Articles | February 6, 2025 | by Catholics for Catholics
A Catholic priest named Father David Gaines was attacked during a prayer service at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Spokane, Washington.
The incident took place on February 4, 2025, when a man described as a “disturbed gentleman” ran towards the altar and attempted to punch Father Gaines while he was praying alongside Bishop Thomas Daly before a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. The attack was captured on the church’s live stream, showing the assailant jumping out of his seat from the first row pew and charging at the celebrants. Thankfully one of the altar servers stopped him quickly.
The man was quickly restrained and arrested, charged with assault and trespassing. Thankfully, Father Gaines and Bishop Daly were not injured during the assault. This event occurred during the second night of the Lourdes Novena for Healing, a series of prayers for healing culminating in the Feast of the Lady of Lourdes.
The reason of the man attacking the priest is unknown. Let us pray for those souls disturbed by spiritual attacks and or mental disorders.
