Brother of priest kidnapped by ISIS in Yemen: 'Everything is secure in God's hands'

Salesian priest Fr Tom Uzhunnalil is being held prisoner by Islamic State.

The brother of kidnapped priest Fr Tom Uzhunnalil is leaving everything in God's hands, according to the Catholic News Service.

CNS interviewed Mathew Uzhunnalil at his home in Ramapuram in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Fr Tom, 56, was taken by Islamic State fighters who attacked an old people's home in Yemen on March 4, killing four nuns and 12 others.

Mathew Uzhunnalil, 73, said: "I am waiting for clear good news. Until then, I will stay at home."

He said he would return to his family in Gujarat only after he had news of his brother.

"A lot of people are coming and even hold prayer meetings," he told CNS.

Asked how he spent time in his ancestral home, he said: "I pray, recite the rosary and read."

Quoting a book given him by his sister, he added: "Leave everything in God's hands and trust in him. Everything is secure in God's hands."

He described his brother as "a very cool and quiet person".

Widespread reports that Fr Tom was to be crucified were exposed as an internet rumour after repeated denials by the authorities and his ecclesiastical superiors. He is believed to be still alive and it is thought he may be held for ransom.

Islamic State is believed to have raised large sums of money from the practice.

However, there have been many reports of priests being tortured and murdered after being taken captive. On at least one occasion a ransom was paid for a priest who was killed anyway and returned to his family in pieces.

related articles
Church officials urge prayer for Yemen priest held by ISIS, deny crucifixion rumours
Church officials urge prayer for Yemen priest held by ISIS, deny crucifixion rumours

Church officials urge prayer for Yemen priest held by ISIS, deny crucifixion rumours

Church denies rumours that ISIS has crucified kidnapped priest

Church denies rumours that ISIS has crucified kidnapped priest

Islamic State and Fr Tom Uzhunnalil\'s \'crucifixion\': The importance of truth vs rumour
Islamic State and Fr Tom Uzhunnalil's 'crucifixion': The importance of truth vs rumour

Islamic State and Fr Tom Uzhunnalil's 'crucifixion': The importance of truth vs rumour

Priest kidnapped in Yemen NOT dead - \'could be freed soon\'
Priest kidnapped in Yemen NOT dead - 'could be freed soon'

Priest kidnapped in Yemen NOT dead - 'could be freed soon'

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.