Catholic Bishops' body laud Sushma's role in release of abducted Kerala priest

New Delhi, Sept 16: The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) has lauded External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's role in getting the release of abducted Christian priest from Kerala Father Tom Uzhunnalil and described the senior BJP leader as a "compassionate" person. "I am really touched by your compassionate nature and for the very personal interest with which you undertook the matter. Every time we met you, we came reassured that sooner or later Father Tom Uzhunnalil would be released," CBCI Secretary General Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas said in a letter addressed to the Minister. The Bishop further said: "Please do accept the gratitude of the whole Catholic Church in India and each of its 20 million members are praying for you that God may grant you good health and strength to continue the marvelous work you are doing". The missive from the Bishop was today shared by the External Affairs Minister on her Twitter posting today. Father Tom Uzhunnalil was rescued and released on September 12 with the help of Yemen government. Ms Swaraj has always maintained 'optimism' that the Christian priest would be rescued and released and reportedly she took keen interest with Yemen authorities for the same. Father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was abducted in April 2016 from Aden by IS terrorists, was earlier this year stated to have been "alive" by the Yemen Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Abdulmalik Abduljalil Al-Mekhlafi during his visit to India. UNI