By Vatican news staff writer

Holy Mass dedicated to the three victims of the horrific terrorist attack perpetrated on Thursday morning in the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Nice is to be celebrated on the solemnity of All Saints’ at 6pm local time in the Basilica itself.

The ceremony will be presided over by André Marceau, Bishop of Nice, in the presence of all the priests of the southern French city. The Mass, open only to parishioners, will be broadcast live on the KTO Catholic television in compliance with anti-Covid regulations.

A statement released by the parish explains that the Eucharist will be preceded by the “penitential rite” of reparation that is celebrated “when a seriously harmful act, such as murder, is committed in a church. Therefore, it is fundamental for the resumption of religious celebrations in the building in question”.

The Diocese of Nice has published a special prayer for the victims and for their families on its website.

Meanwhile, investigations continue in France that have led to the arrest of three other people suspected of having had contact with the perpetrator of the attack.

An enquiry is underway to establish whether there is an organization behind the terrorist act.

The attacker, 21-year-old Brahim Aoussaoui, who was injured by the police during the attack and is currently in the hospital in Nice, claims he acted alone.