Updates

White smoke and eternal light

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By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
The celebration of the Lord’s resurrection during the Easter season always bears the marks of resurgent life in the church as well as in the natural world around us. Beginning with the Easter Vigil, the waters of Baptism, the anointing with chrism, the proclamation of the Word of God, and the reception of the Body and Blood of the Lord are the ordinary and extraordinary ways that our parish communities flourish as members of the Body of Christ. The hope and joy that arise from the love of risen Lord take root all around us.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

In this light it’s evident that the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV have deepened our experience of the rhythms of the Paschal mystery in the Easter season.

The passing of Pope Francis after 12 years as the Holy Father evoked a world-wide outpouring of loving gratitude on behalf of this spiritual leader whose prophetic voice inspired many within the church and beyond. The funeral liturgy and the accompanying solemn rites and processions placed the church on the world stage for an extended period of time proclaiming to all participants and observers the essence of our faith and hope in the one crucified and risen from the dead.

That Francis embodied the mind and heart of the Good Shepherd through words and gestures, through teaching and evangelizing, and through his stature as the voice of conscience and human rights across the globe, was evident in responses from across life’s spectrum, including both heads of state, and homeless. Let our hope-filled prayers from the funeral liturgy accompany this servant of God. “May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come to greet you on the way, and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem. May choirs of angels welcome you and lead you to the bosom of Abraham; and where Lazarus is poor no longer may you find eternal rest.”

After pausing for a suitable time of mourning and allowing the cardinal electors the opportunity to settle in and prepare for the conclave, the 24-hour news cycle kicked in once again. From churchmen to Vegas oddsmakers there was considerable speculation over who would emerge as the 267th pope.

A man holding a rosary and U.S. flag reacts as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has chosen the papal name Leo XIV, appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican May 8, 2025, following his election during the conclave. He is the first American pope in history. (OSV News photo/Dylan Martinez, Reuters)

The 700-year-old tradition of conclave was explored and dissected in every conceivable way, and indeed it gripped the imagination. Even far more impressive was the reality that the 130+ cardinals represented 71 countries, walking proof of the global Catholic Church. But would the conclave drag on, or would it be over in a matter of two to three days, its duration in recent elections, was a repeated question? The thousands of people who joyfully and prayerfully gathered in St. Peter’s Square to await the white smoke and the pealing bells represented countless others from around the globe who remained vigilant in prayer and joyful hope. At last, the moment arrived. Habemus Papam!

To the surprise of most who were glued to the proceedings, the church is celebrating the first American pope. It seems that the oddsmakers didn’t factor in the impact of the Holy Spirit.

We are at the beginning of a new day in the center of the Catholic Church with the election of Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. His Augustinian religious community, and the nations of Peru and the United States along with the entire Catholic world rejoice to welcome him as the successor of St. Peter, the Vicar of Christ, the Bishop of Rome, and the Servant of the Servants of God. The name of Leo is profoundly significant for our times and speaks volumes regarding our Holy Father’s hopes and dreams for our church and world.

Called by Name

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As we head into summer, I’m continuing to review seminary applications. I’m happy to report we have nine seminarians lined up for this fall – up from six in recent years!

One of our newest is Joshua Statham from Richland, who attends St. Jude in Pearl. Josh entered the church while a student at Southern Miss and began seminary formation for the Diocese of Biloxi in 2023. He recently transferred to Jackson, completing his application earlier this month. I’ve known Josh for many years and appreciate the prayerful care he’s taken in making this decision. We’re glad to welcome him. Special thanks to Father Braxton Necaise, vocation director in Biloxi, and Bishop Kihneman for their help with the transfer.

Josh joins two others beginning formation this year. I previously introduced Eli McFadden from St. Paul in Flowood, and we have one more new seminarian I’ll be sharing more about soon. With several applications still pending, I’m hopeful we’ll have even more good news this summer. For now, at least nine young men will be in formation this fall – a hopeful sign of how the Lord is working in hearts across our diocese.

