A man attacked the parochial vicar of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes during a 4 February healing liturgy.
The incident occurred on the second night of the cathedral’s Lourdes Novena for Healing.
The attacker rushed from the pews and swung at Father David Gaines, who remained calm, saying, “You’ll be OK.”
Parishioners, a deacon, and security subdued the man, who was later arrested. Bishop Thomas Daly, who witnessed the event from a few feet away, resumed the prayer service after the man was escorted out.
Bishop Daly told OSV News he was grateful for the quick security response and that no one was hurt.
He said the attack raises questions about mental illness and possible demonic affliction, and the importance of the church’s role in outreach and healing.
The bishop said that he feels that the church has a responsibility to follow up with this man and his needs. The attack, he said, “calls attention to both illness on all levels and the importance to heal and ask Mary’s intercession.”
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