Attention News/Assignment/Photo Editors
MEDIA ADVISORY:

Leaders from across the GTA Gather Tonight in Prayer for the People of Haiti
Archbishop Thomas Collins, Mayor David Miller, Other Community Leaders Unite in Solidarity

TORONTO (February 1, 2010) Leaders from faith communities, civic leadership and members of the Haitian community will come together in prayer at St. Paul’s Basilica Monday evening for the people of Haiti.

Hundreds are expected at the 7:30 p.m. service, which will offer special intentions for the victims of the January 12 earthquake that has left tens of thousands dead and millions more displaced from their homes. Members of many faith communities are currently on the ground in Haiti, working to help the survivors cope with their losses and rebuild in the months and years ahead.

Archbishop Thomas Collins spoke of the communal gathering: “When tragedy strikes, people are suffering and we feel helpless, we turn to prayer. We come together in solidarity for the people of Haiti in this time of urgent need. We also express our gratitude to the countless faith communities across the country that have given so generously to support the ongoing relief efforts.”

Confirmed attendees for the prayer service include:

Archbishop Thomas Collins, Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto
The Most Rev. Colin Johnson, Anglican Diocese of Toronto
Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, General Secretary, Canadian Council of Churches
Dr. Eric Pierre, Honorary Consul of Haiti
His Worship, Mayor David Miller, City of Toronto
Hon. Margarett Best, Minister of Health Promotion, Member of Provincial Parliament
Councillor Michael Thompson, Ward 37, Scarborough Centre

The Archdiocese of Toronto, Canada’s largest diocese, is home to 1.9 million Catholics and 224 parishes, with mass celebrated in more than 30 languages each week.

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***Media are welcome to attend the prayer service. St. Paul’s Basilica is located at 83 Power St. (off Queen St. just east of Parliament St.) The service begins at 7:30 p.m. and is expected to last approximately one hour.***

Media contact:
Neil MacCarthy, Director, Public Relations & Communications, Archdiocese of Toronto
(416) 934-3400 x 552
(416) 879-2846 (cell)
neilm@archtoronto.org
www.archtoronto.org