On Monday morning, a priest heard what sounded like a saw outside the Jesuit headquarters in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood.
At about 6 a.m., the Rev. Jeremiah Lynch, a 74-year-old Jesuit priest, opened the door to see what was happening and noticed two people stealing catalytic converters from cars in the parking lot, according to a St. Ignatius spokesman. College prep.
“He said, 'Hey, what are you doing?' The person at the scene responded by firing three shots, said Christine Hartman, director of communications at St. Ignatius Preparatory College.
Bullet holes penetrated the door.
Fortunately, Lynch was able to get out with a scratch on his head.
As of Monday night, it was unclear whether he suffered a bullet wound or was struck by shrapnel from the door.
“By the grace of God, he's here. It's sad and disappointing,” Hartman said. I know Father Lynch. “He is a beautiful human being who dedicates his life to faith, love, service and leadership.”
Aside from his work at St. Ignatius College Prep, Lynch is also a chaplain at the Cook County Jail, where he shares God's Word with detainees.
“Father Lynch serves this community and serves it beautifully and with his heart,” Hartman said.
The school's communications director said she couldn't understand how people could ignore someone's life for material things.
“It's the value of something as ridiculous as a catalytic converter on a human life,” Hartman said. “It's a sad day in Chicago or any American city when a young man places more value on a catalytic converter than on a human life.”
Chicago Police had not made any arrests as of Monday night and had not yet provided a description of those involved.
At least one car in the parking lot appeared to have a downed pipe Monday.
Lynch was not available to speak with reporters, but told Hartman he is praying for the people who shot him.