I was also encouraged by the incredible generosity of the Knights of Columbus at the state convention in April. Councils across the diocese donated more than $50,000 for seminary education. I gave them a standing ovation when they presented the check to Bishop Kopacz.

I’m also honored to give the invocation at the annual Luella & Floyd Q. Doolittle Golf Classic, sponsored by the St. Francis Madison Knights of Columbus. It will be held June 14 at Whisper Lake Country Club in Madison. Everyone is invited to sign up to play or sponsor. For info, contact Tunney Vandevender at (601) 622-4145 or tunneyv1@icloud.com. I wish I could play – but at least I can pray!

Our Spring Vocations Appeal is still underway. A second collection was taken on Mother’s Day weekend, and a mail appeal went out as well. If you haven’t yet contributed, there’s still time. Every dollar supports vocation promotion and the education of our seminarians – whose numbers, as you can see, are growing. I’m deeply grateful for your support. I know there are many worthy causes in the church, and I promise we are doing all we can to be faithful stewards of every gift.

Please keep praying – not just for more priests, but for holy priests.

Father Nick Adam, vocation director

Join Vocations Supporters on Flocknote for updates from the Vocations Office: https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/VocationsSupport

FEATURE PHOTO: … Servant leadership lesson…

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JACKSON – During Lent, K-5 teacher Kate Morris washed the feet of the kindergarteners. This was a lesson for students to think about servant leadership and what it means for God to serve others. Students were asked how it made them feel and what they thought to have their teacher wash their feet. Students said they felt loved, and it reminded them of when Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. Pictured: St. Richard students John Stanton, Eliza Weisenberger, Louise Simmons, with Kate Morris. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)

Pope Leo prays for vocations, for peace and for mothers on Mother’s Day

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By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – With a huge and festive crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV led his first Sunday recitation of the “Regina Coeli” prayer and urged all Catholics to pray for vocations, especially to the priesthood and religious life.

Before the pope appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica May 11, the crowd was entertained by dozens of marching bands and folkloristic dance troupes who had marched into the square after attending an outdoor Mass for the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment.

Pope Leo also noted that it was Mother’s Day in Italy, the United States and elsewhere. “I send a special greeting to all mothers with a prayer for them and for those who are already in heaven,” he said. “Happy holiday to all moms!”

Italian officials estimated 100,000 people were in St. Peter’s Square or on the surrounding streets to join the new pope for the midday prayer.

In his main address, Pope Leo said it was a “gift” to lead the crowd for the first time on the Sunday when the church proclaims a passage from John 10 “where Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd, who knows and loves his sheep and gives his life for them.”

It also is the day the Catholic Church offers special prayers for vocations, especially to the priesthood and religious life.

Pope Leo XIV leads the midday recitation of the “Regina Coeli” prayer for the first time from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican May 11, 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

“It is important that young men and women on their vocational journey find acceptance, listening and encouragement in their communities, and that they can look up to credible models of generous dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters,” the pope said.

Noting that Pope Francis had released a message in March in preparation for the day of prayer, Pope Leo told the crowd, “Let us take up the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his message for today: the invitation to welcome and accompany young people.”

“And let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another, each according to his or her state of life, shepherds after his own heart, capable of helping one another to walk in love and truth,” the new pope said.

Setting aside his prepared text, he told young people in the square, “Do not be afraid! Welcome the call of the church and of Christ the Lord.”

After reciting the “Regina Coeli,” he mentioned how the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe was celebrated May 8, the day of his election.

While that is reason to celebrate, he said, “’the Third World War is being fought piecemeal,’ as Pope Francis often said. I, too, appeal to the leaders of the world, repeating this ever-relevant plea: Never again war!”

Pope Leo prayed for the people of Ukraine, saying, “May everything possible be done to achieve as soon as possible an authentic, just and lasting peace. May all prisoners be freed, and may the children return to their families.” Ukraine says thousands of children have been forcibly taken to Russia during the war.

