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Catholic priest found dead in Mexico
R.I.P.
From CNA:
Catholic priest found dead in Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico, Jul 30, 2010 / 02:02 pm (CNA/Europa Press).- Local authorities have reported that a priest, Fr. Carlos Salvador Wotto, was found dead at the parish of Our Lady of the Snows in Oaxaca, Mexico. Signs of torture were evident on the priest’s body.
The 83-year-old Fr. Wotto was found bound and gagged inside his office. He had a bag over his head and cigarette burns on various parts of his body. Authorities have not ruled out that Fr. Wotto died from asphyxiation nor that the motive was robbery.
José Barragán, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Antequera confirmed that the priest’s body showed signs of torture. However, Barragán would release no further details. “We must wait until the investigation is concluded. Any commentary would be irresponsible.”
“We are all shocked,” he told the Mexican daily, La Jornada.
Several parishioners reported that they were waiting for the priest to arrive to celebrate the 6 p.m. Mass at the parish, which is located in the heart of the city. When the priest did not show up, they went to his office to search for him. It was there that they found his body.
A woman, who asked not to be identified, swore that shortly after 5 p.m. someone showed up at the priest’s office to give him a jello dessert. When the person knocked, Fr. Wotto responded through the closed door and asked that the dessert be left outside his office
This is horrible. Say a prayer for the conversion of whoever did this. (Perhaps mental illness is involved in this crime.) Lord please grant eternal rest to the soul of this priest.
Comment by Jane — 30 July 2010 @ 5:26 pmHorrific. RIP.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we start hearing a lot more of priests being murdered in western countries, especially if the economy sinks or the abuse revelations multiply. I already know of several priests who have complained recently of verbal harassment and, in two instances, physical assault, solely for the ‘crime’ of wearing clerical clothing in public.
Comment by shane — 30 July 2010 @ 5:46 pmEternal rest grant unto the soul of Fr. Wotto. I pray for mercy for those involved.
Comment by wanda — 30 July 2010 @ 5:52 pmWhat are people’s feelings on a priest facing martyrdom using violent force against his assailant in order to escape?
Comment by Thomas S — 30 July 2010 @ 6:14 pmThomas S: Why limit it to martyrdom?
Comment by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf — 30 July 2010 @ 8:11 pmLast time I checked, a person may respond with equal force in self-defense.
Comment by wanda — 30 July 2010 @ 8:20 pmMay he rest in peace. Prayers for his soul.
Comment by lucy — 30 July 2010 @ 8:47 pmRegarding the priest defending himself:
First, this is mexico, where I believe the weapon laws for those who actually OBEY the law are VERY draconian.
Second, short a weapon, the good father was in his 80s! And was probably caught totally flatfooted.
May he wear his crown gloriously in heaven with Christ.
Comment by meunke — 30 July 2010 @ 9:22 pmA Filipino Catholic priest too was found dead in his room. He is a young priest and a seminary rector. Investigations are under way to determine the cause of his death. http://thepinoycatholic.blogspot.com/2010/07/sad-news-young-priest-found-dead.html
Rest in Peace, Fathers!
Comment by thepinoycatholic — 30 July 2010 @ 9:48 pmRest in peace.
Comment by S. Murphy — 31 July 2010 @ 7:52 amFr. Z,
I was just thinking along the lines of accepting a martyr’s death for Christ’s sake as opposed to just fending off a common mugger. My first impression was the latter would be a no-brainer, whereas possible martyrdom adds a different dimension to the question.
Comment by Thomas S — 31 July 2010 @ 9:48 amRIP. We need to do our part here by lessening the demand side of the drug trade.
And as to responding to an attacker with “equal force:” hogwash. One may, and in certain cases (protecting others in one’s care) one is obligated to (at least try to), respond with force subjectively sufficient to repel the attack and render the attacker unable to cause further harm. Often, this will entail meeting the attack with overwhelming force.
Comment by boko fittleworth — 31 July 2010 @ 9:54 amRest in peace. Also, a prayer for our seminarians studying in Mexico City over the summer, who undoubtedly will be shaken by this.
Comment by Hilleyb — 31 July 2010 @ 11:24 amThis is absolutely despicable! Anybody who would torture an 83-year-old man, let alone an 83-year-old priest, is Satanic. My guess is that this has something to do with the drug cartels. My guess is the priest either preached against them or quietly worked against them, and this heinous death was the result. Boko, the problem in Mexico is so pervasive that even if the U.S. addicts ended their addiction all at once today, it wouldn’t go away. These cartels have power because of their ability to bribe government officials. Once that happens, the corrupt have an inroad into power that they will not easily relinquish.
Comment by DHippolito — 31 July 2010 @ 12:59 pmMay he rest in peace…
Comment by Joe of St. Thérèse — 31 July 2010 @ 1:11 pmPrayed an Act of Contrition and 3 Hail Mary’s for each Father.
Comment by joan ellen — 31 July 2010 @ 6:37 pm