The Deacon's Bench
From UPI:
A Roman Catholic priest was killed Friday in the west-central Mexican state of Jalisco, the second priest murdered within one week in the country.
Juan Miguel Contreras Garcia, 33, was performing the sacrament of penance when attacked at a parish in Tlajomulco de Zuniga, on the outskirts of Guadalajara, according to a statement from the Mexican Bishops’ Conference.
The attack, which took place immediately after the celebration of Holy Mass, is the latest in a series of attacks against priests in Mexico.
Father Ruben Alcantara Diaz was attacked April 18 right before an evening Mass at Our Lady of Carmen Parish in Cuautitlan Izcalli.
On Saturday, the bishops launched an urgent appeal for a culture of peace and reconciliation.
Additional details from AP:
The Jalisco state prosecutor’s office said early indications suggest two men entered the sacristy, fired directly at the priest and then fled in a car. It said Contreras suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and paramedics who arrived at the scene were unable to keep him alive.
The center said Contreras became a priest just two years ago.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him…
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