Nigerian priest Fr Martinianus Chileke is recuperating after being beaten and seriously stabbed by two men.

Fr Martin, as he is known, was rushed to the Mirabeau, St Andrew’s hospital after the March 21 night-time attack at the presbytery. He has been parish priest of St Matthew’s, Birchgrove for four years.

The police was called in and they were able to apprehend four suspects who were later charged with the offence. They were also charged with twice breaking into the St Andrew’s RC Presbytery.

Fr Martin has visited his attackers and forgiven them, but said the State will still prosecute. The men have admitted their guilt and apologised for their actions through another member of the clergy. Fr Martin has undergone surgery and is recuperating at an undisclosed location.

– with reporting by Petra George