A woman in her 50s was seriously injured after being st@bbed during Mass at Holy Cross Church in the seaside town of Tramore, County Waterford, Ireland.

According to the Irish Examiner, the victim was attacked near the altar at about 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday before being rushed to Waterford University Hospital for treatment. Authorities said she sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Police (Gardaí) later arrested a man in his 30s at a nearby residence in connection with the attack. Investigators are yet to determine whether the suspect and the victim knew each other.

In a statement, the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore expressed shock over the incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured parishioner, and we pray for her full and speedy recovery,” the Diocese said.

It also commended the courage of parishioners who assisted during the att@ck and thanked the priests, emergency responders, and Gardaí for their swift response.

Irish police confirmed that the suspect is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act at a Garda station in County Waterford. Officers also recovered a knife, which has been seized for forensic examination.

Gardaí have appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident or has video footage to come forward as investigations continue.