Father Cary Chan, a priest at the Church of the Holy Spirit, found himself in an unexpected and alarming situation on February 9, 2025. In the peaceful sanctuary of the church, following the 9.30 am Mass, chaos erupted when a man with special needs lashed out, striking Father Chan in the head. The impact was so forceful that it dislodged his glasses and left him rattled. As Father Chan recounted the incident, he revealed that the attacker was a familiar face, a churchgoer with special needs who is partially blind. The unfortunate event unfolded when the man, who remained unidentified, began shouting and causing a disturbance within the church premises. Father Chan, showing remarkable composure, intervened and escorted the agitated individual outside. The situation escalated when the man, agitated over the removal of his bag, landed a blow on Father Chan. Despite the unprovoked assault, Father Chan displayed resilience and dedication by proceeding to lead the next Mass at 11.30 am, barely showing any visible signs of distress.
MAN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ASSAULTS PRIEST
The assailant, a 22-year-old man, was promptly arrested by the police following the assault. The authorities announced that the suspect would undergo an evaluation at the Institute of Mental Health to ascertain his mental state. Witnesses shared insights into the man’s behavior within the church community, shedding light on his tendency to be inattentive and isolated. Also noted was the man’s reaction to an incident with his mother earlier that day, suggesting he was already in a vulnerable emotional state. Despite the violent outburst, attendees affirmed that the man, while occasionally disruptive, posed no real threat, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding towards individuals with special needs.
A CALL FOR CALM AMIDST TURMOIL
In the wake of the incident, the Church of the Holy Spirit addressed the community through a Facebook post, reassuring everyone of Father Chan’s safety. Urging calm and discouraging speculation, the church emphasized the need for a measured response to the unfortunate event. This incident follows a recent attack at St. Joseph’s Church, underscoring the vulnerability of places of worship to unforeseen violence. In light of these occurrences, the police have heightened their vigilance, enhancing patrols around religious institutions to ensure the safety and security of all members.
The alarming incident at the Church of the Holy Spirit serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of human behavior and the importance of empathy and understanding in times of distress. As Father Cary Chan bravely continued with his duties, undeterred by the traumatic episode, his resilience and dedication resonate as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. May this unfortunate event prompt conversations about mental health and compassion, encouraging communities to come together in support and solidarity during challenging times.
