Hero Altar Boy

In recent years, any mention of altar boys and priests has unfortunately, been associated with sexual abuse. However, the recent attack on Bishop Manuel A. Cruz will hopefully change that, see: http://www.sacerdotus.com/2017/01/bishop-attacked-during-mass-in-nj.html.

Bishop Manuel was interviewed by CBS News today. His lips looked a bit swollen with a shiny substance, possibly Vicks rubbing ointment, and he has stitches. He said he is in a lot of pain and believes that the man who attacked him, Charles Miller is mentally ill.

However, he also said something that touched my heart and I think will touch yours. The bishop recalled how the altar boy (pictured here) who was assisting him held him in his arms with such concern and was protecting him. The altar boy, probably thinking the worse (bishop dying), told the bishop, "Don't go father, I'm here" as he cradled the bishop.  The image is just touching.  I posted a screen capture of it below.

This young man truly has Jesus in him. I hope the Lord calls him to the priesthood. We need great souls like this kid. I wish I knew his name and contact to send him a Rosary or set up a gofundme to help him with his studies (college or seminary).  I felt compelled to highlight this hero on my blog as a thank you for being there for a bishop and to hopefully inspire other altar servers out there.

One of my first assignments in the Church was master of ceremonies for a bishop. I was his assistant and went with him everywhere also like a secret service agent.  So as you can imagine, the news of the attack on Bishop Cruz made me cringe.

If you are from the Newark Archdiocese or a friend/relative and know who this altar boy is, please contact me.  Please pray for this beautiful soul.

Source:


http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/01/30/newark-bishop-attacked-during-mass/

newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/01/30/newark-bishop-attacked-during-mass/

Bishop Attacked During Mass in NJ

A Cuban Catholic Bishop from the Archdiocese of Newark, Bishop Manuel A. Cruz was attacked while celebrating Mass in honor of Puerto Rican great, the late Pirates baseball player Roberto Clemente. A 48 year old man, Charles Miller, wearing a red suit with a white robe over it and a fedora walked up to the altar and sucker punched

Bishop Cruz forcing him to fall backwards on the altar due to the force.  The bishop has some injuries including loose teeth.  Those present were in shock as Essex Country police apprehended the man.

Please keep the bishop in your prayers as well as the attacker Charles Miller. We are Catholics and are called to forgive and pray for our enemies. May God have mercy on him.

UPDATE 1/29/17:

The bishop is doing fine despite having stitches on his lip and loosened teeth, according to reports. He celebrated Mass today.  His attacker had no prior arrest record, but was charged with aggravated assault.


UPDATE 1/3017

Here is video of the attack and the image of the attacker:

UPDATE: February 2, 2017
Bishop Cruz's attacker, Charles Miller pleaded not guilty in court and claimed to be a bishop/reverend as well.  He also said he was Jesus Christ and punched the bishop out of retaliation for the Catholic Church's involvement in police brutality.  Miller believes that Catholic Church is responsible for black people being killed by the police.  He even crushed the pope saying, "The pope is the (expletive faith, that's why I bust him in his (expletive face." Miller asked to use the Bible as evidence and even said he has psychiatric issues. The court is seeking an evaluation of Charles Miller.  Here is Miller's Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013000932257

Source:

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/newark/articles/auxiliary-catholic-bishop-of-newark-assaulted-dur?utm_content=buffer7aeb5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2017/01/auxiliary_bishop_assaulted_at_newark_basilica.html

http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2017/01/bishop_addresses_congregation_after_attacke.html#incart_river_index

https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/b2901e61-e9c3-3a32-b47a-9227a7448104/auxiliary-catholic-bishop.html

https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/15dc8129-36fb-34ff-a242-30fa410a7fea/ss_catholic-bishop-attacked-on.html

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2017/01/29/Auxiliary-Catholic-bishop-punched-in-the-face-during-mass-in-New-Jersey/3361485691090

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Bishop-Punched-Mass-Newark-Rev-Manuel-Cruz-412064913.html

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/man-punches-auxiliary-bishop-mass-newark-church-article-1.2958820

UPDATED Source:

http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2017/01/reverend_accused_of_punching_priest_ordered_jailed.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/charles-miller-pleads-not-guilty-in-attack-on-bishop-manuel-cruz-during-newark-mass/

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/31/man-accused-of-punching-auxiliary-bishop-pleads-no/

http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2017/02/in_courtroom_admission_man_says_he_punched_bishop.html

http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/crime/2017/02/02/evaluation-sought-newark-man-charged-assault-bishop/97397278/