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Priest attacked?

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On a Facebook group, someone said a Priest from the albergue in Hospital de Orbigo had been attacked.
Is this true?
I did a search and saw nothing on here about it.
Found about 3 sentences online.
Just curious about the details.

Yes, there are several Spanish newspaper reporting about it, for example

 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
THREE men attack the 84-year-old priest of Hospital de Orbigo after posing as pilgrims asking for money


Last Saturday night, August 14, three individuals entered the parish shelter of Hospital de Orbigo in Leon, posing as pilgrims asking for money, which resulted in the three men attack the 84-year-old priest, but subsequently leave without taking anything.


According to a statement from Government sub-delegation sources, the incident occurred at around 3am in the morning, and as a result of the assault, the priest is currently hospitalised in the Leon Assistance Complex with minor injuries, and the Guardia Civil are conducting an investigation to try and identify and locate the three assailants, and bring them to justice over the attack.
 
On a Facebook group, someone said a Priest from the albergue in Hospital de Orbigo had been attacked.
Is this true?
I did a search and saw nothing on here about it.
Found about 3 sentences online.
Just curious about the details.
😱
 
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If true, that is simply awful!
Just a question about the statement "if true". The priest was attacked. I am sure he told the police the attackers posed as pilgrims. He is also in the hospital. Why are you questioning the veracity of the attack? I am not attacking you. I also understand that this is an international site and your command of English may not be perfect.
 
Despicable FILTHY trash!! They should be removed from society for good. Knowing the system and the Gauda , there is no ways they will get away with this but it cuts right down to the bone - just grant me a few minutes with each perpetrator. Sorry about getting so worked up but this act of greed sickens me.
 
Just a question about the statement "if true". The priest was attacked. I am sure he told the police the attackers posed as pilgrims. He is also in the hospital. Why are you questioning the veracity of the attack? I am not attacking you. I also understand that this is an international site and your command of English may not be perfect.
No comment!
 
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If true, that is simply awful!

Just a question about the statement "if true". The priest was attacked. I am sure he told the police the attackers posed as pilgrims. He is also in the hospital. Why are you questioning the veracity of the attack? I am not attacking you. I also understand that this is an international site and your command of English may not be perfect.
Easy, now. A simple and casual statement of dismay was made. It was not intended as a carefully crafted legal argument. Perhaps the qualifier "if true" just emphasizes the shock and disbelief.

By the way, the article didn't say they "posed" as pilgrims.
 
Two things , just to help me calm down. First the bad experience with a happy ending.
At a well know Albergue say 600km into the the Frances there was a young indigent with more muscle than brains ......... and he had a dodgy credential. He started drinking at midday and became belligerent. The old hospitalero who washed pilgrim's feet tirelessly told this chap to pack up and go so the bully hit the hospitalero

Step in the other Hospitalero , a fit 25 year old Spanish tomboy with Karate skills - did she kick the daylights out of the bully , he had no choice but to leave and he was reported to The Gauda who may have just given him a few good slaps - The guardians of the camino - my respect goes to those men and woman ...... and they look the part. Have you ever seen a shabby looking Guarda?

Now the nice story .......... a good few years back I was left destitute due to a company that thought it profound practice to bolster their bank account by 'loosing my invoice' . I cut my camino short and ended up at the Paroquial in Logróno. The hospitalero helped me on his computer and changed my flight back to London - ooh and the boarding pass HAD to be printed - I was allowed one change. I asked the hospitalero for a loan of €20 to pay for my 200km bus trip - he said he would ask the Padré. Next morning after been given a dinner bed and breakfast , the hospitalero handed me €20 with a smile.

Fast forward a year. I enjoyed a very short camino from Pamplona to Logróno. I knocked on the the door of the Proquial Albergue. A extremely well versed Hospitalero answered the door. I explained to him what had happened the year before and asked him to be my translator. We went though the secret tunnel into the church - the tunnel of of my trolly case echoing though the Cathedral.

The priest stood up as we entered his huge office. My translator started as I put down €30 on his enormous antique desk. €20 to repay my loan and €10 for the church - he thanked me kindly an used the current Pope's words - ' I will pray for you , but in return , you must pray for me' .
The hospital was almost speechless as we walked out. he said there needs to be more people like me and I just shook my head and told him NO , we need more loving priests and more hospitaleros like you and all the others that I have known.

just in closing , I have thought about converting to Catholicism many , many times. Spain has taught me , the Church , the way of life , respect, the people , ohh my goodness , the people?

