The altar server who confessed to starting a fire at the Nantes Cathedral has turned himself in for what is being called the ‘dramatic assassination’ of a Catholic priest in Saint-Laurent-Sur-Sevre, France.
The Diocese of Luçon named the priest as Father Olivier Maire, provincial superior of the Montfort Missionaries, The Company of Mary.
“Bishop Jacolin and the Diocese of Luçon share the immense sorrow of his family and the entire Montfortian family.”
French media reported the 60 year old priest welcomed the 40 year old suspect, Emmanuel Abayisenga into his parish following the fire when he was released under judicial supervision and found shelter within a religious community.
The head of the religious community of Montfort, Santino Brambilla, confirmed the priest had housed the suspect for several months.
“This is a human drama, but the suffering is great.”
After the fire, suspect Emmanuel Abayisenga, a Rwandan immigrant was released under judicial supervision and place in the abbey.
Sister Dorothee Harushinana, who attended a mass the priest had led on Sunday, said:
“I’m in shock. I cannot believe it to be. He was someone close to the people. You could always call on him.”
[…] After returning the Pope Paul VI Audience Hall, Pope Francis greeted the French-speaking Faithful there and extended his condolences over the murder of French priest Father Olivier Maire. […]