Hours after an SUV driver plowed into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, the Catholic Community of Waukesha gathered for a bilingual prayer service Monday evening for all those affected by the crash that killed at least five people and injured nearly 50 others.
“We all come here tonight with a story of what happened yesterday,” said Rev Matthew Widder, who led the prayer service, which was in English and Spanish. “Some of us were there on the parade route, others were watching at home and seeing something all of a sudden interrupt the news or social media. All of us in some way or another are connected.
“We come here tonight with many people counting on our prayers,” Widder added. “We also gather as a body seeking healing.”
A small child takes part in a candle light vigil in downtown Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Monday, 22nd November, after an SUV plowed into a Sunday Christmas parade killing multiple people and injuring dozens. PICTURE: AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps.
The Catholic Community of Waukesha – a network of the four parishes of Waukesha – said in a statement on Facebook that several parishioners were injured and hospitalised. Rev Pat Heppe was also hospitalised and was released, Widder said during the service. Counsellors from Catholic Charities were on hand at the service, which was held at St William Parish.
POPE AFTER US CHRISTMAS PARADE CRASH: MAY GOOD OVERCOME EVIL
Pope Francis sent his condolences Tuesday to the victims of the Christmas parade crash in Wisconsin that killed five people and said he was praying for “spiritual strength which triumphs over violence and overcomes evil with good”.
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, sent the telegram of condolences on behalf of Francis to the archbishop of Milwaukee, Monsignor Jerome Listecki.
Francis asked that those affected by the “tragic incident” know he is spiritually close to them, and called on “the Lord to bestow upon everyone the spiritual strength which triumphs over violence and overcomes evil with good.”
Police say Darrell Brooks, Jr, 39, was behind the wheel of the SUV that sped through the parade route Sunday in the city of Waukesha, killing five people and injuring 48 others in that Milwaukee suburb. Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said Brooks was leaving the scene of a domestic dispute that had taken place just minutes earlier.
One of the pending legal cases against Brooks at the time was that he had deliberately hit a woman with his car in early November after a fight.
– AP
Police Chief Dan Thompson said that there was no evidence the crash Sunday was a terrorist attack or that the suspect, Darrell Brooks, Jr, knew anyone in the parade, according to The Associated Press.
Brooks, 39, of Milwaukee, had left the site of a domestic disturbance before officers arrived and was not being chased by police at the time of the crash, Thompson said.
Police identified those killed as Virginia Sorenson, 79; LeAnna Owen, 71; Tamara Durand, 52; Jane Kulich, 52; and Wilhelm Hospel, 81. Among the injured, several were children.
The horrors of the incident were documented across social media, including on the city’s stream on Facebook. The city footage shows residents in coats and beanies, cheering and watching as performers in Santa hats march along the parade route. The parade came to a stop as police vehicles sped through.
Amid the crisis, Widder told congregants they should be proud of their city, seeing how law enforcement, hospital workers and everyday people responded to the crisis.
“It was absolutely incredible and inspirational, the way the people came off the street with blankets for people…people came out of the street to say ‘what can I do’ or ‘I’m an EMT,’” Widder said.
“In the midst of the crisis, there were angels and saints that stepped forward – absolutely incredible and an absolute marvel to see,” Widder said.
Added Widder: “Jesus weeps with Waukesha yesterday, today and the future, but Jesus also wishes to bring healing. We take strength in that.”
– The Associated Press contributed to this report.
