No suspects yet in attack on Catholic priest

Police still were looking for clues Thursday into the Tuesday night beating of a Catholic priest in a Springfield park.

Monsignor Eugene E. Costa, 53, remained in St. John's Hospital's intensive-care unit Thursday...Costa was found unconscious with a severe head injury on a hillside near the band shell in Douglas Park, 400 N. MacArthur Blvd [in Springfield, IL]... Costa served as the Springfield Catholic Diocese's chancellor, which is part of Bishop George Lucas' leadership team. He also was pastor at St. John Vianney Church in Sherman, where he lives, and Holy Family Church in Athens.

Springfield police Lt. Rickey Davis said Thursday that authorities believe the attack took place in the park, probably right in the area where he was found, between 7 and 10 p.m. Among the questions that haven't been answered is why Costa was at the park that night, when temperatures were in the low 20s, and why someone beat him.

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