It was barely a year ago on 14 May 2015 that Bernard Then was kidnapped in Sandakan by religious extremists who after demanding a ransom for his release had inexplicably proceeded to have him beheaded. His family and our whole community reeled in shock over what Archbishop Ha described during the requiem Mass as a ‘senseless death’.
On 1 April, there has been yet another kidnapping of four Sarawakians off the coast of Sabah near Semporna by unidentified gunmen. While our faith in the Risen Lord helps us rise above these atrocities, we echo the Archbishop’s plea for the authorities to urgently beef up security measures to protect the lives of innocent citizens.
Next month, Today’s Catholic has the privilege of carrying an exclusive interview with Bernard’s brother Christopher Then, who has kindly agreed to share about his family’s recent tragedy. Their deep faith is a shining light to a darkened world.
Stella Chin
Editor
Today’s Catholic Vol.28 No.1 April 2016
