CV NEWS FEED // A Catholic military chaplain this week suffered serious injuries after a 16-year-old boy reportedly stabbed him at an army barracks in Galway, Ireland.
Fr. Paul Murphy was sitting in his car wearing civilian clothing on Aug. 15 outside barracks near Galway city when the suspect approached him, according to the Irish Times. Fr. Murphy reportedly rolled his window down and the assailant revealed a knife, which he then used to stab the priest.
The assailant pursued and continued to attack Fr. Murphy after the priest went through the barracks’ gate. The Guardian reported that sentries “used a baton to subdue the assailant” after firing warning shots. The suspect was arrested.
According to The Guardian, Fr. Murphy’s injuries are serious but not life threatening. The priest posted an update to Facebook about his condition.
“Friends, thank you for your prayers, love and concern. Sorry that I can’t reply to all messages and take all the calls coming my way. I’m doing OK; just awaiting surgery,” Fr. Murphy posted. “All will be well.”
According to Sky News, “[p]olice said ‘one line of enquiry is to establish if this attack had a terrorism motivation’.”
The Irish Times reported that the suspect, who is an Irish national from the Galway area, “was heard shouting during the attack about the Irish Defence Forces involvement in Mali, although his exact grievance is unclear.”
The Guardian reported that the suspect’s online posts are being investigated and that Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police force, “wishes to reassure the public that at this time it is not believed this incident is part of a wider conspiracy.”
GalwayBeo reported that Fr. Murphy is “well-known and well-liked in the Renmore area after his years serving the barracks,” where he has been chaplain for over 12 years.
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, bishop of Waterford and Lismore, condemned the violence in a statement, saying, “Our priest, who has dedicated his life to serving God and our community, is now facing an unimaginable ordeal.”
“We are praying for his swift recovery and healing – both physically and spiritually,” the bishop continued in the statement published on the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference website. “The Church stands firmly behind him during this challenging time. I urge all members of our congregation to keep him in their thoughts and prayers as he navigates through this painful experience.”
Bishop Cullinan also stated that it is important to “come together not only to support our injured priest but also to foster an environment where such acts do not occur again. Let us engage in dialogue about how we can promote peace, understanding, and respect among all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.”
He encouraged praying for both Fr. Murphy and also for the arrested individual, adding, “As we gather in prayer, let us remember that forgiveness is a powerful tool that can lead us toward reconciliation.”
