The Rev. Sergio Baldin and three elderly Franciscans were attacked Tuesday by masked and hooded men who invaded their monastery near Turin as they ate dinner. Baldin, the monastery's doorkeeper, was the most seriously hurt.

While investigators still suggest that the attack was motivated by robbery, the Rev. Gabriele Trivellin, provincial head of the Franciscan Friars Minor, said that the "sheer savagery" of the invaders suggests revenge. He said that the friars had helped young women involved in drugs and prostitution.

"I know that one young girl in particular recently presented herself at the monastery and asked for help," he said.

Sources told the Times that one beautiful young woman, much in demand as a prostitute, had been helped by Baldin, who gave her religious instruction. They said that he accompanied her back to Albania.