California priest escapes bandits in Nigeria

This story about a Catholic priest who was shot in a remote area of Nigeria almost wrote itself. Rarely have I been so inspired by one Christian's faith in the face of adversity and near-certain death.

When I was asked to interview Father Al Ezeonyeka about his near-death experience on a trip home to Nigeria, even his bishop hadn't heard all the details yet. In fact, the version of the story in circulation was even worse than the reality -- but no more dramatic. What shines through is not the brutality of the bandits' attack on the priest, but the faith with which Father Ezeonyeka faced his situation and extraordinary persistence, bravery and kindness of his rescuers.

The bandits stepped from the roadside bushes and opened fire just as Father Aloysius Ezoenyeka finished praying the rosary. The pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Ventura was driving on a deserted highway as New Year’s Eve afternoon dimmed into evening, on the way from the airport in Lagos to visit his family in southeastern Nigeria.

He floored the gas, not slowing as bullets tore into the car, believing he was more likely to die if he stopped. One round stuck him in the stomach as another sliced into a tire.

“But I had to hold the wound and keep driving,” he said.

I am grateful to Father Ezeonyeka and Bishop Robert Barron for speaking with me, and to Pablo Kay at Angelus News for allowing me to write this story.

NEW DEVELOPMENT: Bishop Barron and Father Ezeonyeka have recorded their testimony in Father Ezeonyeka's parish.