Cucuta, Colombia, Aug 14, 2012 / 15:04 pm
The Diocese of Cucuta in Colombia condemned the death of Father Pablo Emilio Sanchez Alabarracin, who died from the injuries he sustained during a break-in at his parish rectory.
In a statement, the diocese said that the community, "together with its bishop, priests, deacons, seminarians, men and women religious...laments the loss of Father Pablo."
Fr. Sanchez died on Aug. 11, three days after being robbed and stabbed by an intruder at the parish rectory of Holy Mary Mother of God, located in the town of Patios in northern Colombia.
His funeral Mass was held at the Cathedral of St. Joseph and celebrated by Bishop Julio Cesar Vidal Ortiz of Cucuta. Hundreds of local faithful attended and dozens of priests from the diocese concelebrated.
Diana Paola Alvarez, director of communications for the Diocese of Cucuta, told CNA on Aug. 9 that local officials are investigating the incident.