Dear faithful of the Archdiocese of Montreal,
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Parish of Sainte-Rose-de-Lima in Laval,

We were all shocked and deeply dismayed by the terrible tragedy that took place today, February 8, 2023, in the City of Laval. We continue to pray for the two children who lost their lives, their parents and their families. Our thoughts turn to the daycare and the other children and their parents, to the staff members and all who were touched by this terrible incident.

We are all called to pray in solidarity at this time, and so let us come together in prayer, now and on Sunday, February 12. Let us look to Jesus Christ, the Crucified and the Risen, and let us present to Him all those involved with the daycare, all the victims, the devastated families and the shocked and grieving population.

I pray that Mary and Joseph may intercede with the Lord Jesus to bring comfort to the hearts that have been shattered and filled with sorrow in this tragedy. 

• Today, February 9, the church is open to the Christian community until 9:00 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., a vigil will be held in front of the church.

• Tomorrow, February 10, at 11:00 a.m., a special mass will be celebrated for the victims of the tragedy, their parents and the staff at the daycare centre.

† Christian Lépine
 Archbishop of Montreal