An elderly western Pennsylvania nun issued a statement forgiving her rapist as the judge sentenced the 19-year-old man to 18 to 37 years in prison.

The victim didn't appear in a Beaver County courtroom when Andrew Bullock, of Aliquippa was sentenced Wednesday. Rather, another sister read a statement on the victim's behalf.

The statement says, "My profound and permanent prayer for you, Andrew, is that you wholeheartedly take advantage of the educational, uplifting, socially positive opportunities that may be available during your prison time."

Then nun was 85 when Bullock approached her at a recycling bin on Dec. 13. After offering to help her load some newspapers, he exposed himself, punched the nun in the jaw and knocked her face-down while raping and screaming at her.