Toronto Catholics Mark Anniversary of Yonge St. Tragedy with Prayer & Acts of Kindness #TOlove

One year after an act of violence on Yonge St. shocked a city, the Archdiocese of Toronto encourages Catholics to join together in prayer and offer acts of kindness to demonstrate the resolve and generosity that is present in our community. The April 23, 2018 violence on Yonge St. took the lives of 10 people and seriously injured 16 others.

St. Edward the Confessor Parish (75 Churchill Ave.) — located just a few blocks from Yonge St. (between Sheppard Ave. and Finch Ave.) — will host a number of events on April 23, 2019:

• The church will be open for silent prayer and meditation from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• St. Edward’s pastor, Fr. Patrick O’Dea, will lead a brief prayer service from 6:15 to 6:30 p.m.
• A free community supper will be offered in the church’s hall from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m.

All are welcome to these events. However, St. Edward’s asks that those wishing to attend the community supper register online at We Love Willowdale as space is limited.

St. Edward’s activities are being organized in solidarity with We Love Willowdale, a community movement that seeks to care for their neighbours in the aftermath of the Yonge St. tragedy. The group will host a community vigil at Mel Lastman Square at 6 p.m. and meals will be offered at six North York locations.

Last year’s prayer service at St. Edward’s, a partnership between several North York churches, brought together more than 750 people, just three days after the heartbreaking events on Yonge St.

In downtown Toronto, St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica (65 Bond St.) will also be open between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for those seeking prayer and quiet reflection.

In addition to opportunities for prayer and fellowship, the Archdiocese of Toronto encourages all Torontonians to offer a good deed or kind act on April 23, 2019 as we remind one another of the love, charity and kindness that resonates throughout our city each day. Residents can share their kindness on social media using the hashtag #TOlove.