Kamloops Bishop Assaulted

Bishop David Monroe

Bishop David Monroe, Bishop of Kamloops, B.C., is in hospital recovering from severe head injuries after being attacked Friday evening in the rectory of Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Monsignor Jerry Desmond, Vicar General for the Diocese states that 69-year-old David Monroe was attacked after answering the door of the Sacred Hearts Cathedral on Nicola St. shortly before 10 p.m. 

A man forcefully entered the church, Desmond said, and began beating Monroe's head.

"He suffered a horrible beating," Desmond said. "I saw him last night and his head is very swollen." 

"He's stable, they say, but very little response to recognition of anybody at this time."

A priest, the only other person inside the church at the time of the assault, was rushing to help when he slipped and dislocated his shoulder.

He managed to leave the house and call for help, Desmond said. 

Witnesses reported seeing a person wandering the area earlier that evening looking for a priest. 

A suspect was arrested following a massive police search of the area. No information has been released, but police believe he may suffer from mental problems. 

No charges have been laid.