A Franciscan priest was killed this week in Colombia in the northern region of Magdalena.  Initial investigations indicate the 46 year-old priest was assaulted.

Father Luis Alfonso Herrera Moreno, who was the accountant at the San Luis Beltran School, operated by the Franciscans in the costal city of Santa Marta, disappeared on Tuesday after he went out to run a few errands for the school.  His body was found one day later and police said it appeared he had been bludgeoned to death.  

According to other officials at the school, Father Herrera took a phone call before being picked up in a van to go to an appointment.  Police have not yet located the van.

Father Herrera was born in Pacora, Colombia, and studied at the University of La Salle and the University of St. Bonaventure in Bogota.

More than 60 priests, bishops, religious, and seminarians have died violent deaths during Colombia’s 30 year-old civil conflict.  In addition, 4 bishops, 14 priests, and 1 missionary have been kidnapped.