WATCH: Newark Bishop Punched In Face During Mass

NEWARK, N.J. (CBS/AP) — An auxiliary bishop who was attacked during a weekend mass in New Jersey has addressed the congregation to tell them he's doing fine.

The Rev. Manuel Cruz was punched in the mouth Saturday at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark during an event honoring the late baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente.

Essex County authorities say 48-year-old Newark resident Charles Miller was in a pew when he got up, went to the altar and punched Cruz. Tap into Newark caught the incident on video.

"It was a very shocking an horrific moment," said parishioner Mark Bonamo.

Police and parishioners immediately subdued the suspect afterwards.

Bonamo remembers watching the man step out of a middle pew where he had been sitting alone.

"As a former altar boy, a lot of people thought he might be part of mass, but I thought it was odd out of the gate when he walked up and hit the man in the face," said Bonamo. "People were shocked, some people ducked, others screamed."

The bishop who was treated at a hospital for undisclosed injuries that aren't considered serious.

Cruz addressed the congregation on Sunday and told parishioners he was doing well.

Miller was charged with assault. It's not clear if he's retained a lawyer. Authorities have declined comment on a possible motive.

The Archdiocese of Newark says Cruz does not want to talk to the media, but assures everyone he is doing OK.

They say he got some stitches and even spoke to the community at Sunday morning mass, telling them he believes this was an isolated incident.

(TM and © Copyright 2017 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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