Friar stabbed in head while giving out breakfast in Dublin homeless centre

The shocking attack on Friar Ademir Marques occurred shortly after 10.30 am in a hall where clients of the day centre were eating breakfast.

“We don’t really know what happened other than it was completely unprovoked,” a source told the Sunday World.

“Fr. Ademir would regularly volunteer here and is one of the nicest kindest people you could ever hope to meet.

“He was helping out with the breakfast when a client suddenly got up and stabbed him in the back of the head.”

The source said Fr. Ademir’s attacker was immediately restrained by security at the scene and held until gardai arrived.

"The client would be a regular so this was completely out of the blue,” our source continued.

"The security was brilliant.

"They reacted so quickly when it became apparent what was happening.

“Fr. Marques was given emergency first aid at the scene and was then removed to the Mater Hospital.”

It’s understood that after being treated at the hospital Fr. Marques’ was released and is now recovering well at home.

It’s further understood his attacker was arrested in connection with the attack after gardai arrived at the scene.

“We can confirm that an incident did occur this morning that was effectively handled by our team on site,” the Capuchin Day Centre told the Sunday World in a statement.

"Emergency services were contacted for follow-up support. Thankfully, the prompt intervention of our team meant that Fr. Ademir sustained only a superficial injury and will be back to his ministry again tomorrow as usual.

"As in all such cases we are providing follow-up support to our staff and volunteers and are grateful for the prompt response of the emergency services.”

The Centre offers services to homeless people throughout the week.

The services include breakfast and lunch while it also provides clothing and essentials such as nappies and baby foods to those in need.