Canadian bishops express sorrow, pledge prayer following deadly military base fire October 19, 2026By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, World News (OSV News) — Two Canadian Catholic bishops expressed sorrow and pledged prayer following a deadly fire at one of that nation’s military bases. An Oct. 17 blaze at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta killed four service members and wounded 39 other persons, with at least 19 of the latter sustaining critical injuries. The fallen military personnel have been identified as Sgt. Morgan Wong and Pvts. Shaun Farrell, Aidan Goulding and Hayden Lykkemark. According to the Canadian government’s website, the base — located some 130 miles east of the Alberta province capital of Edmonton — is “one of the busiest” in Canada. While an investigation is ongoing, preliminary statements from officials have indicated a fast-moving grass fire swept through amid a live-fire training exercise. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, according to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The exercises had continued following the breakout of the blaze, which was thought to be contained — a fairly common practice, Canadian retired Maj. Gen. Scott Clancy said in an Oct. 19 interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The head of Canada’s Military Ordinariate in a statement posted on Facebook expressed “great sadness” over the tragedy in Wainwright. “I am praying for all the victims, the injured, and their families,” Bishop Scott C. McCaig said. “We stand ready to help in any way we can and urge prayers from all members of the Ordinariate,” which has its headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario. “Behind every uniform is someone’s beloved son, father, brother, or friend — someone who answered the call to serve Canada and contribute to peace and security throughout the world,” said Bishop David Motiuk of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton in a statement to OSV News. Noting that the community is “deeply shocked and saddened” by the fire, Bishop Motiuk stressed that “our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives, the injured, and the entire CFB Wainwright community during this time of profound sorrow.” “May the Lord grant blessed repose to the fallen, healing and recovery to the injured, and comfort, strength, and peace to all who mourn and struggle to come to terms with this tragedy,” he said. In his statement, Bishop McCaig similarly prayed that “the tender mercy of God” would “cover the suffering and pain of all involved. And give strength to all the many brave responders!” “May everyone involved be wrapped in,” he added, “Our Lady’s mantle of maternal love, protection, and intercession.” Read more world news Pope Leo XIV’s brother shares his own cancer battle, the role of faith and his 1 request Another priest is kidnapped amid Nigeria’s security crisis French bishops condemn ‘unacceptable violence’ as riots sweep nation Priest in Ecuador, 53, struck and killed by falling crucifix during Mass Pope Leo returns to Vatican window for Angelus saying prayers sustained him after cancer surgery Pope Leo XIV discharged from hospital early following lung cancer surgery Copyright © 2026 OSV News Print
