Deacon Don Guilles from St. Joseph’s Church wiped his eyes several times and apologized for being emotional as he described visiting the scene of the attack that killed 11 people during a Vancouver street festival.
“There were flowers in different parts along the fence, pink ribbons, and what was [especially moving] was the people. Some in groups, some individuals, some praying, some just standing, and some crying,” Guilles told a candlelight vigil held Sunday at Langley City’s Douglas Park.
He was one of several speakers to address more than 200 people who attended.
Those present lit candles, prayed and held a moment of silence.
More than 200 attended a candlelight vigil in Langley City for victims of the Vancouver attack that killed 11 pic.twitter.com/u46lxvufM5
— Langley Advance Times (@LangleyTimes) May 5, 2025
“The trauma of the incident is still very fresh,” Deacon Guilles said.
“And in times like this, we ask the question, why and why the innocent? It's a natural human reflex, trying to put some rational to something irrational. The mind tries to find the reason to what only our hearts can know, our hearts through which the Holy Spirit abounds.”
MC Ana Marie Panczel said family members were at the festival.
“My cousins were there, my sister was there, my aunt was there the day that it happened,” Panczel recalled.
"At 9.30 p.m., I received a panicked call from my cousin saying, where are you? And I said, I'm at home because I'm not feeling well, which was actually a blessing. “
Langley City Mayor Nathan Pachal called it a “sombre day.”
“Our community stands together with the Filipino community, those that have lost their lives, those that are in hospital, those that survived, and just the community as a whole,” Pachal told the crowd.
Township Mayor Eric Woodward said "it’s a time for us to remember, it's a time for us to reflect, and it's a time to remember community and what makes us stronger.”
Langley-Willowbrook MLA Jody Toor said while “we cannot undo what happened, we can hold space for it. We can mourn. We can remember."
Langley Township-Fraser Heights MP Tako van Popta had a message for the Filipino community.
"Know this, that we stand with you, we walk with you, we hear you, we agree with you, and we'll be strong with you." van Popta declared.
The event concluded with Langley Township councillor Tim Baillie playing 'Amazing Grace' to conclude the event
Eleven people were killed and dozens more were injured when a man drove an SUV into crowds at the Filipino street festival on Saturday, April 26.
A 30-year-old man, Kai-ji Adam Lo, was arrested at the scene and faces eight charges of second-degree murder, with Vancouver Police indicating more charges may be laid.
The provincial government declared Friday, May 2, a day of mourning and remembrance, and a book of condolences was being signed in the B.C. Legislature building, and online at submit.digital.gov.bc.ca.
The online book will remain open until 5 p.m. on Monday, May 5.
