Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Francis has issued an appeal for the release of kidnapped Salesian priest, Fr Tom Uzhunnalil, and all persons being held captive in conflict regions.

“Dear brothers and sisters, in the hope given to us by the Risen Christ, I renew my appeal for the freeing of all kidnapped persons in armed conflict zones,” the Pope told the crowds in St Peter’s Square last Sunday. “In particular, I wish to remember Salesian priest Tom Uzhunnalil, who was abducted in Aden, Yemen last March 4.”

Fr Uzhunnalil (bottom, far right), an Indian national, was abducted last month when four gunmen attacked a Missionaries of Charity-run retirement home in Aden, Yemen, killing 16 people, including four Missionary of Charity sisters. The attacks are thought to have been perpetrated by Islamist terrorists, though no group has claimed responsibility for the incident. Both the Islamic State and al-Qaeda have a presence in the area.

During Holy Week, rumours circulated of Fr Uzhunnalil having been Crucified on Good Friday.

It was later revealed by India’s government and bishops that the abducted priest was alive, and efforts were underway to ensure his safe return.

The priest’s brother Mathew Uzhunnalil, 73, (far right top) has committed to a period of solitude and prayer until he comes home.

For more than a month Mr Uzhunnalil has lived alone, with no TV or radio, in his ancestral home tucked in the midst of rubber plantations. He said he will return to his family in Gujarat ‘only after I have clear news about Fr Tom,’ his 56-year-old younger brother said.

“I am waiting for clear good news,” he said. “Until then, I will stay.”

Mathew Uzhunnalil said many people have come to visit and have told him how the Indian foreign minister said his brother was safe. The government also assured a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India that the government was exploring all possible means for his ‘quick and safe release.’

“A lot of people are coming here [to the house] and even hold prayer meetings [for the safety of the priest],” he said.

“I pray, recite the rosary and read,” Mathew Uzhunnalil replied when asked how he spent time in the home, where all the eight Uzhunnalil siblings were born.

He added that: “Leave everything in God’s hands and trust in him. Everything is secure in God’s hands,” quoting a book his sister gave him.

Reflecting on the deep faith of younger brother, Mathew Uzhunnalil said: “Fr Thomas is a very cool and quiet person.”

He recalled that his brother shared what he used to tell the Missionaries of Charity in the evenings at the old-age home in Aden, where four nuns and 12 others were killed when the priest was kidnapped.

“We got one more day today. Let us thank God for that,” Mathew Uzhunnalil said, quoting the kidnapped priest.

—This story ran in full in the April 15 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.