Priest stabbed during Mass in Colombia is out of danger

Radio Caracol reported this week that Father Alirio Ramirez was stabbed by an unknown assailant while celebrating Mass on Sunday at the Basilica of St. Rose of Cabal in the Colombian state of Risaralda. Doctors said the priest is now out of danger and is recovering satisfactorily.

The 54 year-old priest was attacked “when his aggressor approached from the back of the church, and when he tried to flee he was stopped by a few nuns and parishioners.”

Police chief David Guzman said an investigation was launched after learning that the priest had been the target of death threats by drug traffickers in the region.

Police Chief Hoover Penilla in Risaralda said Father Ramirez’s quick reaction saved his life, “even though he was stabbed four times, none of the wounds were life-threatening.”

Bishop Tulio Duque Gutierrez of Pereira condemned the attack and said it was even more unfortunate that it took place during the “holy season of Lent.”

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