Bronx Priest Struck by Bullet in Queens

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Father Damian Ekete, a parochial vicar at Holy Spirit parish in the Bronx, is recuperating at the rectory after being struck in the arm by a stray bullet in Queens this past weekend.

The 49-year-old extern priest, who is from Nigeria and has served at Holy Spirit for the past five years, had just left the gymnasium of St. Clement Pope Church in South Ozone Park, Queens, and was hailing a cab when he was caught in the crossfire after midnight Sunday, May 8.

After the conclusion of prayer at a Saturday night activity with a Nigerian group at the St. Clement Pope gymnasium, Father Ekete walked from the church, located on 123rd Avenue, to Rockaway Boulevard to get a taxi.

“While I waited for the taxi, I heard shootings and was about to run then I felt a sharp pain in my right arm,” said Father Ekete in an email from Father Ricardo Fajardo, pastor of Holy Spirit, detailing the ordeal.

“Fearing to get shot once again I ran back to the church for safety and to get help.”

At 1:50 a.m. Sunday, Father Fajardo received a call from Father Ekete who by then was at Jamaica Hospital in Queens. Father Fajardo immediately went to the hospital to see his parochial vicar. Within the next 12 hours, Father Ekete was discharged from the hospital and back at the rectory at Holy Spirit.

Cardinal Dolan, who was in St. Louis over the weekend, spoke with Father Ekete over the telephone.

“I’m feeling better,” Father Ekete told CNY on the morning of May 10. He said he was thankful to God and for all who have shown their care and concern and offered prayers and support.

Father Fajardo described Father Ekete as an “extraordinary priest.” A great companion and hard worker who is of good character and spiritual life, Father Ekete is also an obedient and respectful person who is loved by the community, Father Fajardo said.