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After the tragedy at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival on April 26 which left 11 people dead, investigations are being held to determine what needs to change to avoid future tragedies. Those investigations, “need to happen. But for those who lost loved ones, those who were injuried, who witnessed the event, who were traumatized, investigations don’t end grief,” said Archbishop John Stephens. He was delivering a message of solidarity to the Filipino Canadians gathered in prayer at St. Mary the Virgin church in Vancouver on Sunday, May 4.

The prayer service was led by the Rev. Arvin Amayag of St. Mary’s Sapperton, Rev. Wilmer Toyoken of St. Michael’s, Vancouver and Rev. Expedito Farinas of St. Mary’s, Vancouver. Archbishop Stephens delivered a message of solidarity and a blessing. The choir of St. Mary’s, Sapperton led the music for the service. Clergy of the Diocese of New Westminster were attendance to show their support for the community.

During the prayers of the people, the known names of the 11 people killed at the Lapu Lapu Day festival were read out. The names of all the deceased have not yet been made public.

`Archbishop Stephens told the congregation "we continue to be in the Easter season, celebrating new life and resurrection, celebrating light that defeats the darkness." He said this faith in the light overcoming darkness teaches us that hope can come out of even the most difficult situations. As Christians, "we are here to say we believe in a God of Love. That God is in our midst"

He concluded his message praying, “May we know the feeling of being one big family, may we know peace, may we know hope, even in the midst of tragedy.”

Following the prayer service the congregation was invited to come forward and light a candle or leave flowers at a special memorial altar in the centre of the sanctuary.

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Photos from the service are available here. All photos by Diocese of New Westminster.