Archbishop Adam Szal calls for prayer after knife attack at Jarosław abbey

Archbishop Adam Szal has called for prayer following a knife attack at the Benedictine abbey complex in Jarosław, which resulted in the death of Father Stanisław. The attack occurred around 9:30 a.m. on September 24 before a scheduled Mass at the Church of St. Nicholas and St. Stanislaus the Bishop.

The Archbishop of Przemyśl requested that priests in all archdiocesan parishes gather the faithful for prayer on Saturday, September 26. These gatherings may include the Rosary, adoration, or Mass. Szal asked for prayers for the deceased priest, his grieving family, the 4 injured people – 2 priests and 2 laypeople, including 1 woman – and the attacker's conversion. He also requested prayers for the residents of Jarosław and for peace and unity.

Police arrested a 31-year-old Ukrainian man on suspicion of carrying out the attack, though his motive has not been established. Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressed sadness over the priest's death and called for a thorough investigation by state authorities to ensure citizen safety.