TORONTO — Toronto Cardinal Thomas Collins called for special
prayers after a van jumped a curb and killed at least 10 people on a busy
Toronto street.
Although officials said the April 23 incident did not appear to
be terrorism, they said it did appear to be deliberate. Cabinet members from
leading industrialized nations were meeting in Toronto in preparation for a G-7
summit in Quebec in June.
"I invite the Catholic community across the Archdiocese of
Toronto to join me in offering our prayers for all those who were killed and
injured in the violent incident earlier today," the cardinal said in a
statement. "I will be asking all 225 Catholic churches in the Archdiocese
of Toronto to offer special prayer intentions this week for all those who have
suffered. Let us all unite in our efforts to bring comfort and care to those
who are hurting today."
Authorities identified the driver as Alek Minassian, who was
charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder. The Associated Press reported
witnesses said he appeared to intentionally jump a curb in the North York
neighborhood as people filled the sidewalks on a warm afternoon. He continued
for more than a mile, knocking out a fire hydrant and leaving bodies strewn in
his wake.
Basilian Father Thomas Rosica, CEO of the Toronto-based Salt and
Light Catholic Media Foundation, tweeted: "Death toll of today's horrific
accident is now at 10 with many more in critical condition. Tonight we
celebrated Mass for all who have died. Such senseless, horrible killing of many
innocent people who were outside enjoying our first taste of spring. God bless
Toronto tonight."
© Arlington Catholic Herald 2018