Man Arrested in Assault on Priest
Eric Ortner
North Buffalo Rocket / West Side TimesFebruary 2000: Crime seems to manifest itself in every aspect of society and becomes all the more horrific in places that it is the least foreseen. This point became clear on Monday, February 14th at St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church, located at 1395 Hertel Avenue. It was there that beloved clergyman Rev. Arthur J. Mattulke fell victim to the railings of a disturbed man.
The incident began at about 6:10 a.m. as Anne Fusco, the church's sacristan began to prepare for that morning's 7 a.m. Mass. Frank Ciamarra, a 27 year old Avery resident is accused of entering the church through the front door on Hertel Avenue. The alleged defendant then demanded to see a priest. The man became irate when he was told that he would be unable to until after the service at eight o'clock and went to go look for a priest. A few minutes later he walked back into the sanctuary. The man opened the tabernacle where the host is kept, and removed some of them. Ms. Fusco asked the man to leave and he refused, so she contacted the parish's parochial vicar, the Rev. Arthur J. Mattulke.
Arthur entered the scene and tried to stop the alleged attacker from further desecrating the host. Monsignor James G. Kelly said, "Evidently the attacker had hit him with a pole from the processional cross."
Rev. Mattulke then fled and tried to barricade himself in a bathroom. This was done in part to protect the other people who were coming into the sacristy. The alleged attacker kicked the door down. At this point Rev. Mattulke acted quickly to defend himself by pulling the alleged assailant's coat over his head. Mattulke then ran to the rectory.Police officers Obed Casillas and Anthony Figueroa arrived on the scene at about 6:30 a.m. According to a police statement from Lt. Larry Baehre, once inside the church, the officers observed a man running from the rectory towards the sacristy. This individual identified himself as a priest. However, the officers were not able to immediately verify that information, as he was in a disheveled condition. At the same time another man came running down the hall with an instrument in his hand. That individual also said that he was a priest. However, from the language that he was using, the officers determined that he was not a priest. The officers, in fear of their lives, drew their weapons and ordered the suspect to drop the instrument that he had in his hand and to get on the ground. The suspect complied and was taken into custody. The instrument which was being wielded by the accused, Frank Ciamarra, was an aspergillum. This device is a short handled perforated globe that is used for sprinkling holy water.
Lt. Baehre said, "These officers did a great job in responding quickly to the crime, and I think they deserve some sort of recognition. They acted in a quick manner. I think they saved his life, I really do."
Monsignor James G. Kelly further commented about his knowledge of the incident, "I was preparing for mass. By the time I got there the police had already arrested the man. Art was sitting on the stairs that lead into the church and he had a puncture wound in his back."
The officers charged Frank Ciamarra with the assault in the first degree, a B felony; criminal trespass, and A misdemeanor and criminal possession of a weapon, an A misdemeanor. The suspect is probably suffering from some sort of mental illness, although it is unclear what that is at this time.
It is believed that the aspergillum may have been used to stab Rev. Mattulke in the lower back. However, the sharp point of the crucifix on the processional cross may have caused the injury. Regardless ECMC reported the laceration as being six inches deep. Rev. Mattulke was fortunate though, because the puncture wound missed all vital organs.
Monsignor James G. Kelly said, "He's going to be all right, he will be released from the hospital either today or tomorrow, but he is going to take a few days' rest. He is expected to fully recover, and we are thanking God for that!"Apparently the damage to the church was minimal. There was no damage to the sanctuary. However, there were two doors broken. The processional cross was also broken in the attack. The Monsignor commented that they were looking for a new processional cross.
Although the location and victim of this assault leads to an extremely disturbing situation, it is important to remember that this is a rare occurrence. Monsignor James G. Kelly wants everyone to know that the area is still quire safe, and that this was an isolated incident.
