Benedictine assaulted

Brother Marius Williams OSB, 78, was beaten about his body by a young man on the grounds of the Abbey Church, Mt St Benedict at around 8.30 p.m. Independence Day (August 31). The attack began when Br Marius went to feed his dogs. He saw the intruder and asked him to leave the compound before the beating began.

Catholic News confirmed that during the beating Br Marius fell, hit his head and suffered two broken ribs. He was also said to be “in terrible pain”. The man escaped.

When contacted, Abbot John Pereira OSB confirmed the incident stating that Br Marius was discharged from the hospital last Sunday morning (September 2).

Abbot Pereira also mentioned that he and Br Richard Diaz were in Subiaco, Italy for the General Chapter of the Benedictine Congregation of the Annunciation to which Mt St Benedict belongs. He asked that faithful pray for a spirit-filled meeting. – KJ