On September 24, 2026, a tragic knife rampage shook the 17th-century Benedictine Sisters' Abbey in southeastern Poland's Jarosław, resulting in the death of one priest and injuries to four others. Following the perpetrator's apprehension, the Ukrainian man behind the stabbing was assessed by medical specialists as exhibiting severe psychotic symptoms.
Two days after the attack, the church reopened its doors to the faithful - and during Saturday’s Mass, the homily was delivered by Father Adrian, one of the clergymen injured in the attack.
"We forgive and ask for prayers for us - the priests - and especially for our attacker, and for the grace of conversion for him" - the priest, who stood at the altar with a bandaged head and a bruised face, emphasized in his homily. During Holy Mass, prayers were offered for the slain Father Stanisław, and the other victims.
Addressing the congregation, Father Adrian asked not to blame the entire nation for the tragedy that unfolded. "It was a specific individual who committed this evil act", the clergyman underlined. "I ask you not to repay evil with evil, but with love, support, understanding, and care" - he urged.
The Christian Culture and Information Centre, at the abbey where the Thursday tragedy occurred, had been deeply involved in aiding Ukrainian refugees since February 2022. Hundreds of people fleeing the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine found support there - in no small part thanks to the priests who now were the victims of the attack.
On Saturday a court ordered the perpetrator of the stabbing to be remanded in custody for three months. Investigators are questioning witnesses and working to establish the assailant's motives. The prosecutor's office has announced that experts will issue a further opinion regarding the sanity of Ihor M., who is currently in a medical facility under expert psychiatrists' observation.
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Source: PAP, IAR