Father Edward “Ed” Hinds was found dead in the rectory kitchen of 32 stab wounds late last week in the Diocese of
Paterson located in the area of Chatham, New Jersey. A suspect has been found who is the church janitor, Jose Feliciano. He is currently in a hospital because of an undisclosed ailment and has bail set on him of $1 million.
Details are emerging concerning the case. Mr. Feliciano has had financial and health-related worries. He was recently laid off his second job earlier in the year. Additionally The Star-Ledger (New Jersey) reports:
In addition, Hinds intended to lay off Feliciano because of money problems at St. Patrick Church, said Ken Mullaney, the attorney for the Diocese of Paterson.
Many parishioners are calling this a double tragedy since Mr. Feliciano was also part of the close Chatham community as well as with the parish of Saint Patrick.
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For the previous article by the American Catholic click here.
For the most current article by The Star-Ledger as of this posting click here.
For a compilation of the latest news concerning the murder of Fr. Ed Hines click here. (The link may become inactive as time passes.)
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Update I: I misspelled Father Edward Hinds name. It is Fr. Hinds, not Fr. Hines.
Update II: Information about Fr. Hinds funeral and more click here.
I hope Jose Feliciano is happier now and his money worries have ceased. What a bum.
I could see stress and anxiety as causing Mr. Feliciano to be upset about the possibility of losing his job, but to the extent of extinguishing a life…
I just can’t figure out why? Why go that far?
From the article I read, he is known for a cool temperament and not known for losing his temper at all.
I can commiserate with Mr Feliciano as it is likely that he was under unrelieved financial pressure. The correct way for a man in his position to handle it though is to declare bankcruptcy and ride around in a bicycle. There is no way for a man his age and position to pay off a mortgage of close to $145,000. One simply has to swallow one’s pride and relax. Millionaires and billionaires do the same. There is no shame once one has tried his best.
Hmmm. The alleged murderer could have applied for unemployment, looked for work, entered into a forebearance program on his mortagage with his bank, explored bankruptcy with an attorney, etc. No doubt some nuts will now attempt to use the fact that he was having a hard time as excusing his alleged murder of a priest. I deal with people who are hard pressed financially each and every day and none of them think the solution to their problems is murder.
How sad but I figured as much. Well, he has no more money worries. Taking Father’s life wasn’t the answer and whatever he was doing to get Father’s attention wasn’t the answer either.
I knew Father Hines as a pastor, a man but moreover as a true friend. He graced me with his presence officiating my marriage and was a true inspiration to many and a leader of the faithful in Boonton and Chester.
When these things happen, I often am reminded what is at the center of the bible: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man”. It is the exact center of his word (594 chapters before Psalms 118 and 594 chapters after). If you add 594+594 = 1188 – Psalms 118:8 is the center of his word.
He was an inspiration and he will be truely missed by all that love him dearly. God will love him as he loves and protects us…
Robert J. Abate,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
That is truly a wonderful and heart warming passage. I often go back to God knowing that His plan is best for all of us and this relieves many of my anxieties.
In Jesus, Mary, & Joseph,
Tito
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