April 27, 2025
To the People of our Diocese of New Westminster,
Last night in Vancouver, just after 8:00pm, a black SUV drove through a block party for Lapu Lapu Day. About 100,000 people were in attendance for the party which celebrates an Indigenous resistance fighter in the Philippines who stood against Spanish colonization. The SUV drove through the celebration, killing 11 people and injuring many others.
I am deeply shocked and horrified that this event could take place anywhere in the world, but particularly here in the bounds of our Diocese. This senseless violence, disregard for human life and human dignity leaves one shaken and concerned.
For the Filipino community in our Diocese and throughout the Lower Mainland, please know of my prayers and the prayers of our Diocese. May those who died, rest in God’s peace and rise in glory. May those who were injured know God’s healing and loving hand. May those who are left deeply troubled and anxious as a result of this incident, know of God’s peace.
We are people of the resurrection and people who aim to live out loving our neighbour as ourselves. May God’s love be known in our actions, concern and prayers.
“In the face of unjust and painful situations, faith brings us the light which scatters the darkness.” -Pope Francis.
May God bless, hold and keep each one of us.
In faith in the Easter gospel,
+John Stephens
Archbishop of the Diocese of New Westminster