In Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Saturday afternoon, a man attacked the auxiliary bishop of Newark, Rev. Manuel A. Cruz.

Arrested after the sudden and brazen attack was 48-year-old Charles Miller. He was apprehended on the altar of the church by law enforcement — and a group of brave citizens who rushed over to help.

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The bishop, 63, had absolutely no warning before the man punched him in the mouth.

“He [the bishop] did meet and address the congregation this morning to tell everybody that he was fine and that, certainly, people should not be making this a matter that they can be worked up on,” said James Goodness, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Newark, in a statement. “This was an isolated incident.”

“He is fine. Certainly we’re thankful that law enforcement was on hand and able to apprehend the assailant,” Goodness continued. “This is not something that we expect to happen in any of our churches.” No motive as of yet has been mentioned in the case.