The pope also told the crowd, “I am deeply saddened by what is happening in the Gaza Strip. Let the fighting cease immediately. Humanitarian aid must be given to the exhausted civilian population, and all hostages must be released.”

He praised India and Pakistan for reaching a ceasefire agreement, but said, “But how many other conflicts are there in the world?”

Pope Leo entrusted his “heartfelt appeal” for peace to Mary, “Queen of Peace, that she may present it to the Lord Jesus to obtain for us the miracle of peace.”

Earlier in the day, Pope Leo had celebrated Mass at an altar near the tomb of St. Peter in the grotto of St. Peter’s Basilica. Father Alejandro Moral Anton, the prior general of the Order of St. Augustine, to which the pope belonged, was the principal celebrant.

Afterward, the Vatican press office said, he stopped to pray at the tombs of popes who are buried in the grotto.

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference “Come Holy Spirit With Your Fire” on July 25 and 26, featuring Ralph Martin as the main speaker. Details: email Jeannie Wade at Jwade3585@outlook.com or call Ray Makofsky at 205-999-8947. To register, visit www.catholiccharismaticrenewal.org.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
CANTON – Catholic Charities, Birdies for Born Free Golf Tournament, Tuesday, June 10, registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. and tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. Details: register at https://www.catholiccharitiesjackson.org/event-details/birdies-for-born-free. For more information contact deja.errington@ccjackson.org or (601) 355-8634.

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, Vacation Bible School “True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World,” June 9-12 from 8 a.m. to noon. Open to students leaving PreK-3 through fifth grade. Register at https://vbspro.events/p/stelizabeth2025. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.

CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Vacation Bible School – “True North” for PreK-3 through third grade, June 16-18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Details: register online: www.myvbs.org/olvcleveland.

CLINTON – Holy Savior, Vacation Bible School “True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World,” June 2-6 from 6-8 p.m. Register at https://bit.ly/440Z1HA. Details: church office (601) 924-6344.

FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Vacation Bible School “True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World,” June 16-19 from 5:45-8 p.m. Details: For more information and to register visit https://bit.ly/3SJKmcI.

GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School “True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World,” June 23-27 from 5:15-8 p.m. in the parish hall. Dinner and games from 5:15-6 p.m. Open to all children entering K through sixth grade. Cost: $15 per child/$30 max per family. Details: https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/stjosephgluckstadt – select one-time donation and then VBS 2025 as the fund.

JACKSON – Holy Ghost, 50th Anniversary of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Saturday, June 21 in the parish life center. Details: Please RSVP for luncheon by call or text to Sandra Lynn at (601) 505-1679.

JACKSON – Catholic Charities, 20th annual Bishop’s Ball, Saturday, July 19 at the Two Mississippi Museums. Cocktail hour at 6 p.m. with an auction at 7 p.m. Live music by the Patrick Harkins Bank. Details: call (601) 355-8634 or visit https://event.gives/bb25.

MADISON – St. Francis, Vacation Bible School, June 23-26 from 9 a.m. till noon. Students ages four through fourth grade are welcome to join the “Prayer Safari” and students in grades fifth through eighth are invited to the “Creativity Kingdom” VBS Creative Arts camp. Details: email mc.george@stfrancismadison.org.

St. Francis, Celebration of Father Frank Cosgrove’s 60th Ordination Anniversary, Monday, June 2 at 6 p.m. Details: Please RSVP to sallieann.inman@stfrancismadison.org.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, “True North” Vacation Bible School, June 23-27 from 8 a.m. to noon, with lunch provided. Details: register at vbspro.events/p/meridian.

