A priest was last night recovering in hospital after an intruder broke into his residence and stabbed him on Sunday.
Fr Bobit Augusthy was attacked by a man who managed to break into his home in Ardkeen, Waterford city, at around 9.30am.
The property is located in the grounds of Waterford Regional Hospital where Fr Bobit is a chaplain and he was rushed for treatment and remains in a serious condition.
It is understood Fr Bobit, who is originally from India and a member of the Order of St Camillus, was attacked when he came upon the intruder at the front door of the home he shares with two other priests.
Local parish priest Fr Liam Power, who knows the victim, said: “I was really shocked to hear it.
“The chaplains there are always on call for the sick and it’s just tragic that this should happen.
“We’re praying for his recovery and offering our prayers to his colleagues Fr Russell and Fr John.
“All three of them do really excellent work in the hospital and the chapel there.
“They are on call 24 hours a day and live in that residence on the hospital grounds. There was obviously an intrusion there.
“It’s quite shocking that a priest can be exposed to such danger.”
Last night gardai said the victim, who is in his 30s, was in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
A man in his 20s was arrested shortly after the incident and was being detained at Waterford Garda Station.
He was being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and can be quizzed for up to 24 hours.
Fr Bobit has been living in Ireland for some time and along with his colleagues Fr Russell and Fr John, works in the hospital and runs the chapel there.
Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, said he was “very shocked” by what happened and said he hoped the victim will make a full recovery.
He said he is also praying for the priest’s chaplaincy colleagues “who will be suffering as well”.