Hundreds attend vigil

Multi-denominational service remembers 10 killed in rampage

“Too often, we’re isolated and, too often, we suffer in silence,” mourners told,

Acrowd of hundreds of mourners, illuminated by the warm flicker of candlelight, gathered to remember and pray for the 10 killed and 14 injured in the Yonge St. van rampage earlier this week.

The packed multi-denominational prayer service was held at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in North York Thursday evening. The church, which seats 750, was full.

“Too often, we’re isolated and, too often, we suffer in silence,” said Rev. Matthew Sams of Willowdale Presbyterian Church, in an interview after the service. “It’s really important to come together and to be strengthened.”

Speaking to the crowd, Sams spoke of hope and healing, while acknowledging that “what happened isn’t normal, isn’t right.”

He said “some of us will never live the same way.” “I know people who were there when it happened,” Sams told the Star.

“And, for them, they ’re bruised spiritually, emotionally. They may never be the same, but they’ll learn to live in a new way.

“And I think this is one of those steps along the way: learning to live in a new way.”

The service began with a poignant moment of silence, punc- tuated by 10 rings of a bell in honour of the 10 lives lost.

Mourners clutched thin white candles, their voices blending together in the opening hymn, “O Lord, Hear my Prayer!”

On a table at the front of the sanctuary, 10 lit candles marked the lives lost. A sign taped underneath read “#TorontoStrong” and “love for all, hatred for none.”