Priest attacked in Jiwaka, forgives attackers

A Catholic priest from Poland, who serves at the Fatima Seminary College in Jiwaka, is recovering from a head injury after being attacked by two drunk men while visiting a church member in the Waghi Valley community following Sunday service yesterday.

"My blood was dripping down my face, soaking my t-shirt, but I wasn't sure if it was from a knife or something else," Fr. Andrew said.

He had a cut on the right side of his forehead, just above his eyebrow, and needed stitches.

Around 5 pm, the two drunk men stopped Fr. Andrew's car, armed with a knife, and demanded he get out. He complied and approached the men. During the confrontation, he felt blood running down his face.

When the community realized what had happened, they quickly removed the men and took Fr. Andrew to receive medical treatment.

The Wara Kar community, which is near the Fatima Seminary College, was upset by the attack and, this morning, went to the area where the men are believed to live.

A quick response from Banz police, community leaders, and Kerwil army personnel helped calm the situation.

Fr. Andrew urged the Fatima community to remain calm, as the two men had been handed over to the police to face the law.

He also stated that he had forgiven the men and would not seek any compensation. He even visited them in the Banz police cells.

The SVD Seminary urged the community not to take any further action. The two men have been identified as a student from the University of Goroka and a Grade 10 student from Melap High School.

Fr Andrew is 42 years old and has been serving in the Western Highlands and Jiwaka Provinces since 2011.