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Parish struggles over vicar death Parish struggles over vicar death
(about 2 hours later)
Parishioners in the Cynon Valley say they are still struggling to come to terms with the death of a priest in Trecynon, south Wales.Parishioners in the Cynon Valley say they are still struggling to come to terms with the death of a priest in Trecynon, south Wales.
More than 300 people packed a special Mother's Day service at the church where Father Paul Bennett was stabbed. More than 300 people packed a special Mothering Sunday service at the church where Father Paul Bennett was stabbed.
Father Bennett, 59, died in the grounds of St Fagan's church.Father Bennett, 59, died in the grounds of St Fagan's church.
The Archbishop of Wales, Barry Morgan, led the service and said the community was "still in a state of shock after the horrendous events of the week".The Archbishop of Wales, Barry Morgan, led the service and said the community was "still in a state of shock after the horrendous events of the week".
Geraint David Evans, 23, from the same village, has appeared in court charged with the father of two's murder.Geraint David Evans, 23, from the same village, has appeared in court charged with the father of two's murder.
St Fagan's church was filled with members of the local community, including many children, for the service on Sunday morning.St Fagan's church was filled with members of the local community, including many children, for the service on Sunday morning.
'State of shock''State of shock'
During the sermon Archbishop Morgan, who instituted Father Bennett into the parish five years ago, prayed for him and his family.During the sermon Archbishop Morgan, who instituted Father Bennett into the parish five years ago, prayed for him and his family.
Members of Father Bennett's family did not attend the service.Members of Father Bennett's family did not attend the service.
Archbishop Morgan said that although the community was "still in a state of shock after the horrendous events of the week we can pray and give thanks for Father Paul".Archbishop Morgan said that although the community was "still in a state of shock after the horrendous events of the week we can pray and give thanks for Father Paul".
He also encouraged parishioners to pray for all victims and perpetrators of war and violence.He also encouraged parishioners to pray for all victims and perpetrators of war and violence.
Speaking after the service Archbishop Morgan said: "The place was absolutely packed and it's quite obvious that Father Paul Bennett touched the lives of countless people in this community.Speaking after the service Archbishop Morgan said: "The place was absolutely packed and it's quite obvious that Father Paul Bennett touched the lives of countless people in this community.
"These were not just people who were regular church goers but people from the wider community.""These were not just people who were regular church goers but people from the wider community."
Archbishop Morgan said the community was still in "shock"Archbishop Morgan said the community was still in "shock"
Hundreds of bunches of flowers and cards were left at a shrine in the church hall in memory of the parish priest.Hundreds of bunches of flowers and cards were left at a shrine in the church hall in memory of the parish priest.
Father Bennett trained as a priest in the Llandaff diocese and spent his entire ministry in south Wales.Father Bennett trained as a priest in the Llandaff diocese and spent his entire ministry in south Wales.
Parishioners held a candlelit vigil at the church hall after his death and laid floral tributes to him and signed the book of condolence in Trecynon.Parishioners held a candlelit vigil at the church hall after his death and laid floral tributes to him and signed the book of condolence in Trecynon.
Police were called to St Fagan's church at about 1450 GMT on Wednesday.Police were called to St Fagan's church at about 1450 GMT on Wednesday.
On Friday, Geraint David Evans appeared at Aberdare Magistrates' Court charged with the vicar's murder.On Friday, Geraint David Evans appeared at Aberdare Magistrates' Court charged with the vicar's murder.
He was remanded in custody until 23 March, when he will appear at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.He was remanded in custody until 23 March, when he will appear at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.