'It could have been any one of us': Interfaith service draws hundreds to mourn victims of van attack

Hundreds of people of all ages and religions packed a North York church Thursday evening to honour the victims of Monday's van attack.

Barbara and Dave Anderson were among the mourners at the service, which waswas held inside St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church on Churchill Avenue, about a five minute walk from the stretch YongeStreet where10 people were killed and another 14 were injured.

"We go down [toYongeStreet] all the time;it could have been any one of us," said Barbara Anderson.

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Thursday's service opened with a prayer, followed by readings and the singing ofAmazing Grace. It ended with strangers lighting candles together and being asked one thing:to be nicer and kinder to each other.

Given the church's proximity to the crime scene, Pastor Patrick O'Day thought bringing people from all faiths together would be a good way to heal, especially since ateacher from one of the church's adjoining Catholic schools lost her younger sister, Anne Marie D'Amico.

"I really do believe that it's the collective support and solidarity that people need to heal," he said.

'Talking about it is important'

Josie Sabatini, one of the teachers from that school, says the staff is trying to organize something for the D'Amico family, but for now, they're letting it all sink in.

"Talking about it is important," said Sabatini. "I have very young students;they do know something happened and I try to answer them the best I can for their understanding."

Police have charged25-year-old Alek Minassianwith 10 counts of first degree murder and 13 counts of attempted murder. They sayanother attempted murder charge in the coming daysis likely.

Another vigil for the victims is set for Sunday at Mel Lastman Square.