Funerals for the 49 people killed in the Pulse shooting are now underway across Central Florida, and will continue through the weekend. There are also numerous vigils and prayer services, including one in downtown Orlando on Sunday.
- Cathedral Church of Saint Luke to host hundreds for memorial Sunday
- Thousands expected at Lake Eola for vigil afterwards
- RELATED
As many as 50,000 people are expected to gather for a vigil at Lake Eola Sunday night. And hundreds of people at that vigil will be coming from a prayer service just right around the corner -- at The Cathedral Church of Saint Luke.
After a week of horror, heartache and heroic response, religious leaders say it’s now time for people to begin the process of trying to heal.
“To live through an evil event like this that targeted a particular group in our community, it’s devastating,” said Reverend Canon Josh Bales of The Cathedral Church of Saint Luke.
The downtown Orlando church is holding a prayer service for the public at 6 p.m. Sunday evening.
Rev. Canon Bales says one of the best things people can do now to help is acknowledge what has happened and support those who’ve been hit the hardest.
“To be present, especially with the victims’ friends and families. They don’t have to say the right things, they don’t have to do the right things. They just have to be there with them,” said Rev. Canon Bales.
Several priests will be at the church to offer counseling to those who need it. The several hundred people at the service are expected to then walk – with candles in hand – down to the massive vigil planned at Lake Eola.
At last check on the vigil’s Facebook page, nearly 25,000 people say they’re going. And another at least 30,000 people say they’re interested in going.
Rev. Canon Bales says the more people, the better.
“I think if we’re going to get through this, it’s going to be as a city, as a whole united city,” said Rev. Canon Bales.
Organizers of the vigil at Lake Eola say people coming need to bring their own candles. Signs are welcome, but the organizers say those signs need to have messages of peace, love and unity – not anything political.
Free LYNX Service
In addition, LYNX is offering complimentary event service to the vigil Sunday at Lake Eola. LYNX will offer free transportation to and from the vigil from the following locations:
- Valencia College East Campus Parking Lots C&D
701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando
To Lake Eola: 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. - West Oaks Mall Superstop
9401 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee
To Lake Eola: 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. - Osceola County Administration Parking Garage
521 W. Bryan St., Kissimmee
to Lake Eola: 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m.