Police said Father Bobit was attacked when he caught a thief breaking into the front door of the house he shared with two other priests on Sunday, October 30.
According to police sources, Father Bobit Augusthy was attacked by a man who broke into his home in Ardkeen, Waterford, around 9:30 a.m. The diocese said the priest was recovering in hospital after being rescued. Father Bobit is of Indian descent and a member of the Carmelite Order.
The three priests' home is in Waterford Regional Hospital, where the three priests serve as chaplains for the hospital and in charge of a chapel on the hospital grounds.
A spokesman for Waterford Area Hospital said doctors were actively treating him, but said the priest remained in serious condition. The spokesman said that because he was on the hospital premises, he was able to save him in time. If he had been outside, he would have died from his injuries.
Father Liam Power, a local priest who knows Father Bobit well, said: “I was really shocked to hear that.”
"The chaplains there are always taking care of the patients and it's tragic when this happens."
“We are praying for his recovery and offer our prayers for the priests living with him, Father Russell and Father John.”
“All three of them did a really good job in the hospital and the chapel there.”
“They are on call 24 hours a day and live in that residence right on the hospital premises. Apparently there was a break-in there.”
“It is shocking that a priest could be in such danger.”
Last night, the doctor said the victim was about 30 years old, in serious but stable condition.
A man in his 20s was arrested shortly after the incident and is being held at Waterford police station.
Father Bobit lived in Ireland for some time and, along with his colleagues, Father Russell and Father John, worked in the hospital and ran the chapel there.
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, said he was "shocked" by what happened and said he hoped the victim would make a full recovery.
He said he is also praying for the priest's chaplain colleagues "who will also suffer greatly."
