Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India expressed immense joy on getting the good news of the release of Salesian priest Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil who has been in captivity since March 2016. In the press release, CBCI thanked the Lord Almighty for bestowing His unique grace on Fr. Uzhunnalil and ensured their continuous prayers for the speedy and complete recovery of the priest to resume active Salesian Ministry for God and His people. CBCI also mentioned their immense gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Srimati Sushma Swaraj, the Minister of External Affairs and the government of India for their significant roles in the rescue of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil.
The Press release stated that “In different meeting with Foreign Minister Sri. Sushma Swaraj, she assured us that Fr. Tom was safe and that the government would do everything to get him released and the Prime Minister had also assured us that all would be done to get him released.” Further, it stated that “We express our immense gratitude to His Holiness Pope Francis who took personal interest in Fr. Tom’s release efforts and Bishop Paul Hinder, Vicar Apostolic of Southern Arabia, the Bishop in charge of the Middle East and the Sultan of Oman for their untiring efforts.”
CBCI concluded the Press release by thanking all the men and women of goodwill who stood firm in their faith with Catholic Church, with prayer and encouragement.
