(OSV News) — A Massachusetts priest is urging prayers for a man who attacked him during a parish Holy Hour.
Father Christopher Peschel, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford, Massachusetts, sustained minor injuries Aug. 31 as he tried to prevent 59-year-old Jose Nascimento from stealing the parish’s monstrance.
According to a Sept. 2 press release from the New Bedford Police Department, Nascimento “had entered the church and began knocking over items on the altar.”
Without naming Nascimento, the Diocese of Fall River said in a Sept. 2 statement that a man had entered the church that evening amid Eucharistic exposition.
The man then “began knocking items over on the altar and attempted to take the monstrance in which the Holy Eucharist was displayed for Adoration,” the diocese said.
Altercation took place when priest tried to stop intruder
Father Peschel “went to stop the man and escort him outside the church, where an altercation ensued,” said the diocese, noting that police had been notified amid the incident.
The priest “was then assaulted by the man, suffering a minor injury to his face,” the diocese said. “A bystander came to assist Father Peschel and subdue the man until police arrived at which time the man was placed under arrest.”
According to the New Bedford Police Department, Father Peschel “sustained a minor injury to his face after being punched and hit with a beer can.”
The priest was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford for evaluation and later released.
While at the hospital, Father Peschel posted a Facebook message saying he was “doing well” and “getting some things checked out,” and he thanked supporters for their prayers.
‘I forgive him. I am just glad nobody else was hurt’
“Yes a man attacked me at confessions and adoration this evening after he tried to steal the monstrance,” said Father Peschel in his message. “I forgive him. I am just glad nobody else was hurt.”
New Bedford police said Nascimento was arrested and charged with several counts of assault and battery, as well as threatening to commit a crime, disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct.
Following an initial hospital evaluation Sept. 1, Nascimento was arraigned Sept. 2 but had to be removed from the courtroom after an outburst during the proceedings. He was ordered to remain in the hospital 20 more days for continued evaluation.
Dr. Katherine Henshall said that the evaluation was “still warranted” to determine Nascimento’s “competence to stand trial,” according to local NBC affiliate WJAR.
“Pray for that man!” said Father Peschel in his Facebook message. “Pray for peace!”
Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X @GinaJesseReina.
