Fr Tom's older brother speaks out on heartbreaking ISIS kidnapping
FREE Catholic Classes
As the entire world anxiously awaits a safe return of the ISIS kidnapped priest, Fr Thomas Uzhunnalil, his older brother continues to worry about the safety of Fr Tom.
Highlights
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
4/8/2016 (9 years ago)
Published in Middle East
Keywords: Fr Tom, ISIS, ISIS Kidnap, Crucifixion, Good Friday, Kidnapped priest, Tom Uzhunnalil
LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Living alone with no access to media, Mathew Uzhunnalil, 73, opened up to Catholic News Service about the deep anxiety he continues to feel over his younger brother's disappearance and the terrorist threats against him.
"I am waiting for clear good news. Until then, I will stay at home," he stated, noting that he will remain secluded in his ancestral home, in Ramapuram, until he has "clear news about Fr Tom."
According to Mathew, many people from all over have visited him telling him the Indian foreign minister has declared his brother safe, and that the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India and the government were looking at all options for a "quick and safe release."
However, for Mathew that may not be enough.
"I pray, recite the rosary and read," Mathew expressed. "Leave everything in God's hands and trust in him. Everything is secure in God's hands."
Mathew described his 56-year-old younger brother as a man of deep faith. He is a "very cool and quiet person." For Fr Tom, hope was never an option. According to Mathew, Fr Tom would always tell the Missionaries of Charity, "We got one more day today. Let us thank God for that."
---
'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'
Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.

Novena for Pope Francis | FREE PDF Download
-
- Stations of the Cross
- Easter / Lent
- 5 Lenten Prayers
- Ash Wednesday
- Living Lent
- 7 Morning Prayers
- Mysteries of the Rosary
- Litany of the Bl. Virgin Mary
- Popular Saints
- Popular Prayers
- Female Saints
- Saint Feast Days by Month
- Pray the Rosary

Even AI Can’t Predict the Next Pope

Introducing “Journey with the Messiah” – A Revolutionary Way to Experience the Bible

“Thank You for Bringing Me Back to the Square” — Pope Francis’ Last Words Capture a Life Lived for the People
Daily Catholic
Daily Readings for Thursday, April 24, 2025
St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen: Saint of the Day for Thursday, April 24, 2025
A Prayer for Special Intentions: Prayer of the Day for Thursday, April 24, 2025
Daily Readings for Wednesday, April 23, 2025
St. George: Saint of the Day for Wednesday, April 23, 2025
- Prayer After A Surgery: Prayer of the Day for Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.