Bishops express shock at stabbing of priest in Galway

By Lisa Zengarini

Irish bishops have expressed shock and outrage following the stabbing of a military chaplain in Galway. The incident happened on Thursday, when Father Paul Murphy was stabbed multiple times outside the Renmore military barracks in the city by a 16-year-old boy.

The 50-year-old priest managed to enter through the barracks gate where he received first aid from service personnel and was then rushed to the local university hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

16-year-old boy arrested

The teenager was immediately arrested and Irish police are now investigating the stabbing as a possible terrorist attack.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris described the incident as “shocking” and thanked the defence forces and police for their swift action and response.

The bishops’ closeness to Father Murphy

Irish bishops also expressed their shock at the knife attack and their closeness to the victim.

The Bishop of Galway, Michael Duignan, said in a statement Friday that the news was “deeply shocking and upsetting.” “I pray for the injured man, asking God for his full recovery,” the bishop said. “I also pray for his family, his colleagues in the military and the medical staff who are caring for his injuries at this time.”

Call for prayer and forgiveness

Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore, while strongly condemning the attack, in a statement called for forgiveness and encouraged everyone to join in prayer not only for Father Murphy but also for the person responsible for this act!

“We must come together not only to support our wounded priest, but also to foster an environment where such acts do not happen again,” he said. “Let us engage in dialogue about how we can promote peace, understanding and respect among all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.”

Meanwhile, on Facebook on Friday, Father Murphy thanked his supporters “for their prayers, love and concern.”