IMAGE: CNS photo/Carlo Allegri, Reuters
By
TORONTO (CNS) — 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.”
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