On Wednesday, April 24, 2019, Archbishop Christian Lépine celebrated mass for Montreal's Tamil community at Our Lady of Deliverance Church, following the attacks that took place on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Day. Here is the message the Archbishop delivered to the community.

Dear Faithful of Our Lady of Deliverance Mission,

Like you, I am shocked by the attacks that took place in Sri Lanka, your country of origin, on Easter Sunday. Please know that I and the entire Church of Montreal are keeping you in our prayers.

In the face of such atrocities, it is with the help of prayers, tears and those around us that we are able to grieve and be consoled. With Mary, let us call upon Divine Mercy, whose feast is April 28.

May Mary open hearts and, together with her, may Divine Mercy bring consolation, healing, chase away all fear and prevent perpetuation of the vicious circle of violence and vengeance. May Jesus Christ who died for love and who is always with us, help us to find peace. May He restore unshakeable confidence and hope to our aching hearts.

Through faith, we believe that the 2019 Easter martyrs entered the Gates of Heaven. May they intercede so that, never again, similar attacks take place! May the authorities do what is necessary and may justice, truth and forgiveness prevail. May the Church of Sri Lanka remain a symbol of unity and peace.

May Mary, Our Lady of Deliverance, watch over you and your relatives in Sri Lanka. God bless you!

+Christian Lépine
Archbishop of Montreal

This Sunday, April 28, at 11:30 am at Notre-Dame-de-la-Délivrance Church (9400 Lajeunesse Street), there will be another special Mass presided over by Bishop Thomas Dowd, in communion with the Christians of Sri Lanka.