I'm just a tad over 5 foot , but let me witness ANY abuse to a man of the cloth ....................
 
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Easy, now. A simple and casual statement of dismay was made. It was not intended as a carefully crafted legal argument. Perhaps the qualifier "if true" just emphasizes the shock and disbelief.

By the way, the article didn't say they "posed" as pilgrims.
Just a question about the statement "if true". The priest was attacked. I am sure he told the police the attackers posed as pilgrims. He is also in the hospital. Why are you questioning the veracity of the attack? I am not attacking you. I also understand that this is an international site and your command of English may not be perfect.
In response, I am British, a retired teacher and also teacher of English as a foreign language. "If True" was my horrified reaction to such an incident.
 
THREE men attack the 84-year-old priest of Hospital de Orbigo after posing as pilgrims asking for money


Last Saturday night, August 14, three individuals entered the parish shelter of Hospital de Orbigo in Leon, posing as pilgrims asking for money, which resulted in the three men attack the 84-year-old priest, but subsequently leave without taking anything.


According to a statement from Government sub-delegation sources, the incident occurred at around 3am in the morning, and as a result of the assault, the priest is currently hospitalised in the Leon Assistance Complex with minor injuries, and the Guardia Civil are conducting an investigation to try and identify and locate the three assailants, and bring them to justice over the attack.
This is sad from a number of perpectives …
let’s start with the wellbeing of the priest … I’m sure many are wishing him recovery.
next, it’s a point of reflection on all of us… when a priest can be attacked in these circumstances, what does that say about the people concerned and more widely about our society
 
Gently Pilgrims, gently. The attack on a friend of the Camino and all pilgrims is distressing news. It is not an opportunity nor a reason to start attacking each other.
Some may wish to consider whether this is one of those moments to let go of the mouse and step away from the keyboard
 
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Gently Pilgrims, gently. The attack on a friend of the Camino and all pilgrims is distressing news. It is not an opportunity nor a reason to start attacking each other.
Some may wish to consider whether this is one of those moments to let go of the mouse and step away from the keyboard
Sorry, @Tincatinker , do you mean we just say nothing? No reaction? I know I had no words, I was so shocked. But others differ and surely we are entitled to express our dismay at such deeds?
 
@domigee no, that is not what I meant. I’ve not commented in the thread but if the curses my grandmother taught me still work I’ve set some revenge on three young men whose actions disgusted me.
My post is just a reminder to members to keep exchanges on this forum friendly and polite. I saw, with sadness, members not upholding that tradition
 
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@domigee no, that is not what I meant. I’ve not commented in the thread but if the curses my grandmother taught me still work I’ve set some revenge on three young men whose actions disgusted me.
My post is just a reminder to members to keep exchanges on this forum friendly and polite. I saw, with sadness, members not upholding that tradition
Oh sorry, I must have missed it. Well, not sorry, I’m glad and thankful.
Those news were bad enough 🙁
 
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...... I’ve not commented in the thread but if the curses my grandmother taught me still work I’ve set some revenge on three young men whose actions disgusted me.
I do thank you for your patient moderation old forum friend , as you can see , I REALLY got worked up. I have tried to lighten things up a bit with my next post which seems to have gone down well.
May I just say , even if there are members or frauds that post what we may agree with , this thread highlights ANY abuse experienced by Woman , hospitaleroes , Priests , in fact any one ............ this thread must , I feel remain open and perhaps , like after my outburst , one can post a ' feel good' story?
 
I do thank you for your patient moderation old forum friend , as you can see , I REALLY got worked up. I have tried to lighten things up a bit with my next post which seems to have gone down well.
May I just say , even if there are members or frauds that post what we may agree with , this thread highlights ANY abuse experienced by Woman , hospitaleroes , Priests , in fact any one ............ this thread must , I feel remain open and perhaps , like after my outburst , one can post a ' feel good' story?
We’re all on the wheel and everything balances out in the end. You did well to provide a story as counterpoint to the reprehensible act cited above; although I’ve no more innate concern for the welfare of anyone simply by virtue of their creed.
 
Easy, now. A simple and casual statement of dismay was made. It was not intended as a carefully crafted legal argument. Perhaps the qualifier "if true" just emphasizes the shock and disbelief.

