Bishop David Monroe is recovering in hospital. (Roman Catholic Diocese of Kamloops)

RCMP are proposing charges of aggravated assault against a 30-year-old man suspected of beating a Roman Catholic bishop in Kamloops, B.C.

Police say Bishop David Monroe, 69, remains in hospital, having suffered severe trauma to his face and head. Police believe he was beaten with a blunt object.

It was initially believed Monroe would be released from hospital on Saturday, but police said in a statement issued Sunday he remained in serious but stable condition.

They haven't named the suspect, but say he is still in custody pending a court appearance Monday when the Crown will announce whether it will lay the recommended charge.

After responding to the Friday night attack in the B.C. Interior city, investigators say they learned of a disturbed man who was taken to hospital earlier that day by a family member concerned for his mental well-being.

The man smashed a window at the hospital and fled, but was located by police using dogs and a helicopter inside a shed at a trailer park around 1 a.m. PT. Saturday.

Monroe, who has been bishop of the Kamloops Diocese since 2002, and a priest who tried to help during the assault were both taken to hospital after a suspect forced his way into the rectory at the Sacred Heart Cathedral around 10 p.m.