Responding to the stabbing of a Catholic priest during Mass, Cardinal William Goh of Singapore conveyed the collective grief of the Catholic community, emphasizing that while such violence is deeply unsettling, it serves both as a sobering reminder for vigilance and as a testament to the church’s resilience.

“The truth is we should not be overly surprised that this incident happened in our most sacred space,” he noted. “A person could attack a religious leader, or anyone for that matter, in a church for various reasons.” He cited potential motives ranging from terrorism and fanaticism to personal grievances and mental health issues.

During the November 9 Saturday children’s evening Mass at St. Joseph's Church in Upper Bukit Timah, Singapore, Father Christopher Lee, 57, was stabbed while distributing communion. Members of the congregation, including the Archdiocesan Emergency Response Team, subdued the assailant before police arrived. The priest was taken to the National University Hospital, where he underwent successful surgery and is now in stable condition, according to Singapore Archdiocese. The Singapore Police Force confirmed the attacker’s history of serious offenses, including drug misuse and causing grievous hurt, and stated that initial investigations suggest he acted alone, with no current indication of terrorism.

Cardinal Goh said that while it is impossible to prevent every possible act of violence, the church and its members must be prepared both mentally and operationally. He highlighted the formation of the Archdiocesan Emergency Response Operations Council in 2016, which has been instrumental in coordinating and enhancing church security across parishes. “We are thankful the church has anticipated such incidents,” Cardinal Goh said.

Balancing safety and openness

Cardinal Goh also cautioned against overreacting to the tragedy by implementing measures that could alienate worshipers. “Going overboard with security measures may discourage the faithful from coming to worship,” he said. While ensuring safety is essential, the church must remain accessible and welcoming, maintaining its role as a refuge for spiritual solace. Cardinal Goh also noted that vigilance does not mean surrendering to fear but rather living prudently. “We must continue living our lives normally while taking practical precautions and looking out for each other.”

“Religious leaders must recognize that as public figures, we bear a certain amount of risk,” Cardinal Goh said, underscoring that while security should not be taken lightly, clergy must continue their ministry with courage. “We firmly believe God is in charge of our lives and that He will transform evil into good. We cannot allow evil to paralyze the proclamation of the Gospel.”

Faith amid suffering

The attack on Father Lee raised difficult questions for many believers. “Some of you may ask why God did not protect Father Christopher. Is God not all-powerful? Could He not have prevented this incident?” Cardinal Goh acknowledged. He responded by reminding the faithful of the core belief in an incarnational God who shares humanity’s suffering. “Terrible things happen because of sin and its consequences,” he said, noting that society’s declining moral values contribute to such tragedies.

“However, we know that at the end of the day, evil will not triumph. We see this in the examples of the martyrs of the church,” Cardinal Goh said, emphasizing the importance of continuing to proclaim the Gospel of mercy, compassion, and reconciliation. He called on the faithful to remember that Christ’s victory over death is a testament to the power of love and redemption.

Cardinal Goh urged prayers not only for Father Lee’s recovery but also for his assailant and for peace in the broader community. “God came to heal us through His death on the cross,” he said. “By showing His mercy and forgiveness, He heals us of our brokenness.”

 “This incident has made our church stronger, bringing our people closer through faith and prayer,” Cardinal Goh said.  As the church moves forward, he said it must do so with vigilance and unity, rejecting division and fear. “We must continue to work together to preserve religious and racial harmony and not allow confused individuals to sow seeds of division and fear in our midst,” he said. “Most of all, we pray and trust in God’s protection and care for all of us in Singapore.”

The Catholic Church in Singapore is a significant religious community within the multi-ethnic, multi-religious landscape of the city-state. According to the 2020 Census by Singapore’s Department of Statistics, Catholics make up about 3.7% of the resident population, translating to approximately 150,000 individuals out of the country's 5.7 million people. The Church in Singapore operates under the Archdiocese of Singapore, with 32 parishes serving diverse communities through worship, education, and social outreach. Catholic charities, such as Caritas Singapore, are vital in supporting the underprivileged.

Pope Francis visited Singapore September 11-13, where he celebrated Mass attended by 50,000 people, praised the nation's multiethnic unity, and called for stronger interfaith dialogue and social justice.