Rector Major's statement following the release of Fr Tom
Posted: Thu, 14 Sep 2017 15:08
(ANS - Rome) - The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernandez Artime, expresses great joy and satisfaction in his statement on the liberation of Fr. Thomas Uzhunnalil. Having just returned from Malta, Fr Á.F. Artime immediately wanted to write a message to all the Salesians and members of the Salesian Family around the globe to share the happiness of this highly hoped for event and to thank all those who collaborated towards Fr Tom's release.
"This is the great news: our brother Thomas has been liberated and is here with us now," the Rector Major begins, recalling the rapid development in yesterday's events, September 12.
Fr Á.F. Artime continued by explaining that Fr Uzhunnalil would continue to be housed at the Salesian community at the Vatican until the medical staff considered it appropriate and that later he would be able to return to India.
When they met in Rome, the Rector Major made the moving gift of his own Salesian cross to Fr Tom, "a confrere who was lost, far from us, and who was able to return among us," telling him, "I want to offer you my Salesian cross, which I always bring with me, so that you can bring it with you. And with this sign, it is as if all Salesians, from today, were with you now and forever."