Vietnamese Dominican priest Father Joseph Tran Ngoc Thanh (1981-2022) was killed in a knife attack on Jan. 29. (Photo supplied)
Feb 11 2022
Father Joseph Thanh lived the Gospel values, which was demonstrated in his forgiveness to his killer before death, says Bishop Vi
A young Dominican priest who was stabbed to death while hearing confessions in a church in Vietnam forgave his murderer before his death, says the local bishop.
Father Joseph Tran Ngoc Thanh, 41, was stabbed multiple times at Sa Loong sub-parish in Kon Tum Diocese on Jan. 29.
He died from severe head wounds in a hospital hours later.
Bishop Aloisius Nguyen Hung Vi of Kon Tum told Fides news agency that Father Thanh forgave his murderer before his death.
The slain priest lived the Gospel values, which was demonstrated in his forgiveness to his killer before death, he pointed out.
His alleged killer Nguyen Van Kien is a Catholic and his family said he was not insane, but lethargic and he didn’t practice his faith, Bishop Vi said during his visit to Sa Loong church on Feb. 7.
The prelate joined by other priests visited the church under the Dak Mot parish in Central Highlands of Vietnam where the slain priest served ethnic groups.
During the visit, Bishop Vi met with local Catholics including those present at the crime scene where the priest was stabbed.
Local parishioners shared how they blocked attacker Kien and handed him over to police.
Bishop Vi sought prayers of Catholics “so that the soul of Father Joseph may enjoy the face of our Father in Heaven.” – UCANews