St. Patrick, Jubilee Mass of Hope, Saturday, June 14 at 11 a.m. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Vacation Bible School “Passport to Peace,” June 16-20 from 5:30-8 p.m. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

Queen of Peace, Yard Sale, Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Furniture, books, clothing tools, toys and more. Items half off on Sunday.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Vacation Bible School for grades K through eighth, June 16-20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Registration forms in gathering area of the church. Join us for crafts, Bible stories, games and snacks. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

A needed reminder

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IN EXILE
By Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI
Benedictine monk shared this story with me. During his early years in religious life, he had been resentful because he was required to ask permission from his Abbott if he wanted anything: “I thought it was silly, me, a grown man, an adult, having to ask a superior if I wanted a new shirt. I felt like a child.”

But as he aged his perspective changed: “I’m not sure of all the reasons, though I’m sure they have to do with grace, but one day I came to realize that there was some deep wisdom in having to ask permission for everything. We don’t own anything; nothing comes to us by right. Everything is a gift. So ideally everything should be asked for and not taken as if it were ours by right. We need to be grateful to God and the universe for everything that’s been given us. Now, when I need something and need to ask permission from the Abbott, I no longer feel like a child. Rather, I feel that I’m more properly in tune with the way things should be in a gift-oriented universe within which nobody has a right to ultimately claim anything.”

Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI

What this monk came to understand is a principle which undergirds all spirituality, all morality, and every one of the commandments, namely, that everything comes to us as gift, nothing can be claimed as if owed to us. We should be grateful to God and to the universe for giving us what we have and careful not to claim, as by right, anything more.

But this goes against much in our instinctual selves and within our culture. Within both, there are strong voices which tell us that if you cannot take what you want then you’re a weak person, weak in a double way. First, you’re a weak personality, too timid to fully claim life. Second, you’ve been weakened by religious and moral scruples and are unable to properly seize the day and be fully alive. These voices tell us that we need to grow up because there is much in us that’s fearful and infantile, a child held captive by superstitious forces.

It’s precisely because of these voices that today, in a culture that professes to be Christian and moral, leading political and social figures can in all sincerity believe and say that empathy is a human weakness.
We need an important reminder.

The voice of Jesus is radically antithetical to these voices. Empathy is the penultimate human virtue, the antithesis of weakness. Jesus would look on so much that is assertive, aggressive and accumulative within our society and, notwithstanding the admiration it receives, tell us clearly that this is not what it means to come to the banquet which lies at the heart of God’s kingdom. He would not share our admiration of the rich and famous who too often claim, as by right, their excessive wealth and status. When Jesus states that it is harder for a rich person to go to heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, he might have qualified this by adding: “Unless, of course, the rich person, childlike, asks permission from the universe, from the community, and from God, for every new shirt!”

When I was a religious novice, our novice master tried to impress upon us the meaning of religious poverty by making us write inside every book that was given to us the Latin words: ad usum. Literally: for your use. The idea was that, although this book was given to you for your personal use, you didn’t own it. It was only for your use; real ownership lay elsewhere. We were then told that this was true as well of everything else given to us for our personal use, from our toothbrushes to the shirts on our backs. They were not really ours, merely given to us for our use.

One of the young men in that novitiate group who left the order is today a medical doctor. He remains a close friend and he once shared with me how today, as a doctor, he still writes those words ad usum in every one of his books. His rational is this: “I don’t belong to a religious order. I don’t have a vow of poverty, but the principle our novice master taught us is just as valid for me in the world as it is for a religious novice. We don’t own anything. Those books aren’t really mine. They’ve been given to me, temporarily, for my use. Nothing ultimately belongs to anybody and it’s best never to forget that.”

No matter how rich, strong and grown-up we are, there’s something healthy in having to ask permission to buy a new shirt. It keeps us attuned to the fact that the universe belongs to everyone, to God ultimately. Everything comes to us as gift and so we may never take anything for granted, but only as granted!

(Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, teacher and award-winning author. He can be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com.)

