Kidnapped priest Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil has been RELEASED ALIVE after more than 18 months in captivity [EXCLUSIVE PHOTO]

After more than 18 months in captivity, Fr. Tom was rescued

Father Tom Uzhunnalil has finally been released after being kidnapped more than 18 months ago.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Fr. Tom, a Salesian missionary, was abducted by militants in Yemen on March 4, 2016, when the Missionaries of Charity in Aden, Yemen was attacked. Sixteen people were left dead during the assault.

Rumors quickly spread that Fr. Tom would be crucified on Good Friday of 2016. Prayers and cries for help from all over the world erupted for the release of the kidnapped priest.

Pope Francis advocated for Fr. Tom, calling for his immediate release in April of 2016. "I renew my appeal for the freeing of all kidnapped persons in armed conflict zones. In particular, I wish to remember Salesian priest Tom Uzhunnalil, who was abducted in Aden, Yemen last March 4."

But Fr. Tom remained in captivity. No one really knew what had become of the kidnapped priest, but soon photos and videos of an ill-looking, tired and thin Fr. Tom were released showing him pleading for help.

The Salesian Information Agency kept tabs on Fr. Tom the entire time he was missing and were happy to announce the news of his release.

According to Catholic News Agency, the "state-run Oman News Agency, Fr. Tom's release was secured by Oman, and he has already arrived in the Omani capital of Muscat."

Fr. Tom is expected to return to his home in Kerala, India soon.

"In compliance with the His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Oman in coordination with the Yemeni parties have managed find a Vatican priest," read a statement from the Oman News Agency.

Fr. Tom has expressed "thanks to God Almighty" and his eternal gratitude toward Sultan Qaboos and his family and friends who "called on God for his safety and release."

The group responsible for Fr. Tom's kidnapping and the attack on the Missionaries of Charity remains unknown. For now, we are just forever grateful Fr. Tom was released alive.    

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'

Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online