The faithful of the Eparchy of Kalyan joined with the global Church for the speedy release of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil. The 58 year old Salesians priest, was kidnapped in war-torn Yemen last year by suspected militants. The Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India and Synod of the Syro Malabar Church had requested all its faithful to pray for the early release of Fr. Tom and the conversion of abductors.
For the past few days, the Eparchy of Kalyan took various efforts to ensure that all the churches in the diocese were well informed and prepared for the special prayer service. “We ask of You to strengthen Fr. Tom’s faith in these testing moments so he can profess his faith strongly and boldly. As we pray for him, we pray his faith in You, not be failed, but instead work as a strong example inspiring the rest of the world in such times”, the youth group St. Thomas Catholic Church Kalina prayed during their special adoration named, ‘Youth to be the light of the world’.
Many parishes conducted candle light processions, special adoration and intercessory prayers during the Holy Mass and family unit meetings for the speedy release of Fr. Tom. “We had a special prayer day for Fr. Tom during our church feast. Also it was as a special prayer intention in the mass during Sunday”, says Fr. Sinto, asst. parish priest of St. Alphonsa Forane Church Kalewadi. Praying that, let these prayers and acts by the faithful give Fr. Tom graces to endure and to see his suffering as part of following in Christ’s footsteps.
