With Reparation, "Moving Forward"

After its priest-administrator was stabbed and beaten in church just after celebrating morning Mass on Friday, a South Texas parish gathered yesterday for the traditional Penitential Rite that must occur whenever sacred space is defaced:

On Sunday, Bishop Edmond Carmody rededicated the church to God....

“The past is the past,” Carmody said. “It is the present and the future that matter. We must move forward as a united church and community.”

Father Shaji Varghese was attacked by a parishoner early Friday in the side doorway of the sanctuary after both celebrated Mass. Varghese, 42, was upgraded to stable condition Sunday and remained at Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial, said Marty Wind, spokesman for the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

David Rodriguez, 36, remained in the San Patricio County Jail on Sunday with bonds of $350,000. He is being held on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence, jail officials said.

Diocese of Corpus Christi officials said Carmody visisted Rodriguez in his jail cell and prayed with him Sunday.

As of earlier today, the stricken cleric continued showing signs of improvement and was no longer in need of a breathing tube.

PHOTO: Rachel Denny Clow/Corpus Christi Caller-Times

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