Pastoral Assignments

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Rev. Joseph Le appointed pastor of Corinth St. James Parish and Sacramental Minister of Booneville St. Francis Parish and its mission St. Mary in Iuka, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Joseph Golamari appointed Administrator of St. Mary Parish in Yazoo City, All Saints Parish in Belzoni and its mission Our Mother of Mercy in Anguilla, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Gabriel Savarimuthu appointed Administrator of St. Francis Parish in Aberdeen and St. Helen Parish in Amory, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Panneer Arockiam appointed chaplain of St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Mario Solorzano appointed Administrator Pro Tempore in residence of Sacred Heart in Canton, effective July 1, 2025.
Through the kindness of the Diocese of Warangal and the acceptance of Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, Rev. Albeenreddy Vatti, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi parish in Madison has been incardinated into the Diocese of Jackson.

Happy Ordination Anniversary – Thank you for answering the call!

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May 27
Rev. Carlisle Beggerly
Catholic Community of Meridian

Rev. Charles Bucciantini
Retired

May 29
Rev. Guy Blair, SCJ
Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS

Rev. Hilary Brzezinski, OFM
St. Francis, Greenwood

Rev. Sam Messina
Retired

May 31
Rev. Nick Adam
Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson

Rev. Lincoln Dall
Holy Savior, Clinton

Rev. Binh Chau Nguyen
Immaculate Conception, West Point

Rev. José de Jesus Sanchéz
St. Joseph, Greenville

Rev. Rusty Vincent
St. Paul, Vicksburg

Rev. Aaron Williams
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary & Basilica of St. Mary Natchez

June 1
Rev. Paul Phong Hoang, SCJ
Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS

Rev. Anthony Okwum, SSJ
Holy Family, Natchez & St. Anne, Fayette

June 2
Rev. Guy Wilson, ST
Holy Child Jesus, Canton & Sacred Heart, Camden

June 4
Rev. Joe Tonos
St. Richard, Jackson

Deacon Jeff Artigues &
Deacon John McGinley
St. Joseph, Starkville

Deacon Denzil Lobo
Christ the King, Jackson

Deacon John McGregor
St. Jude, Pearl

Deacon Ted Schreck
Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS

June 6
Rev. PJ Curley
Retired

June 7
Rev. Aloys Jost, OFM
St. Francis, Greenwood

Rev. Kevin Slattery
St. John, Crystal Springs & St. Martin, Hazlehurst

June 8
Rev. Thomas Delaney
Retired

June 10
Rev. Robert Dore
St. Michael, Vicksburg

June 11
Msgr. Patrick Farrell
Retired

Rev. Thomas Lalor
Retired

June 12
Rev. Kent Bowlds
Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland

Rev. Frank Cosgrove
Retired

Rev. Gerry Hurley
St. Paul, Flowood

June 13
Rev. Mike O’Brien
Retired

Rev. Mario Solorzano
St. James the Less, Corinth

June 14
Msgr. Mike Flannery
Retired

Rev. Tom McGing
Retired

Rev. David O’Connor
Retired

June 15
Rev. David Szatkowski, SCJ
Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS

June 16
Rev. Jeffrey Waldrep
Annunciation, Columbus

In memoriam: Sister Pauline Eagan

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FARGO, N.D. – Margaret Mary Egan, a member of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died May 8, 2025, at St. Catherine’s South in Fargo. She was 94.

Egan, known in religious life as Sister Pauline, was born Aug. 8, 1930, in Monagurra Townland, County Cork, Ireland, to John and Hannah O’Neill Egan.

After completing secondary school, she immigrated to the United States and entered the Sisters of the Presentation in Fargo in 1947. She attended Sacred Heart Junior College and completed x-ray technician training at St. John’s Hospital in 1952. She professed perpetual vows in 1953.

She worked for 21 years in x-ray and clinical lab departments in hospitals in Park River, Langdon, Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota, and also assisted in hospital business offices. She volunteered in alcohol-use education and led support groups for people with chemical dependency.

