Pastor Christopher Lee was released from the hospital on November 15, six days later. He was attacked during a service at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said in a press release on November 15 that Father Lee will be on medical leave after his discharge.

In the statement, Fr Lee said: “I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming love and support of the Catholic community at St Joseph’s Church and beyond. “Your prayers and well wishes have been a source of strength and comfort throughout my recovery.”

When contacted, the archdiocese directed The Straits Times to this statement.

The 57-year-old priest was stabbed while performing evening mass on November 9. Father Lee had an 8cm cut on his tongue, a 3cm cut on his upper left lip, and a 4cm cut at the corner of his mouth.

He was conscious when he was taken to the National University Hospital (NUH) after the incident and was in a stable condition on the night of November 9.

The alleged attacker, Basnayake Keith Spencer, 37, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent with a dangerous weapon on November 11. His case will be heard in court again on December 2.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in a Facebook post that she visited Father Lee at NUH on November 11.

“Despite serious injuries to his mouth, he was alert and could speak clearly. He emphasized that we should all take care of each other. And forgiveness,” Dr Balakrishnan said.