48-year-old Indian priest, Father Tomy Mathew was stabbed in the neck with a knife at the St Matthew’s Parish in Fawkner, Melbourne on Sunday.
He was allegedly stabbed in front of worshippers at about 11am on Sunday morning at the church by a 72-year-old man.
reports that the attacker approached Father Mathew in the foyer of the church and allegedly attacked him with a knife on the left side of his neck.
It's believed the offender may have previously taken issue with the priest's Indian heritage and accused him of being a Hindu or a Muslim and therefore unqualified to say Catholic mass. Police have not confirmed those claims.
The 72-year-old man has been charged with intentionally and recklessly causing injury.
The priest, originally from Kozhikode district in Kerala, was treated at the Northern Hospital for a neck wound.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne said the priest was doing well in hospital and wanted to get back to work soon.
Police detectives have spoken with a number of witnesses and are appealing anyone who may be able to assist with investigations.
“There was a large number of witnesses but we are appealing for anyone that may have seen the incident or this male offender,” said Detective Senior Constable Rhiannon Norton.
Father Mathew has been parish priest of the church since late 2014 and Thamarassery diocese authorities said he would continue his duty as the priest at that church.
The attacker was bailed to appear in Broadmeadows Magistrate’s Court in June.
