Father Paul Tep Im Sotha was 34 and had been a priest for 7 years when he was appointed Prefect of Battambang. Another victim of the Khmer Rouge, his body was discovered floating down the river ‘sometime’ in May 1975, the very day after his episcopal ordination and installation as Bishop Salas’ coadjutor in
Phnom Penh. He was a bishop for a few hours.
Fr. Enrique Figaredo, a Spanish Jesuit and Bishop Paul’s successor in Battambang said, ‘When the Khmer Rouge came and it was clear what lay ahead, there was a Mass in the cathedral in Battambang. Bishop Paul Tep Im Sotha gave a general absolution to everyone there and told them, 'Bad times are coming for everyone. You must take care of one another and safeguard your faith.' Tep Im Sotha, who was half French, had been advised to leave the country, but, on the way, he and a companion were caught and killed.’
The newly-ordained bishop and Fr. Jean Badre, a French Benedictine, had almost reached the safety of
Thailand.
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