CALBUCO, Chile, JUNE 23, 2010 (Zenit.org).- A Chilean parish priest is recovering in the hospital after being stabbed in the neck while distributing Communion during Mass on Friday evening.
Archbishop Cristián Caro Cordero of Puerto Montt signed an archdiocesan communiqué reporting that Father José Francisco Núñez Calisto, pastor of the parish in Calbuco, was stabbed with a knife in the neck on Friday evening.
He underwent surgery that same night and is in a stable condition in the Puerto Montt hospital.
The prelate addressed «words of consolation and hope to his family and to the faithful of Calbuco, who have not ceased to pray for their parish priest and as amends for the profanation of the Most Blessed Sacrament.»
He expressed regret that he will «not be able to attend the Holy Mass, which will be celebrated on Sunday afternoon in Calbuco, because I must travel to Santiago,» but added, «I will be united to the community in prayer at all times.»
The archbishop thanked «all those who have supported us and, especially, the staff and doctors of the hospitals of Calbuco and Puerto Montt, who have taken care of Father Francisco with great solicitude.»
Archbishop Cordero will be a party in the case against the attacker, who was immediately apprehended and arrested. «We pray for him also,» the prelate said.
He ended the communiqué, «We maintain ourselves united in faith, hope and charity and pray for the powerful intercession of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, and of St. Michael the Archangel, patron of Calbuco.»
