‘As a community, we weep’: Candlelight vigil in the Sault set for Friday

Sault declares intimate partner violence epidemic Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is joining other cities by declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic following last week's tragedy.

A candlelight vigil Friday in Sault Ste. Marie will honour those who have lost their lives recently, as the community deals with a series of tragedies.

This week’s murder of three children and an adult – the result of intimate partner violence – comes on the heels of a random murder in September in a stabbing attack. Another person was also seriously injured.

And motor vehicle collisions on Sept. 5-6 killed two people.

Sault MPP Ross Romano described the most recent murders as “unimaginable tragedies.”

“There are no words to describe the incredible sense of sorrow and pain felt right now,” Romano said in a news release.

“It is heart-wrenching to process these incomprehensible acts of violence. As a community, we weep.”

“I want to extend my deepest sympathies to all of the families, friends and loved ones of the victims and all of our first responders and members of our community who are suffering. Our entire community is thinking of you,” Romano said.

He’s organizing the Friday vigil to give the community a chance to come together and mourn as a community.

“Now, more than ever, we must find a way to stand in solidarity to support one another during this profoundly challenging time,” Romano said.

PATH OF HEALING

“I believe that the resilience of our community will guide us on our path of healing and I believe we are all trying to find a way to show our collective support to all those who are suffering.”

The vigil will be held Friday evening, outdoors in the courtyard at the Machine Shop, 83 Huron St., from 6-8 p.m.

“As we mourn these tragic losses, let us extend our shared compassion and support to the grieving families,” Romano said.

“The path towards healing is a collective journey. Let us embark upon it together as a community.”

The vigil will include messages from community leaders and a moment of silence. Attendees are encouraged to bring candles, lighters or use cellphones as a form of light.