ARCHBISHOP Julian Leow Beng Kim has called for the Catholic Diocese to pray and extend their word of peace to all following the recent act of violence at the St Joseph Church in Bukit Timah, Singapore.
The church's priest Rev Fr Christopher Lee was stabbed by who is believed to be a mentally deranged person while celebrating mass at 530pm yesterday in the place of worship on the island state.
The incident caused an uproar in the relatively peaceful Singapore, prompting Archbishop Leow, who is the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei president, to say that the congregation in the region must strive for peace, love and understanding in society.
"Such violence feels especially painful. Yet it is in these moments of trial that we are reminded of our call as Christians to respond with peace, compassion and forgiveness. All the more we are called to be the light in the world, to be resilient and steadfast in faith even amidst adversity," said Archbishop Leow in a communique.
He also extended his prayer for the swift recovery of Rev Fr Lee, who is now warded in a hospital there for his injuries.
Archbishop Leow said that they should also pray for those who seek to cause diversion through violence.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called on the public to remain calm and united following th knife attack on a priest.
Stating that violence has no place in the country, he urged everyone to support one another in the spirit of harmony and resilience. - November 11, 2024.
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