We have consulted the Provincial Secretary of the Salesian Province of Bangalore, who is the official spokesperson of the Province, and the office of Mons. Paul Hinder, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, in Abu Dhabi. According to their own information, there are no news or further developments about the situation of Fr Tom. In case anything new will occur Mons. Hinder will promptly notify it.
We do not know who is behind the Facebook page with the image of Fr Tom, which presently has been cleared of all its contents. It is not sure even if that picture was authentic; the Provincial Secretary, after consulting his confreres in the Province, has doubts about the authenticity of that picture.
The appearing of that photograph, while raises concern about the unknown situation of Fr Tom, is gathering again public attention on this sad event, after some weeks of silence the media. Let us keep our conscience alert about the situation of persecuted Christians is many countries and particularly about Fr Thomas, with the remembrance in prayer and keeping active those initiative still possible, aimed to get information and re-establish a contact.
The Salesian Congregation keeps following the unfolding of the situation and carries on its commitment to be close to the family of Fr Tom and to collaborate with the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia and with the Indian Government.
Fr Francesco Cereda
Vicar of the Rector Major
