.- A Catholic priest in the Archdiocese of Ranchi, located in eastern India, was seriously wounded Aug. 21st while resisting a robbery attempt, reported UCA News.
According to reports, 20 masked youths, aged 15-25, entered the room of Fr. Thomas Powathil, director of Lievens Academy in Lohardaga, at around 9:30 p.m. and attacked him with a gun and hockey sticks.
A little later, another priest of the high school, Fr. Deonis Xess, found Fr. Powathil lying on the floor bleeding.
A semiconscious Fr. Powathil reportedly told Fr. Xess that the youths tied him to a chair and demanded money, saying they belonged to a Maoist gang. Local police said, however, that the attackers were not Maoists, but local youth that suspected the school has a "lot of money." The attackers did not find any money but took the priest's cell phone before they fled the church compound.
Father Xess said neither he nor the security guard had noticed the group entering the school compound. He said he did not hear the commotion in Fr. Powathil's house over the noise of the parish's electricity generator.
The wounded priest was rushed to local St. Ursula Hospital and was sent to a larger hospital in Ranchi upon the local auxiliary bishop’s arrival.
Lievens Academy is an English-language high school that was started eight years ago in honor of Jesuit Father Constance Lievens, a Belgian missioner who made the first Catholic converts among the tribal people in eastern India in 1885.
Bandits attack Catholic priest in eastern India
Related news
- Indian government official investigates problems of minority Christians
- Indian Supreme Court says police may arrest anyone accused of proselytization
- Guides prohibited from Goa basilica holding relics of St. Francis Xavier
- Church organizations in India are about charity, not conversion, assures prelate
Related articles
* The number of messages that can be online is limited. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages
Featured Videos
May
22
Liturgical Calendar
May 22, 2012
Tuesday of the Seventh Week of EasterAll readings:
Today »This year »
Catholic Daily
Gospel of the Day
Jn 17,1-11a
Gospel
Date
05/22/12
05/21/12
05/20/12
Homily of the Day
Jn 17,1-11a
Homily
Date
05/22/12
05/21/12
05/20/12
Most Popular
