Sadness, prayers after 11 killed at Vancouver Filipino festival

By CathNews New Zealand

May 2nd, 2025

Streets cordoned off in Vancouver the day after the incident (Wikimedia Commons)

The apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Vancouver reacted with sadness and called for prayers after a deadly attack at a Filipino street festival. Source: BC Catholic.

A man drove an SUV into a crowd of people at the festival on April 26, killing 11 people and injuring many others. In a letter the next day, Archbishop J. Michael Miller said he was “deeply saddened to hear of the tragic events”, adding that a joyful gathering to honour Filipino heritage had been “overshadowed by sorrow and shock”.

Describing Vancouver’s Filipino community as “a vibrant and faith-filled part of our archdiocese”, he said their “spirit of hope, resilience and deep trust in God’s providence shines even amid darkness”.

He invited the community to “come together in prayer, asking the Lord to pour out his mercy upon those affected” and strengthen “all who are carrying heavy hearts”. He closed by praying, “May our Blessed Mother intercede for us, bringing comfort and healing to Vancouver”.

Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith, who will soon be installed as Archbishop of Vancouver, sent a message of condolence and sympathy to the Filipino community.

“This is a tragedy that is beyond words,” he said. “I’m sure no one can imagine the pain that’s being endured right now in the hearts of those who have lost loved ones to this horror.”

Archbishop Smith said he offered his full support, solidarity and prayers for Filipinos “not only in Vancouver but also here in Edmonton and throughout the world. Everyone is touched by this, everyone is suffering from this”.

The attack happened as crowds were attending the Filipino community’s Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver.

Police charged Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, with eight counts of second-degree murder in a video appearance before a judge on Sunday, said Damienne Darby, spokeswoman for British Columbia prosecutors. Investigators said more charges were possible. They said Lo had a history of mental health issues.

FULL STORY

Archbishop Miller calls for prayer after deadly attack claims 11 at Filipino community festival – The B.C. Catholic – Multimedia Catholic News (BC Catholic)

Vancouver Attack Leaves 11 Dead at Filipino Festival As Archbishop Calls for Prayer| National Catholic Register (CNA)

5-year-old girl and parents among dead in Vancouver vehicle ramming | AP News (AP News)