Vancouver archbishop calls for prayer after deadly attack at Filipino street festival

(OSV News) -- Archbishop J. Michael Miller, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, British Columbia, is calling for prayer after a deadly car-ramming attack in that city amid a Filipino heritage festival.

At least 11 have been killed and more than 20 injured after a man drove an Audi SUV into crowds attending the April 26 Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver.

The street fair, a celebration of Filipino culture, honors the Philippines' national hero Datu Lapu-Lapu, who in the 1521 Battle of Mactan repelled Spanish troops led by explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who was killed in the fighting. Since 2018, the Philippines' government has observed Lapu-Lapu Day on April 27 as a national holiday.

Archbishop Miller, who will continue to oversee the archdiocese until the installation of Archbishop Richard W. Smith in May, said in an April 27 statement that he was "deeply saddened to hear of the tragic events that took place yesterday during the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver.

"What should have been a joyful gathering to honour Filipino heritage has been overshadowed by sorrow and shock," he said.

A 30-year-old suspect is in custody, having been detained by bystanders until police arrested him.

Vancouver Police Interim Chief Steve Rai said the attack is not believed to be an act of terrorism, and that the unnamed suspect was known to "police and healthcare professionals related to mental health."

He also warned that the casualty count could rise.

"Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son or a daughter," Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said April 27.

"Those families are now living every family's nightmare," he said, adding, "I know that I join all Canadians in mourning with you."

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre visited a Filipino church in Mississauga, Ontario, April 27, saying, "All Canadians are united with you in mourning ... I know that today will be a day of prayer and reflection for the Filipino community and all Canadians."

"The Filipino community is a vibrant and faith-filled part of our Archdiocese," said Archbishop Miller in his statement. "In moments like this, your spirit of hope, resilience, and deep trust in God’s providence shines even amid darkness."

More than 174,000 people in British Columbia identify themselves as Filipino, with the majority born in the Philippines and just under half speaking Tagalog as their first language.

Close to 79% of those in the Philippines identify themselves as Catholic. That religious affiliation extends to its diaspora community, with Filipino Catholics in Canada "credited with rejuvenating parishes experiencing sharp declines in numbers," according to the Canadian Historical Association.

"I encourage all of us to come together in prayer, asking the Lord to pour out his mercy upon those affected and to grant strength to all who are carrying heavy hearts," Archbishop Miller said. "May our Blessed Mother intercede for us, bringing comfort and healing to Vancouver."