VANCOUVER – As British Columbia prepares to mark a solemn day of mourning on Friday, May 2, memorial Masses will be offered in Catholic churches across Vancouver and in Victoria for the victims of the Lapu Lapu attack, their families, and all those affected by the tragedy.
Archbishop J. Michael Miller will offer a memorial Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral in Vancouver on Friday, at 5:10 p.m.
Just blocks from the site of the tragedy, St. Andrew’s in Vancouver will offer a memorial Mass Saturday at 11:30 a.m. for the deceased and injured victims of the attack. Father Jun Reyes will celebrate the Mass which will be followed by praying the Rosary and a blessing at the scene of the attack. The parish invitation reads, “We invite the faithful to come together in prayer to honour those who have died, pray for the healing of the injured, and support one another as a community.” All are welcome to attend.
Additional memorial Masses are being held throughout the Archdiocese:
- At St. Francis de Sales in Burnaby, a Memorial and Solidarity Mass will be held on Monday, May 5, at 6 p.m. Father Mark McGuckin and Father Médard Kamanzi will concelebrate with Father Dennis Floras of St. Anthony of Padua in Agassiz and Father Gilbert Nunez of Blessed Sacrament in Vancouver.
- At Immaculate Conception in Delta, Father Amador Abundo will celebrate a memorial Mass on Saturday, May 3, at 9 a.m.
- At Sacred Heart in Delta, a Tagalog Mass will be celebrated by Father Francis Galvan, OSA, on Sunday, May 4, at 6:30 p.m.
In Victoria, Bishop Gary Gordon will offer a memorial Mass at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Friday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. Father Dino Villadiego, the cathedral’s first Filipino rector, will preach the homily.
Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, is urging Catholics affected by the violence to reach out for resources and pastoral care from the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
Faith-based counselling and bereavement services are available through the Archdiocese at rcav.org/lapu-lapu/counselling-and-bereavement. A list of secular mental health and trauma recovery resources can be found at rcav.org/lapu-lapu/supporting-others-with-trauma.
Catholic hospital chaplains are available in every Vancouver hospital to offer emotional and spiritual support, prayer and accompaniment, and sacraments including anointing of the sick for those who are seriously ill or injured.
Chaplains can be reached through the Spiritual Care Department of each hospital or by contacting local parishes, many of which offer after-hours emergency contact information.
The Archdiocese has published a list of six suggestions for supporting others after a traumatic experience. Each point comes with a conversational prompt:
- Introduction: Acknowledge the Pain
“Dear friends, as we come together in the wake of this tragic event, we acknowledge the profound pain and sorrow many of us feel. Our hearts are heavy with grief for those who have been lost, and for those who are left to navigate the aftermath.” - Offer Compassion and Support
“In times of crisis, it’s vital to recognize that each person may respond differently to trauma. Some of you may feel anger, confusion, sadness, or even numbness. Please know that these feelings are valid. We must create a space where everyone feels safe to express their emotions.” - Encourage Connection
“I urge you to reach out to one another. Whether through a phone call, a visit, or gathering in small groups, connecting with fellow community members can provide strength and comfort. Don’t hesitate to lean on each other in this time of need.” - Emphasize the Importance of Self-Care
“As we support one another, taking care of ourselves is crucial. Ensure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, and seeking professional help if needed. There’s no shame in needing extra support; it’s a sign of strength.” - Invite Reflection and Prayer
“Let’s take a moment to pray together. We can pray for those who have been affected, their families, and for all of us as we navigate this difficult time. Let’s seek peace, healing, and understanding.”
In a statement earlier in the week, the Archbishop extended his condolences to the Filipino community.
“If you or your loved ones are seeking spiritual care, Catholic hospital chaplains are available to offer prayer, support, and the Sacraments, including Anointing of the Sick. Faith-based counselling and other spiritual supports are also available to help individuals and families carry their grief with hope,” he said.
A special collection will be taken up at all Catholic churches in the Archdiocese during the May 3-4 weekend. Funds raised will support survivors’ immediate needs and help provide long-term spiritual and emotional support.
Online donations are also being accepted at https://support.rcav.org/lapu-lapu-filipino-festival-support.
