Venezuela: Two Salesians killed, two injured, in school robbery

Valencia, Venezuela - Wiki image

Two elderly Salesians were stabbed to death in a bungled robbery at a school in Valencia, Venezuela. Father Jesus Plaza, a 79-year-old Colombian and Brother Luis Sanchez, an 84-year-old Venezuelan died in the attack on Saturday night.

A statement released by the Archdiocese of Valencia reads: "The Archbishop of Valencia, Mgr Reinaldo Del Prette in union with his brother priests, religious and laity, expresses our church community’s deep sorrow and dismay over the murder of Fr Jesus Plaza and of brother Luis Sanchez, Salesians, as well as acts of aggression and sacrilege of which they were victims at the Religious Community of the Don Bosco School. We are truly saddened and horrified by this reprehensible incident".

According to a note sent to Fides by sources in Caracas, the tragic events occurred on Saturday evening, 15 February, when two youths entered the Salesian school, apparently to steal, using violence against the religious. The police report confirms that these two minors wanted to steal computers, money, mobile phones and other valuables.

Father José Luis Salazar and another priest, David Marin , who are now in a local clinic, were seriously injured.

"Fr Jesus Plaza and the religious brother Luis Sanchez unfortunately died" confirmed Fr Luciano Stefani, superior of the Salesians in Venezuela. Fr Fernando Santana, director of Don Bosco house in Guaparo on the outskirts of Valencia, said to the press that "the boys have nothing to do with politics, this fact does not affect the political situation, but the terrible situation of insecurity that we all live in the country".

The Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr. Pascual Chavez, tweeted the sad news with the comment: "We pray for peace and for this country".

Source: Fides