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| Father Jacques Hamel |
Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray is 82 miles northwest of Paris.
Two males entered the Church during Mass and took five persons hostage - the Priest, two nuns and an elderly male and female couple.
One of the nuns managed to slip out and call for help.
Father Hamel was forced to kneel while his throat was cut. Tragically, he died at the scene.
The other elderly male hostage was slashed several times with a knife and is in the hospital in critical condition.
The two attackers were both killed by the Police outside of the church.
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| Saint Jude, pray for Father Hamel and for peace in our world. |
One of the attackers has been identified as Adel Kermiche, age 19, a local resident. He was known by the French authorities as a sympathizer of Islamic extremist groups. Acquaintances said that he was a disturbed and obsessed young man with a history of psychological problems.
The other attacker has not been identified as of this posting.
The archbishop of Paris, Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois, called on Catholics to "overcome hatred that comes in their heart" and not to allow the Islamic State group "to set children of the same family upon each other."
Father Hamel was born in 1930 in the nearby town of Darnétal and was ordained as a priest in 1958. He is described as an active member of the Church despite his advanced age. He had served as an auxiliary priest for the past 10 years.
He is also described as a warm, quiet man who lived modestly. He had dedicated his life to others.
The citizens of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray are in mourning over the death of Father Jacques Hamel. He did his best. He will be forever remembered.
Thank you for your service to the Church, Father Hamel.
Pray for all who die while in the performance of their duties.
God save us from the psychopaths. They are killing us, Lord. Amen.
Pray that Father Jacques Hamel is at peace and is with God. Amen.
Pray that Father Jacques Hamel is at peace and is with God. Amen.
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