The attack happened during the 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul on a woman called Sarah Contrucci, who just had finished the reading and was going back to her place from the altar, when an unknown woman attacked her.

After the incident, Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson J. Perez told ABC News :

“Such behaviour is unacceptable at all times, especially within the confines of a church building and during the celebration of the Holy Mass. I was saddened to learn of this incident and regret that it took place. The lector who was assaulted received immediate attention and assistance from Cathedral staff members off-camera. She did not require medical attention and is doing well based on the reports I have received.”

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia alerted the police, who are investigating the unknown attacker.

Another attack, this time during Holy Mass in Philadelphia yesterday. WATCH: pic.twitter.com/djTt8wVY6H

— CatholicVote.org (@CatholicVote) August 24, 2020