B.C. Declares Day of Mourning for Victims of Lapu-Lapu Day Festival Tragedy

Communities across British Columbia are holding vigils, memorials, and prayer services Friday to mark a day of mourning for the victims of the tragic vehicle ramming attack at East Vancouver’s Lapu-Lapu Day festival last weekend.

The B.C. government officially declared the day one of remembrance for the 11 people killed and dozens injured when a driver struck festivalgoers at the Filipino cultural event on Saturday evening.

Residents can sign a public book of condolences in the main lobby of Vancouver City Hall from April 26 to May 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. An online condolence book is also available. A second book is open to the public at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver is organizing several memorial masses and vigils. Archbishop J. Michael Miller will lead a mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Vancouver at 5 p.m. Friday. CBC News will livestream the event.

"In our faith tradition, we really understand the importance of coming together in times of grief,” said Matthew Furtado, communications director for the Archdiocese. “These masses are not only for mourning, but for hope and eternal life.”

St. Mary's Parish in East Vancouver will host a candlelight vigil and pilgrimage to the site of the tragedy, beginning at 4 p.m. Friday. Additional masses will be held in churches across the province:

Friday:

• St. Andrew's Cathedral, Victoria – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday:

• Immaculate Conception Parish, Delta – 9 a.m.

• St. Andrew's Parish, Vancouver – 11:30 a.m.

• St. Joseph's Parish, Langley – 6:15 p.m.

Monday:

• St. Francis de Sales Parish, Burnaby – 6 p.m.

Archbishop Miller has called for a special collection at all Catholic churches this weekend to support the victims’ families and survivors.

Other public vigils will be held at Chilliwack Central Community Park on Friday at 7 p.m., and Langara College on Sunday at 7 p.m.

Police have charged 30-year-old Adam Kai-Ji Lo with eight counts of second-degree murder in connection with the attack. Investigators say more charges may follow as the case continues.