Priest stabbed during Mass in Singapore
Vatican news
Father Christopher Lee was stabbed at St. Joseph’s Church in Upper Bukit Timah, Singapore, during Saturday evening mass. His attacker was arrested and Father Lee is in stable condition.
Deborah Castellano Lubov
The priest of St. Joseph’s Church in Upper Bukit Timah, Singapore, was stabbed during mass on Saturday evening, reported Asia News Channel.
Father Christopher Lee, 57, who was stabbed during communion, was taken to the National University Hospital of Singapore and is said to be in a stable condition.
The attacker, a 37-year-old Singaporean, was arrested.
Series of events
According to the Singapore Police Force, he was disarmed by members of the congregation, before being subsequently arrested by police officers, the Singapore Police Force said in a statement, noting that the attacker had a history of serious injuries and drug abuse.
“Based on preliminary investigations, the man,” they noted, “is believed to have acted alone and police do not suspect this to be an act of terrorism, at this time.”
“The public,” police urged, “is urged to remain calm and refrain from speculation while investigations are underway to determine the motive for this incident.”
Catholic Church and government condemn attacks and pray
Cardinal William Goh, head of the Catholic Church in Singapore, said he was “shocked and deeply saddened that violence was committed against one of our beloved priests in the house of God while he was celebrating the mass”.
“I am also very concerned,” he added, “by the psychological impact that this incident may have had on our children and on all those who witnessed this attack.”
“I ask,” Cardinal Goh urged, “the faithful to remain calm, not to speculate on the incident or pass judgment without knowing all the facts. We must allow the authorities to investigate this matter.”
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also expressed hope that parishioners would heal from this “traumatic event”, emphasizing that “violence has no place in Singapore”.
Security and sanctity of places of worship
“Above all,” Prime Minister Wong wrote in a Facebook post, “we must ensure the safety and sanctity of our places of worship – places where people seek peace, solace and community.” .
“Let us remain calm and united,” he said, “supporting each other in the spirit of harmony and resilience that defines us as Singaporeans.”
Similarly, National Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong also condemned the attack and prayed for Father Lee.
(Channel News Asia contributed to this article)
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