Catholic bishop shocked over attack on priests in Alotau

ALOTAU Catholic Diocese Bishop Fr John Sinou has expressed shock at an attack on his house and the injuring of seven priests in Milne Bay.
He said about 15 men broke into the house, entered the priests’ rooms and took laptops, mobile phones and any money and valuables they could find plus a new dinghy motor, solar panels and a TV among others on March 19.
“They assaulted six of our priests and badly bashed up an expatriate missionary on the head out of frustration because he could not open the empty safe,” Fr Sinou said.
“We thank God that one of the priests wasn’t fatally injured and he is out of hospital and in a stable condition.”
Fr Sinou said the attack was unprovoked and without a reason and the church had to speak out about it.
“We, of course, need to know the basis of the attack so that we can directly address the issues,” he said.
“We recognise that this was not an ordinary break and enter case.
“It was of such magnitude, involving so many persons, that we can almost conclude that it was pre-meditated.
“Why did they do it?
“Who was behind it?”
Fr Sinou said that they had met with provincial police commander Supt Peter Barkie and asked him for an immediate investigation into the incident and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
“What was stolen must be returned,” he said.
“In the meantime, the church needs to strengthen the work of evangelisation, pray for the conversion of sinners and learn how to forgive.
“We also pray for the healing of our traumatised priests.”
Fr Sinou said Alotau MP Charles Abel had met with the priests on Saturday following the attack “but he gave no assurance that something substantial will be done”.
Meanwhile, acting Southern region police Commander Chief Supt Rigga Neggi said the attack on the priests could have been committed by the Tommy Maeva Baker gang in frustration over their recent failed attack on the police station.