Bishop seeks peace following stabbing
Fr Murphy who was seriously injured at Galway Army Barracks.
Many well wishes and messages of support have poured in for Waterford's Fr Paul Murphy as he recovers from a suspected terrorist attack at Renmore Army Barracks, Galway, in which he received stab wounds resulting in surgery last Thursday, August 15.
In addition to the support from An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste and the Minister for Justice, Waterford Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan also offered his support to Fr Murphy and the community concerned about the nature of the attack.
"In light of the recent tragic incident in Galway, I feel compelled to address our community with both sorrow and resolve. The stabbing of our priest that occurred at the Army Barracks in Galway has left us all in shock... First and foremost, I unequivocally condemn this act of violence," said Bishop Cullinan.
"Such behaviour is unacceptable in any form and goes against the very tenets of our faith, which teaches us to love one another and to seek peace. Violence begets violence, and we must strive for understanding and compassion rather than resorting to harm," he continued.
"This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of unity within our community.
"We must come together not only to support our injured priest but also to foster an environment where such acts do not occur again. Let us engage in dialogue about how we can promote peace, understanding, and respect among all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
"I encourage everyone to join me in prayer — not only for our wounded priest but also for the individual responsible for this act. May they find redemption and may we all work towards healing the wounds that divide us. As we gather in prayer, let us remember that forgiveness is a powerful tool that can lead us toward reconciliation.
"While we grapple with the emotions surrounding this tragic event, let us remain steadfast in our faith and commitment to one another. Together, we can overcome adversity through love, compassion, and understanding.
"May God bless us all during these trying times."
