New Delhi, Sept. 28, 2017: Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil a Salesian priest from Kerela belonging to Bangalore province returns to India after he was freed from captors in Yemen.
It was moment of great joy for everyone. Fr. Jose Mathew the provincial of Delhi, Fr. Mathew Thonikuzhiyil the provincial of Bangalore, Fr. Jose Koyickal the vice-provincial of Bangalore along with several others priests and nuns were present at the IGI airport to welcome Fr. Tom. Speaking to reporters and other people present Fr. Tom said that he is grateful to God and thanked everyone for their prayers and support.
He was then taken to CBCI centre for a brief refreshment and relaxation. Thereafter he called in the Prime Minister Narender Modi and Minister of External Affairs Mrs. Sushma Swaraj. Later he went to the Embassy of the Holy See and had lunch with Nuncio.
During the press conference at 4.30 pm at CBCI centre Fr. Tom reiterated his deep sense of gratitude to everyone, particularly to the leaders who contributed towards his safe release.
Immediately after the press conference there was the thanks giving mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. It was a touching experience for Fr. Tom. He could not hold his emotions as he ascended the altar he broke down at the thought of gratuitous gift of life.
When the Holy Eucharist was over, he was taken to Don Bosco Provincial House New Delhi where he had supper and short felicitation programme.