Published on Bouncer News | By Abdul Jabbar
A shocking incident unfolded during Sunday mass at Holy Ghost Parish in Winnipeg, where a Catholic priest narrowly escaped a knife attack. The event, captured on a 50-second livestream video, left parishioners stunned but fortunately resulted in no injuries.
The priest, dressed in deep-green vestments, was leading prayers in Polish as he approached the altar. Suddenly, a bald man wearing a bright yellow jacket and sneakers advanced towards him, brandishing a knife. The attacker lunged without warning, prompting the priest to scream and flee the immediate area. In a disturbing turn, the assailant stabbed the altar table before calmly sitting down.
Several parishioners, including an off-duty RCMP officer, quickly intervened, detaining the suspect until police arrived. Authorities identified the suspect as 50-year-old Pawel Olownia of Winnipeg. He has been charged with assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon, and disturbing a religious gathering. Olownia remains in custody.
Winnipeg Police Service spokeswoman Const. Dani McKinnon described the attack as “extremely unexpected,” noting that such violent acts within places of worship are rare in the city. “The suspect does not appear to have any connection to the church or its congregation,” McKinnon stated. “The motive remains unclear and may only become evident during court proceedings.”
Olownia has a criminal history, including a 2018 conviction for assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, which resulted in an 11-month jail sentence. His record also includes charges of assault, theft, uttering threats, and impaired driving.
Church leaders across Winnipeg have expressed growing concerns over rising incidents of crime and vandalism targeting places of worship. Ahmed Jibo, pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church, emphasized the need for increased vigilance. “We must learn from this incident and enhance safety measures for our congregations,” he said.
Erik Parker, pastor of Sherwood Park Lutheran Church, highlighted that while such incidents are rare, they serve as a wake-up call. “Security discussions are necessary, but we must balance safety with maintaining an open, welcoming environment for worshippers,” Parker remarked.
The Archdiocese of Winnipeg expressed gratitude that no one was harmed and is awaiting judicial proceedings for further clarity on the case. The chilling event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of such attacks and the importance of community awareness and preparedness in ensuring the safety of worship spaces.