Catholic priest attacked on Good Friday

A respected Christchurch Catholic priest was attacked on Good Friday.

Around 1:00 am, attackers jumped at Father Alistair Castillo, who was trying to help the wounded in Fendalton.

“They just beat me… I hope they realize what they did was wrong,” he said.

Castillo, who serves in the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch North, found a figure lying in the street on his way to Christchurch Hospital to perform his pastoral duties.

He stopped to offer a helping hand, but instead of being grateful, he was viciously attacked by three unknown assailants.

The perpetrator fled the scene.

Among other damage, Castillo was unable to identify the attackers because he lost his glasses, but said their voices, asking for money they didn’t have, sounded like those of teenagers.

He has been out of work since the attack and is traumatized by the experience, according to a spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch (CDC).

A bloodied and bruised Catholic priest hopes that what happened to him will not prevent other people from doing good.

He says he’s ready to move on, but his community struggles to process how humanity’s “loving interest in one another” can be used for crime. doing.

“They just beat me… I hope they realize what they did was wrong,” Castillo says.

Reflecting on the incident, in an email to parishioners, Castillo said: There is no doubt that the Lord has protected me. ”

He urged the community to pray for the attackers in hopes that they will reflect on their actions.

Castillo is deeply grateful to everyone who offered support and prayers during his recovery.

He hopes to return to work soon.

“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for your prayers and support over the last three weeks. I hope to be back on deck next week (fingers crossed),” he said.

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