UPDATE: Kerala Bishops Call for Release of Kidnapped Priest

From a press release:

The Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference (KCBC) on June 8 expressed concern about the uncertainty over the release of Father Tom Uzhunnalil, the Salesian who was abducted by a terrorist group in Yemen. KCBC, a permanent association of Catholic bishops in the state, urged both the central and state governments to ensure the safe release of the priest as early as possible. “KCBC is very much concerned about prolonged uncertainty in the release of Father Tom Uzhunnalil. We request the central and state governments to continue their sincere efforts to make possible his safe release from the captivity of militants in Yemen,” a press release said after a two-day meeting of the Catholic bishops in Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala. The minister of state for External Affairs, Gen. V.K. Singh, said last month in Kottayam that there was no “adverse” report about the 57-year-old Salesian priest.

The regional councilor of the Salesian Congregation for South Asia, Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga SDB, has also expressed his deep anguish that a speedy solution to this impasse about Fr. Tom, a former student of his, has not been reached. He had visited Aden a few years ago and seen personally the good work done by Fr. Tom and the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Theresa. It is unfortunate that their dedicated services to the poor and the sick, irrespective of religious differences, have not been recognized for their merit. He thanks all those who are trying to get Fr. Tom released and requests that they double their efforts.

Remember to keep him in your prayers!