In a statement, Leow said the violent act on parish priest Christopher Lee of St Joseph’s Church in Upper Bukit Timah was “especially painful” amid efforts to foster stronger peace, love and understanding in the region.

“Yet, it is in these moments of trial that we are reminded of our call as Christians to respond with peace, compassion and forgiveness.

“All the more, we are called to be lights in the world, resilient and steadfast in faith, even amid adversity.

“We ask all the faithful across Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei to join us in prayer for healing and unity, embracing Christ’s words: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’

“May our united prayers guide us all with grace and hope. We also pray for those who seek to cause division through violence, that the Lord may touch their hearts with mercy, leading them towards healing and redemption,” he said in his capacity as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

Leow also urged Christians to pray for Lee’s swift recovery and for those affected by the incident to be consoled.

Singapore’s home minister K Shanmugam said police arrested a 37-year-old Singaporean man over the stabbing.

Lee, who was stabbed near the mouth during mass yesterday evening, is reportedly in stable condition.

The Straits Times has identified the suspect as Basnayake Keith Spencer, a Singaporean Sinhalese man with a past conviction for stabbing his former girlfriend five years ago.