there for his ordination. We were fully involved in every aspect of the diocese and of the service of ordination. We were seen as family and treated as such. And the feeling was mutual. We were able to strengthen relationships and foster new ones. And there have been people travelling back and forth between our dioceses ever since. It has been a life-giving connection for all of us.
The horrible and tragic violence of the vehicle driving through the crowds at the Lapu Lapu festival on April 26 sent shock waves all across the city and the lower mainland and around the world. The horror affected everyone but obviously principally the Filipino community. I personally feel a very strong link to the Filipino community in our diocese, in the Lower Mainland, in other parts of Canada and of course in the Philippines. I was deeply saddened at this outrageous tragedy, as were all of you.
There are a number of investigations going on as to how this could happen and what needs to change and how we do things differently, and this needs to be done. But for those whose loved ones died, those who were injured (seriously or otherwise), those who witnessed the violence, those who have friends or family that were involved, those who are deeply traumatized by all of this, those investigations do not end the grief, sadness, concern and anxiety. People need support and compassion and gentleness and love right now. People need to know that they are not alone and that their feelings and emotions need to be expressed. People need to know that we stand together. This is a vital message right now.
We Anglicans and many other Christians and people of faith who are here today are reminded that we continue to be in the Easter season. We continue to celebrate new life and resurrection in our faith in Christ. We continue to celebrate that light defeats the darkness, love wins out over hate, hope springs forth out of even the most difficult of situations. And we are here at this church and at this vigil to say exactly that.
We believe in a God of love and that love is known in our midst.
We pray for all who are hurting today. We pray for all who need to know that they do not walk alone. We pray for all who feel broken-hearted. We pray for all who are deeply tested by this event of violence. We pray for a sense of deep calm and peace. We pray that we may know God’s presence even in these most difficult of times.
My connection with the Philippines is one where I feel part of a large family. May you know that same feeling here and with you in the days ahead. Know God’s peace, God’s love, God’s compassion. May you know hope even and amidst this tragedy.