It was blood spill at the altar as a church employee stabbed a Catholic priest to death at the Kurisumudi pilgrim centre at Malayattoor on Thursday.
Fr Xavier Thelakkat, 52, was stabbed by one Johnny, a sexton at the Malayattoor church, who was under suspension. The police have launched a manhunt to trace Johnny, who is believed to have holed up in a forest near Malayattoor.
Fr Xavier had been the rector of the famed pilgrim center for the past seven years. The priest, originally from Kannur, was the son of Late Paulose, and Therssiamma of Vellad. He was brought up by his relatives in Cheranalloor near Kalady
Fr Xavier had taken disciplinary action against Johny over some issues regarding the functioning of the pilgrim centre. Johny attacked the priest after they engaged in an altercation at Sixth Point on the way to the hilly pilgrim centre. The priest was stabbed on the leg. Though he was rushed to the Little Flower Hospital at Angamaly, he was declared brought dead.
Fr Xavier was ordained in 1993. He was also enrolled as a lawyer.
A Syro-Malabar church spokesman termed the incident as 'unfortunate'. The priest was also overseeing the preparations for famous Kurisumudy pilgrimage during the holy week later this month.