By the way, the article didn't say they "posed" as pilgrims.
I was just trying to understand the statement if true. One expression on English or sny language can have a different meaning or connotation to different people living in different places. For me the statement of true connotes that something needs to first be verified before it can be taken as fact. As I said I was not trying to me confrontational I was just asking a question. Nothing more or less.
 
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and as a result of the assault, the priest is currently hospitalised in the Leon Assistance Complex with minor injuries
He's actually out, and his hospital stay was quite brief.


The attack would likely have been worse, but pilgrims who were staying at the Albergue rushed out to his assistance.
 
On a more positive note, what about we all channel our energy and send Don Manuel a Get well card? I know him well and I know he absolutely would love to receive postcards from pilgrims from allover the world. Doesn't take much, a colorful postcard, whatever kind words you find in your hearts and a stamp. Here is the address:

Don Manuel
Albergue parroquial Karl Leisner
C/Álvarez Vega, 32
E - 24286 Hospital de Órbigo
Castilly y León

Spain/España

I am sure it would make him very, very happy!

BC SY
 
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On a more positive note, what about we all channel our energy and send Don Manuel a Get well card? I know him well and I know he absolutely would love to receive postcards from pilgrims from allover the world. Doesn't take much, a colorful postcard, whatever kind words you find in your hearts and a stamp. Here is the address:

Don Manuel
Albergue parroquial Karl Leisner
C/Álvarez Vega, 32
E - 24286 Hospital de Órbigo
Castilly y León

Spain/España

I am sure it would make him very, very happy!

BC SY
This is such a simply marvellous idea, thank you. Ever practical, and to the point!
 
As a matter of fact, I looked up the albergue and sent a short message. Those in charge of the albergue have replied already, and assure me they will send on the message. I will also send a real card, though, and am really pleased to have this practical way of showing support and solidarity... so thank you, so much, Sybille.
 
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On a more positive note, what about we all channel our energy and send Don Manuel a Get well card? I know him well and I know he absolutely would love to receive postcards from pilgrims from allover the world. Doesn't take much, a colorful postcard, whatever kind words you find in your hearts and a stamp. Here is the address:

Don Manuel
Albergue parroquial Karl Leisner
C/Álvarez Vega, 32
E - 24286 Hospital de Órbigo
Castilly y León

Spain/España

I am sure it would make him very, very happy!

BC SY
Dear @ivar
We need a “like a million times” emoji for things like this
Thanks
 
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On a more positive note, what about we all channel our energy and send Don Manuel a Get well card? I know him well and I know he absolutely would love to receive postcards from pilgrims from allover the world. Doesn't take much, a colorful postcard, whatever kind words you find in your hearts and a stamp. Here is the address:

Don Manuel
Albergue parroquial Karl Leisner
C/Álvarez Vega, 32
E - 24286 Hospital de Órbigo
Castilly y León

Spain/España

I am sure it would make him very, very happy!

BC SY
SY
I think that's a great idea and will arrange to send Don Manuel a get well post card and have a Mass said that he will make a full recovery.

Carpe Diem and live the moment .

RJ
 
I am so sorry to hear of the attack on the priest and hope his recovery is rapid. I also hope the perpetrators are found. I realize this type of thing happens too frequently and I am more than usually upset because I identify with the Camino, revere people who work on/near the Camino, and hate for pilgrims to be misrepresented. Still, I am appalled by this meanness.
 
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I realize this type of thing happens too frequently…”

In reality it doesn’t. Such crimes as this are relatively rare in Spain (relative to where in the world you live) and rarer still along the Camino routes. One of the reasons this event was reported in multiple media sources.
I hope they’re caught and dealt with in accordance with the laws of Spain. Meanwhile I’ve asked my old guys that they grant my wish: may those three boys live many lives.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
On a more positive note, what about we all channel our energy and send Don Manuel a Get well card? I know him well and I know he absolutely would love to receive postcards from pilgrims from allover the world. Doesn't take much, a colorful postcard, whatever kind words you find in your hearts and a stamp. Here is the address:

Don Manuel
Albergue parroquial Karl Leisner
C/Álvarez Vega, 32
E - 24286 Hospital de Órbigo
Castilly y León

Spain/España

I am sure it would make him very, very happy!

