Archbishop prays for priest stabbed in Chile

Santiago, Chile, Jun 23, 2010 / 11:56 am

Archbishop Cristián Caro Cordero of Puerto Montt, Chile said that the priest in his diocese who was stabbed in the neck while distributing Communion is progressing in his recovery. The prelate added that he is praying for the aggressor and expressed solidarity with the priest’s friends and family.

Fr Francisco Núñez, a priest in the town of Calbuco, Chile, is recovering from operations following an attack in which he was stabbed in the neck while distributing the Eucharist, stated his archbishop. The incident occurred on Friday, June 18 during Mass.

After expressing his prayers and solidarity, the archbishop later indicated that Fr Núñez "is recovering in the Base Hospital of Puerto Montt.”

"I direct my words of counsel and hope to the priest’s family and to the faithful of Calbuco. They have not ceased to pray for their parish priest and to forgive the lack of respect for the Holy Sacrament," he continued.

The prelate thanked "all those who have supported us, especially the personnel and doctors of the Hospitals of Calbuco and Puerto Montt that have attended to Fr. Francisco with great diligence."

It was also noted that the archbishop “will become part of the lawsuit against the attacker, who was subdued and detained immediately. We pray for him."

The archbishop concluded his remarks by asking that unity be maintained in the community.