Media Release
Bengaluru, Sep 29: Fr Tom Uzhunnalil was accorded a warm and rousing welcome at Salesian Provincial House, Bengaluru on Friday September 29. Earlier, he was welcomed at Kempegowda International Airport. A good number of people including religious, political and other leaders of various organizations were present at the airport. Bengaluru development minister K J George was one among them.
Fr Tom in response to the talks said he was ever grateful to the Almighty for making this a reality. He said he felt Jesus was with him. One of the captors told him one sister was alive, that too after seven months. They never hurt him either physically or psychologically. The captors gave him sufficient food and at times even chicken. Those who were with him shared the same food which was given to him. They gave him medicines and insulin for his diabetes.
He was never let outside the place he was kept. His diabetes shot up to 450 and once a doctor was brought to check his health. He was given as many as 230 tablets for his health issues, though all were not used. They looked after him well within their limitations. They could not speak English. Only one among them could utter something in English and he managed in communicating with them.
Fr Tom said the captors shifted him at least twice but blind-folded. He had to do some exercises and movements to better his health. They were not rough and tough in their approach to him. Fr Tom said he was praying most of the time, praying for his relations, Salesian Congregation and all people of the whole world as he knew they were all praying for him.
He thanked Pope Francis, all other ecclesiastical authorities, his superiors, different congregations and communities, political leaders such as PM Modi, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, cardinals, priest, nuns and lay faithful. He reiterated that he was released from captivity due to prayers and sacrifices of so many people. He expressed profound gratitude to God and all others instrumental for his release.
Talking on the occasion, Fr Kanaga Maria Arokiam, regional for South Asia said people of more than 15 countries he visited prayed for Fr Tom’s release. He expressed gratitude to God and all collaborators for this happy occasion. He also reminded the large gathering to submit to God’s plans and His will when faced with difficulties and beset with problems. He also made a mention of the efforts made to secure the release of Fr Tom.
Fr Mathew Thonikuzhiyil (Joyce), provincial, Bengaluru province said he joined Fr Tom and all others all over to thank the good Lord. He said Fr Tom’s release is a proof and fruit of the prayers offered by people all over the world. This should strengthen the faith of every person that prayers are answered. Fr Joyce who visited Yemen and several other places and dioceses for the purpose said, "We are all overjoyed with the release of Fr Tom Uzhunnalil from the abductors on September 12. We thank the Almighty God for this wonderful and tangible sign of His predilection for us by answering our constant prayers for the release of Fr Tom." First of all we would like to thank you and your community members for having prayed for the release of Fr Tom for all these 18 months perseveringly. It is a privileged occasion for all to see Fr Tom and listen to his experiences."
Fr Jose Koickal, vice provincial, also spoke on the occasion saying Fr Tom's release is proof enough that God is alive and active.
After a thanksgiving prayer service, and before closing the programme, Fr George Muttathuparambil, rector, Provincial House, proposed the vote of thanks.
Uzhunnalil belongs to the Congregation of Salesians of Don Bosco and was abducted reportedly during a terrorist attack in Aden and taken to an undisclosed place.
He also attended a meeting at St John's Medical College and Hospital.
Uzhunnalil reached Yemen in 2010 and was serving the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity of St Mother Teresa and the Catholic population there.
With PTI Inputs