In 1973, Egan began mission work in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), serving in hospital x-ray departments and working for seven years with the Peace Corps. After earning teaching credentials from the State University of New York at Buffalo, she returned to Africa and helped establish a radiology technician school at Kinshasa Hospital.

In 1982, she moved to Swaziland, where she continued her work in health care, community organizing and religious education. She returned to the U.S. in 1988 and worked at Dakota Clinic in Fargo until 1992.
She later served in Zambia, where she directed a facility for children with disabilities and helped develop a sewing factory that provided jobs for local women. In 1998, she returned to the U.S. and joined Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Mississippi, working in direct aid and advocacy programs.

In 2012, Egan retired to Sacred Heart Convent in Fargo but remained active, volunteering at food pantries and thrift stores and visiting skilled care residents. She continued to pray for the people she had served throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Tommy, Philip, Patrick, Michael, Jackie, Nellie and Bridie McCarthy. Survivors include her Presentation Sisters and Associates, and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 15, at St. Joseph Chapel, Riverview Place, in Fargo. Burial followed at Holy Cross Cemetery North.

Briefs

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The facade of the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is seen in Mobile, Ala., May 1, 2025. The Catholic landmark, a cornerstone of downtown Mobile for 175 years, has overcome several challenges throughout its history, and now termites are the latest challenge for the cathedral. (OSV News photo/Rob Herbst, The Catholic Week)

NATION
MOBILE, Ala. (OSV News) – A historic Catholic landmark in downtown Mobile is facing a new challenge – this time, from termites. The Archdiocese of Mobile announced on April 25 that engineers have declared the west end of the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception unsafe due to extensive termite damage. That section includes the sacristies but not the sanctuary, nave or main entrance, which remain secure. As a precaution, sacristy items have been relocated. The cathedral, a fixture of Mobile since 1850, has weathered many trials over the years – from a deadly Civil War explosion to fire and hurricane damage. Now, the archdiocese is in arbitration with Terminex over responsibility for the current infestation. Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi assured the faithful that the cathedral will be repaired and preserved: “It’s a magnificent building, and we’re doing everything possible to make sure it continues to be an asset in our city.” Mass continues to be celebrated at the cathedral.

VATICAN
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Among his first messages, Pope Leo XIV expressed his intention to strengthen the Catholic Church’s ties with the Jewish community. “Trusting in the assistance of the Almighty, I pledge to continue and strengthen the church’s dialogue and cooperation with the Jewish people in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council’s declaration ‘Nostra Aetate,’” the pope wrote in a message to Rabbi Noam Marans, director of interreligious affairs at the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Promulgated 60 years ago, “Nostra Aetate” affirmed the Catholic Church’s spiritual kinship with the Jewish people and condemned all forms of anti-Semitism. The pope’s message signed May 8 – the day of his election – was posted on the AJC’s X account May 13. Pope Leo also sent a personal message to Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome, “informing him of his election as the new pontiff,” according to a statement posted May 13 on the Facebook page of Rome’s Jewish community.

WORLD
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (OSV News) – Archbishop J. Michael Miller, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, British Columbia, is calling for prayer after a deadly car-ramming attack in that city amid a Filipino festival. At least 11 have been killed and more than 20 injured after a man drove an Audi SUV into crowds attending the April 26 Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver. The street fair, a celebration of Filipino culture, honors the Philippines’ national hero Datu Lapu-Lapu. A suspect is in custody – a 30-year-old known to police and mental health professionals – and terrorism is not suspected, said Vancouver Police. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre both expressed condolences to Canada’s Filipino community following the attack. Archbishop Miller, who is overseeing the Vancouver Archdiocese until the installation of Archbishop Richard W. Smith in May, said in an April 27 statement, “What should have been a joyful gathering to honour Filipino heritage has been overshadowed by sorrow and shock,” he said. “I encourage all of us to come together in prayer, asking the Lord to pour out his mercy upon those affected and to grant strength to all who are carrying heavy hearts.”