By Philip Mathew
Bengaluru: Salesian Father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was held in captivity by militants for 557 days in Yemen, and released unharmed on September 12, arrived in Bengaluru on September 29.
Speaking at a felicitation meeting held in the evening the 59-year-old priest reiterated that it was prayer and the prayers of many people, including those belonging to other religions that helped him to be a free man. He acknowledged with gratitude that many Hindus and Muslims prayed for his safe release.
The meeting organized by the Banaglore province of the Salesian of Don Bosco was addressed by the Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy and the Salesian congreation’s Bangalore provincial Father Joyce Thonnipuzha.
Earlier, there was a thanksgiving prayer service. A one-minute silence was observed during the service in memory of the four Missionaries of Charity sisters who were killed on March 4, 2006, the day Father Uzhunnalil was abducted.
He was received in the morning at the airport by Karnataka minister K J George, Church leaders, leaders of the Salesian Congregation, Missionaries of Charity Sisters, friends and well-wishers.
Soon after his release, the captors drove him blindfolded to the Oman border and allowed t him to proceed to the airport in Muscat. From there, he flew to Rome, where he met the Pope Francis and the Salesian officials at the Vatican.
He reached New Delhi on 28.
Earlier, he had a meeting with Church leaders, including cardinals and bishop at the St John’s College.
On September 30, he will leave for Kerala where several programs have been lined up for him.
According to reports, after his Kerala trip, he will return to Bengaluru, where his province is based.