On Monday evening, August 31, during a regularly scheduled time for Confession and Adoration at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford, a man unknown to Father Christopher Peschel, who is pastor, entered the church, began knocking items over on the altar and attempted to take the monstrance in which the Holy Eucharist was displayed for Adoration. The New Bedford Police Department was notified.

Father Christopher M. Peschel

Father Peschel went to stop the man and escort him outside the church, where an altercation ensued. Father Peschel was then assaulted by the man, suffering a minor injury to his face. A bystander came to assist Father Peschel and subdue the man until police arrived at which time the man was placed under arrest. Father Peschel was brought to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford for an evaluation.

Thanks be to God Father Peschel is doing well after sustaining the minor injury and is back at the rectory at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

Father Peschel is glad that no one else was injured in the incident. He expresses his appreciation to the New Bedford Police Department, the ambulance crew, and the staff at St. Luke’s. He has shared that he has forgiven his assailant and asks for prayers for the man and for peace.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., spoke to Father Peschel last night and again this morning to check on his condition and assure him of his prayers and concern in the wake of this matter..

Bishop da Cunha is grateful to God that Father Peschel was not seriously injured and that no one else in the church at the time was hurt. The bishop extends his thanks to the city’s Police Department for their response and adds his appreciation to medical personnel who treated Father Peschel.

Echoing Father Peschel, Bishop da Cunha believes that prayers are needed for the assailant in the matter as nothing is yet known about his own personal condition. 

Safety and security at parishes in the Diocese of Fall River is an ongoing area of focus for Bishop da Cunha and diocesan leadership. Earlier this year, a Chancery Safety and Security Task Force was assembled to enhance training and resources across the Diocese. Diocesan staff will continue to work closely with law enforcement to help parishes strengthen preparedness efforts while preserving the spirit of welcome central to Catholic communities, and to equip parish communities to respond effectively during emergencies.

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