Fr Tom's older brother speaks out on heartbreaking ISIS kidnapping

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.

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."