Hajja Salesjana April June 2018

24 Ever since the very first one on November 11, 1875, there have been 148 missionary expeditions for our Salesian Family. These evoke the profound feeling that grace is at work. Still, before speaking more specifically about this, I wish to bring to light something which is a true grace and gift from God. It was late in the day on September 12 that we received a call in which we were informed that Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil had been freed and was on his way to Rome on a flight coming from the Sultanate of Oman. This news, 18 months after his capture, months filled with fear and with hope, was altogether wonderful. We welcomed home our One Missionary Returns; Another 34 Leave For The Missions by Don Ángel Fernández Artime - Rector Major Salesian confrereTom. He returned weakened in physical strength, for he had lost 66 lbs. (30 kg), 38% of his body mass, and was unsteady on his feet because he had not been permitted to exercise that entire time. Nonetheless, he arrived strong in spirit, calm, lucid, and filled with peace and serenity. This reality caused me to raise my thoughts to ponder on how God is able to make of the weakest and most fragile a “sign” of His presence and power. Fr. Tom shared with us how he had lived those 18 months in peace, with much serenity, thanking God each night for the day past – even if he had been forbidden to leave his cell or see daylight. He also told