Mark Arcand (R), brother of James Smith Cree Nation stabbing victim Bonnie Burns, and Brian (2nd R), husband of Bonnie, pause behind pictures of Bonnie during a news conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Sept. 7, 2022. – One of two brothers who were the target of a massive manhunt in Canada after allegedly carrying out a stabbing spree that left 10 dead and 18 wounded has been found dead, police said on September 5. The killings in the remote James Smith Cree Nation Indigenous community and the town of Weldon in Saskatchewan province in western Canada are among the deadliest incidents of mass violence ever to hit the nation. / Cole Burston/AFP via Getty Images
The local Catholic diocese is praying for victims and first responders after a stabbing spree in rural Canada that resulted in at least 10 deaths and 18 injured.
“Please keep in your prayers the victims and families who have been touched by this senseless violence and who are now grieving and struggling to cope with the loss of their loved ones,” Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert wrote Sept. 6.
The assaults occurred on September 4 on the James Smith Cree Nation, an indigenous hamlet, and in the neighbouring Saskatchewan town of Weldon, about 60 kilometres southeast of Prince Albert.
Myles Sanderson, 32, was remained at large as of September 7 and is the subject of an active manhunt. He was granted parole in February but has been illegally at large since May. Myles has a total of 59 previous convictions.
On September 5, the body of his brother Damien, who was also a suspect, was discovered. He was fatally stabbed, and according to the police, his wounds were “not believed to be self-inflicted.”
Hero requested that all Masses include intercessory prayers for the victims, their families, and first responders. He added that the diocese “will circulate requests for practical assistance as these are made known.”
“May the kindness and love of so many slowly help to bring God’s light into this darkness,” he concluded, “and may we assist as we can to bring friendship and relief to those who are burdened.”