DUBLIN, Ireland - A 77-year-old priest preparing to say Mass was severely injured after being attacked by a man suspected of involvement in the murder of another individual at the victim’s residence in Northern Island on Sunday (August 11).

Canon John Murray, parish priest of St. Patrick in Downpatrick, has been declared out of danger after sustaining head and hand injuries following the attack by a man who was armed with an empty bottle.

Before the violent incident at Murray’s church, a murder case took place inside a house in the adjacent County Down town.

“At this time, we suspect this may be connected to a serious assault in the St. Patrick’s Avenue area of Downpatrick on Sunday,” said a police spokesperson.

The fatality, later identified as Stephen Brannigan, was found at his home, probers disclosed.

“Following a report of a deceased man at approximately 12 pm, on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 10, a 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody assisting with enquiries,” said the police.

Two hours before the discovery of the body, a man walked into the St. Patrick’s Church, went near Murray then hit the priest many times with a bottle the suspect used as a weapon.

In a statement, Fr. Eddie McGee, spokesperson for the Diocese of Down and Connor revealed that Murray was approached by the “gentleman asking him to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation”.

McGee described the incident as “very concerning and disturbing.”