Dutch-born Jesuit Father Karl-Edmund Prier, 80, was the victim of a sword-attack on Feb. 11 when he was celebrating Mass.
A priest in Indonesia attacked and wounded in his church by a sword-wielding man says he has forgiven his attacker.
A suspected Muslim extremist called Suliyono attacked Dutch-born Jesuit Father Karl-Edmund Prier, 80, during a Mass at St. Lidwina Church in Yoyakarta on Feb. 11.
Three other Catholics were injured in the attack, which also saw the attacker decapitate Mary and Jesus statues, before being shot and wounded by police.
“I forgive Sulyono with sincerity. Every day I pray the Our Father prayer, which states that as we forgive those who trespass against us,” wrote Father Prier in a letter posted on the bishops’ commission on social communication website on Feb. 24.
Father Prier said he could have run away during the assault but did not.
“However, my conscience said: ’Do not go. The good shepherd should not run when wolves come.’ I remained standing on the altar to divert the attacker’s attention to me,” he said.
“He had the sword raised high and shouted, Allahhu akbar! As he ran down the aisle toward me,” he added.
He also said Muslims were very kind and helped clean up the church after the attack.
