Hundreds turn out for prayer service at site of brutal nun attack

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. — Hundreds of people gathered Friday to pray for a nun who was brutally attacked in a church parking lot last month.

The attack happened on Dec. 10 in the parking lot of St. Titus Church on Sheffield Avenue.

The sisters of St. Joseph organized the service to pray for the victim’s recovery and to bless the area of the attack. The group also prayed for all victims and perpetrators of violence.

Organizers said the nun wanted the service to happen.

“She’s so inspiring. She loves Aliquippa,” said one person.

Andrew Bullock, 18, is facing charges in the attack on the 85-year-old. He remains behind bars.

Bullock entered a plea of not guilty last month and will stand trial in the attack.

Authorities said the nun was beaten so badly that she had to have surgery to repair her broken jaw.

The nun, with a bandage on her head and a brace, took the stand during Bullock’s preliminary hearing.

The nun said she was on her way to 11:30 a.m. Mass before the assault happened.

According to the nun’s testimony, she turned around after putting paper in a recycling bin and noticed a grown man standing beside her.

"When I looked up, I thought what a nice looking young man he was,” the victim said.

She said her opinion quickly changed when the man punched her in the face.

The victim said she thought to herself, “I am going to die.”

The nun went on to say she blacked out and when she woke up, a man came to help and called 911.

Related story: http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/teen-accused-assaulting-nun-expected-court/ncPtC/

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