News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

rev-tomy-australia-main_article_image.png
St Matthew's Parish/Facebook
World News

Man charged following Australia priest knife attack

Rev Tommy Kalathoor Matther, 48, needed urgent first aid from parishioners after an armed man entered the Italian-language service at St Matthew's Church in Melbourne and attacked him.

According to the Archdiocese newspaper Melbourne Catholic, the alleged perpetrator had previously voiced his objection to Rev Tommy's Indian heritage and accused him of being a Hindu or Muslim before the attack.

Facebook / St Matthew's Parish

Rev Tomy with parishioners at a Thanksgiving dinner in December 2016

The man who allegedly stabbed him was charged with intentionally and recklessly causing injury and bailed until 13 June.

He has since been taken to hospital for psychological evaluation, police say.

The priest was released from the Northern Hospital on Monday after receiving treatment for a stab wound to the neck.

A statement on St Matthew's Parish Facebook page says: "We understand what has happened has been shocking to our parish community. Fr Tomy would like to say that he is recovering well and is in good spirits. His first thoughts have been for the parishioners and the school community. To all of you, thank you so much for your prayers and thoughts."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate