Catholic Priest Brutally stabbed minutes before Sunday Mass
Fr. Tomy Mathew, a Catholic priest from Kerala, India, was the victim of a hate crime this weekend.
Minutes before his Sunday Mass at St. Matthew’s Parish in Fawkner, Australia, an elderly man approached Fr. Mathew.
According to News18, Thiruvallom Bhasi, the editor of a Melbourne daily visiting Thiruvananthapuram, witnessed the event.
“While the ceremony was on, the accused came forward and shouted that since he [Mathew] is an Indian, he couldn’t conduct the mass.”
Christian Today reported the man screamed at Fr. Mathew, “You are Muslim or Hindu…I will kill you” before stabbing the priest in the neck.
A woman, who asked not to be identified, witnessed the attack and said: “There was some shouting and lots of movement in the back of the church. I saw Father Tomy coming to approach me and he sort of waved me over.
“He asked if I could look at his neck. He said, ‘I’ve just been stabbed.’ As I removed his garment I could see quite a bit of blood.”
Father Tomy Mathew, 48, was stabbed in the neck at St Matthew’s Parish in Melbourne as he was about to start saying Mass (St. Mathew’s Church, Melbourne/Facebook).
Fr. Abraham Kavilpurayidathil, a Public Relations Officer of Thamarassery diocese, explained Fr. Tomy, a native of Karimbu, has served as vicar of St. Matthew’s Parish for the last four years.
Fr. Savarimuthu Sankar, of the Delhi Catholic Archdiocese, explained: “Hate crime became a concern and it is high time for the government to initiate dialogues with other countries to prevent such crimes.
“Every effort should be made by the government abroad to spread the message of appreciation for others. We condemn this incident and pray for his speedy recovery.”
Fr. Mathew was taken to the hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries to his neck and is expected to make a full recovery.
Thank you, Lord, for your veil of protection. Bless Fr. Mathew and his flock, that they harbor no fear and know only your peace and safety. Amen.
By Kenya Sinclair
what that old man’s problem???…… even at that age “elderly”, he is still a racist??…….. well Fr please forgive him…… he probably didn’t know what he was doing…….. get well soon padre……
what that old man’s problem???…… even at that age “elderly”, he is still a racist??…….. well Fr please forgive him…… he probably didn’t know what he was doing…….. get well soon padre……
Thank God for his mercy endurate for ever.
Australia is very much a racist country with the legacy of the long standing White Australia Policy.
We Catholics around the World wish him Fr Tomy speedy recover.
In the true spirit of Christ like forgiveness Fr Tomy will forgive his assillant.
Thank God for his mercy endurate for ever.
Australia is very much a racist country with the legacy of the long standing White Australia Policy.
We Catholics around the World wish him Fr Tomy speedy recover.
In the true spirit of Christ like forgiveness Fr Tomy will forgive his assillant.
Lord Jesus you are the High Priest of our Priesthood.. You chosen them to Be like You here on Earth.. Lord Blessed them in Your Name and protect them from harm.. Shield them with Your Precious Blood in times of trouble..Beloved Mother Mary guide your priests..St John Paul II pray for your priests also.. We Pray in the Name of Jesus.. Amen!Godbless all our Priests..
Have mercy on.us LORD let YOUR HOLY Blood and HOLY SPIRIT protect all of us here and abroad. Let all.our priest and religous continue to have strong faith and hold on to YOUR promises . In JESUS mighty name we asked. AMEN
Lord Jesus you are the High Priest of our Priesthood.. You chosen them to Be like You here on Earth.. Lord Blessed them in Your Name and protect them from harm.. Shield them with Your Precious Blood in times of trouble..Beloved Mother Mary guide your priests..St John Paul II pray for your priests also.. We Pray in the Name of Jesus.. Amen!Godbless all our Priests..
Thank God for saving Father Tomy. We pray for speedy recovery. May God continue to grant you healing Father
Have mercy on.us LORD let YOUR HOLY Blood and HOLY SPIRIT protect all of us here and abroad. Let all.our priest and religous continue to have strong faith and hold on to YOUR promises . In JESUS mighty name we asked. AMEN
Thank God for saving Father Tomy. We pray for speedy recovery. May God continue to grant you healing Father
That guy who stabbed fr Matthew…didn’t stab him because he thinks he is Hindu or Muslim…what will the latter do in a Catholic Church ..he stabbed him because he is foreign….which is so sad. We catholics see people the way God sees us….we don’t look at race or creed we believe all human is equal in God’s eyes. This was uncalled for and I pray for a speedy recovery for Friday Matthew.
That guy who stabbed fr Matthew…didn’t stab him because he thinks he is Hindu or Muslim…what will the latter do in a Catholic Church ..he stabbed him because he is foreign….which is so sad. We catholics see people the way God sees us….we don’t look at race or creed we believe all human is equal in God’s eyes. This was uncalled for and I pray for a speedy recovery for Friday Matthew.