Nuns were attacked with helmets by at least two assailants

Two nuns were seriously injured when they were attacked on the grounds of the Church of the Visitation yesterday. – May 15, 2014.The two nuns who were attacked on the grounds of a church in Seremban early yesterday morning were beaten with helmets before they were robbed, another nun who declined to be identified told The Malaysian Insider today.

The nun said Sisters Juliana Lim, 68, and Mary-Rose, 80, were believed to have been attacked by at least two assailants who used helmets to beat their victims.

Lim is still in a coma and said to be in critical condition. She is also on the respirator. Mary-Rose is weak but conscious. Both are warded at the Seremban Hospital.

The nun said Mary-Rose had revealed that the assailants had attacked both of them using helmets before snatching their bags, which contained a Bible, prayer book, rosary and a small amount of cash each.

Police were at the hospital today to speak to Mary-Rose and take pictures of the injuries she suffered in the attack.

Both the victims had arrived at the Church of the Visitation on Jalan Yam Tuan at about 6.15am in a car with two other nuns for the morning mass.

The two other nuns went to the grotto to pray while Juliana and Mary-Rose went to the main entrance where they were believed to have been attacked.

Minutes later, both the nuns were found sprawled on the stairs at the main entrance by the church caretaker who went to open the doors.

The nun also told The Malaysian Insider that the two victims, from the Infant Jesus Order, were dressed in ordinary clothes, instead of their habits.

The nuns, who stay in a community located about a 10-minute drive from the church, are regulars at the early morning mass.

Other nuns are now taking turns to stay with the victims at the hospital.

‎Netizens have expressed their disgust over the incident, with some expressing doubts whether robbery was the motive in view of rising religious tension in the country.