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Irish bishops are praying for a priest’s swift recovery after he was stabbed multiple times in Galway. Father Paul Murphy sustained several wounds after he was suddenly attacked outside the Renmore Army Barracks, where he serves as an army chaplain. Now, he is recovering and expected to heal fully from his injuries.
Vatican News reports that Fr. Murphy was stabbed suddenly, but the 50-year-old was able to escape back through the barracks gate where on-duty personnel administered first aid. The priest was rushed to the nearby hospital for emergency care with serious, but non life-threatening wounds.
His assailant has not been named by the authorities, as he is a 16-year-old minor, but BBC reports that the young man appeared in court on charges of assault causing harm, with the prosecution noting that more charges may be applied based on the investigation. The incident is being investigated as a possible terrorist attack. Due to the nature of the crime and that authorities believe the suspect to be a flight risk, bail has been denied. The court was told that “An early analysis of devices attributed to the accused has revealed content of support to the Islamic State terrorist group.”
In comments made Friday, Galway Bishop Michael Duignan called the attack “deeply shocking and upsetting.” He said:
“I pray for the injured [priest], asking God that he would make a full recovery,” the bishop said. “I pray too for his family, for his army colleagues and for the medical personnel who are tending to his injuries at this time.”
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore condemned the attack, but called on Catholics to forgive the attacker and pray for both Fr. Murphy and for his assailant:
“We must come together not only to support our injured priest but also to foster an environment where such acts do not occur again, “ he said. “Let us engage in dialogue about how we can promote peace, understanding, and respect among all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.”