BC SY
SY
I have sent him a get well soon card, also I have arranged for a mass to be said on Saturday 4th September for Don Manuel intentions in my Parish Church.
GB
RJ
 
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I was able to see many analogies with the events of the night in question and the reasons why many people say they walk the camino.
I am not a man of any particular faith so the creed of Father Don Manuel is not so important to me but the diligence and conscientious manner an 84 year old protecting the integrity of the premises and the safety of the pilgrims within is ....or a very different story could have unfolded.
Sometimes small things make a difference so, with my walking partner Oscar, I have made my own little pilgrimage, bought the nicest "credencial" I could find, got it stamped and sent it with my regrets for what happened, wishes for a full recovery and, more importantly, to say...

Thank you.
 
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Some people made an unsuccessful burglary attempt at the Albergue on Sunday morning.

They managed to break and enter, but seemingly departed empty handed as the local neighbours had given the alarm.
 
Some people made an unsuccessful burglary attempt at the Albergue on Sunday morning.

They managed to break and enter, but seemingly departed empty handed as the local neighbours had given the alarm.
Beginning to sound like this albergue could use either an alarm system or a large dog
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Some people made an unsuccessful burglary attempt at the Albergue on Sunday morning.

They managed to break and enter, but seemingly departed empty handed as the local neighbours had given the alarm.
It sounds to me that there may be a possibility of a link between the two events.
 
Beginning to sound like this albergue could use either an alarm system or a large dog
It's abysmal and profoundly appalling what happened there. From what I gather from a number of articles, the target in both attacks / robbery attempts was the priest and his living quarters and not the albergue as such. Don Manuel lives apparently on the floor above the albergue part of the building but he currently does not live there as he recuperates elsewhere. He is locally known for disbursing financial help to families in need. There are apparently also rooms for transeuntes in or near the building and managed by Don Manuel that are separate from the rooms in the pilgrim albergue section, i.e. the building encompasses more than the parochial albergue.
 
Last edited:
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I have been disturbed by this story from the initial post which seems to be taking a disconcerting tone.
I am going nowhere this year (and last) so have decided to send this lovely man a donation for him to allocate wherever he chooses (securing his living accomodation would be nice).
 
It's abysmal and profoundly appalling what happened there. From what I gather from a number of articles, the target in both attacks / robbery attempts was the priest and his living quarters and not the albergue as such. Don Manuel lives apparently on the floor above the albergue part of the building but he currently does not live there as he recuperates elsewhere. He is locally known for disbursing financial help to families in need. There are apparently also rooms for transeuntes in or near the building and managed by Don Miguel that are separate from the rooms in the pilgrim albergue section, i.e. the building encompasses more than the parochial albergue.
I imagine it was known he has $ to give poor and collected from albergue, and it was also known he was recuperating elsewhere. I hope something is done to make his residence less of a target before he returns. Praying for his full recovery
 
I have been disturbed by this story from the initial post which seems to be taking a disconcerting tone.
I am going nowhere this year (and last) so have decided to send this lovely man a donation for him to allocate wherever he chooses (securing his living accomodation would be nice).
He is well cared for by his bishop and fellow priests in a safe, undisclosed location, as I know him well he will appreciated your donation and pass it on to somebody that needs the money ;-)
SY
 
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He is well cared for by his bishop and fellow priests in a safe, undisclosed location, as I know him well he will appreciated your donation and pass it on to somebody that needs the money ;-)
SY
I sent something this morning to help his cause for which he is most deserving. It seems from a distance (along with a few well wishes) all I could do.
Thank you for keeping us informed of his well being and that he is well supported.
It is nice that he is being looked after as much as he does for others.
 
On a more positive note, what about we all channel our energy and send Don Manuel a Get well card? I know him well and I know he absolutely would love to receive postcards from pilgrims from allover the world. Doesn't take much, a colorful postcard, whatever kind words you find in your hearts and a stamp. Here is the address:

Don Manuel
Albergue parroquial Karl Leisner
C/Álvarez Vega, 32
E - 24286 Hospital de Órbigo
Castilly y León

Spain/España

I am sure it would make him very, very happy!

BC SY
Hi @SYates - what a wonderful idea! And it’s fantastic to see that many postcards are on their way, sending healing thoughts for Don Manuel in those postcards. I posted my postcard a little earlier on today - here it is:
Cheers from Oz -
Jenny
 

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