This is another classic example of a ‘murder in the cathedral’.
Reverend Father Juan Miguel Contreras Garcia was just doing his duty as a clergy, hearing a confession when he was murdered in cold blood.
The incident took place in the west-central Mexican state of Jalisco, making Fr. Juan the second priest killed within four days in the country.
33-year-old Juan, was attacked by armed assailants when performing the sacrament of penance at a parish in Tlajomulco de Zuniga, on the outskirts of Guadalajara, according to a statement from the Mexican Bishops’ Conference.
The attack on Friday, took place immediately after the celebration of Holy Mass.
It was the latest in a series of attacks against priests in Mexico.
Another priest, Father Ruben Alcantara Diaz was attacked April 18 right before an evening Mass at Our Lady of Carmen Parish in Cuautitlan Izcalli.
On Saturday, the bishops launched an urgent appeal for a culture of peace and reconciliation.
“These deplorable events call each of us to a deep and sincere conversion” according to the statement. “We ask competent authorities to shed light on this dramatic event and to take action according to the laws of justice,” the bishops said.
The bishops also appealed to the killers to “not only to lay down their arms” but also to reject “hatred, resentment, vengeance and all destructive sentiments.”