A shocking incident occurred on Nov 9 during mass at St Joseph’s Church in Singapore, where a priest, Father Christopher Lee, was stabbed. The Catholic Church in Singapore reported that the 37-year-old assailant, who was subdued by the congregation, is a Singaporean of Sinhalese descent who had previously identified as a Christian. Father Christopher, the parish priest, was taken to National University Hospital by the Singapore Civil Defence Force and is currently stable.
The attack took place during communion at a Children's Mass, where children serve and sit in the front rows, with adults also present. Members of the congregation, including the Archdiocesan Emergency Response team, helped to disarm the attacker until police arrived. By 7:50 pm, CNA reporters observed eight police vehicles and about 20 officers on the church premises.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong expressed his shock and condemned the attack, emphasizing that violence has no place in Singapore, particularly in a place of worship. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam also confirmed the attacker’s identity and assured that authorities would thoroughly investigate the incident.
A witness who was attending the mass recounted how parishioners were instructed to remain calm and seated, with announcements made to keep the driveway clear for the ambulance. The witness reported that although he was initially unclear about the situation, he realized the seriousness upon hearing police and seeing the arrival of medical assistance. He later learned from others that Father Christopher had been stabbed near his mouth.
The Catholic Church extended gratitude to those who intervened, highlighting the community’s quick response. Father Christopher’s stable condition is a relief to parishioners, who were encouraged to pray for him. The incident has raised significant concerns about safety in religious spaces, and authorities are expected to conduct a full investigation into the motive behind the attack.
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