Mumbai: Father Tom Uzhunnalil, the Indian Salesian abducted in Yemen in March 2016 by a Jihadist group and freed after 18 months, has presented his autobiography, By the Grace of God, in which he recounts his experience of captivity and faith. “Pray, pray, pray. Prayer is the most powerful weapon,” he said during the book launch, held at St Andrew’s Church in Bandra, Mumbai, organized by the Andrean Youth Movement (AYM).
On the occasion, the missionary paid his respects to Card Oswald Gracias, titular of the archdiocese, on the eve of the 12th anniversary of his elevation to the cardinalship, which fell on the Solemnity of Christ the King. After celebrating Mass, Father Uzhunnalil spoke about his abduction and the 557 days he spent in captivity. Despite the violence he witnessed and the suffering he personally endured, the Salesian always tries to inspire serenity and promote interfaith dialogue. His main concern is for the Sisters of Mother Teresa, “who have been without the Sacraments since 2016. I was the last priest in Yemen,” he said.
In the book, he states that the heroic and tragic martyrdom of the sisters disturbed him. “One day, something made me pray that God should make it rain as a sign from heaven that the Sisters are now enjoying the Beatific vision. Believe it or not; that evening there was a very heavy shower.” “I am convinced that my release was the fruit of the prayers of millions worldwide, more especially, the prayers and sacrifices of my countrymen. Heartfelt thanks to each and every one. May God Bless you abundantly and recompense you as He knows best.”
Source: asianews.it
