Parishioners prayed for Fr. Daniel Malette, pastor emeritus at St. Margaret of Scotland Church on 99th and Throop.
On Tuesday morning, the 80-year-old was attacked by two men in the church's rectory. Malette suffered broken ribs and bruises, but he insisted on going through with a scheduled baptism Thursday.
"We talked about postponing. He said absolutely not. Can't keep a good man down," said Mike Joyce, parishioner.
There was a show of support Thursday night for Malette, when dozens turned out for a mass held at the church.
St. Sabina Catholic Church is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to any arrests in the case.
