Homecoming day for Father Tom in Kochi after being rescued from ISIS captivity in Yemen

It was a happy homecoming day for kidnapped Indian-origin Vatican priest, Father Tom Uzhunnalil, who arrived in Kochi on Sunday morning after being rescued from ISIS captivity in Yemen last month.

Expressing his happiness, Father Tom said, "How can one feel upon reaching home? I am happy. And thankful to the Almighty. God bless all," he said.

Father Tom was reportedly kidnapped on March 4, 2016 by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) in Yemen, when they attacked a retirement home in Aden run by the Missionaries of Charity, killing sixteen people, including four nuns. He was rescued on September 12 and arrived in Bengaluru on September 29.

Earlier, while addressing a press conference in New Delhi Father Tom had said, "God has a mission for all of us and my mission is to be present for the old and the dying. I have prayed for those who kept me (captive). They gave me food and didn't harm me physically. Initially they asked who'll help me out from this situation - the government or Church? After some time they stopped asking me."
Father Tom also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

(With ANI Inputs)