The Family Room (The Quest)
Join co-hosts Mari Cleveland from St. Jude the Apostle and John Gordon and Craig Wesemeyer from St. Peter Chanel as they speak with authors, theologians, and local priests and lay leaders to provide your family encouragement, resources, and hope. Enjoy heartfelt stories and engaging conversations with Catholics who are excited to share their life experiences and acquired wisdom to help your family continue to live out your faith with joy.
Jul 9, 2025
Faith Under Fire!
George Glezmann, Taliban prisoner
Few people know America recently secured the release of a Delta Airlines mechanic who was held captive by the Taliban for over two years. How could that be?
Born in Mexico and a former member of Mexico’s Air Force, George Glezmann also held a degree in anthropology. Working for a major international airline allowed him to explore more than 130 countries as a tourist. While visiting a sick relative with his wife in her native country of Georgia, she encouraged George to explore Afghanistan in December of 2022. Unfortunately, his route triggered suspicion and led to his surprise capture. For more than six months, Aleksandra didn’t know if her husband was dead or alive.
Listen as George shares the harrowing experience of isolation alongside physical and psychological torture. For over a year, he couldn’t sleep more than a few minutes at a time. All he could do was pray and exercise. Born and raised Catholic, George recited prayers audibly as a way to reinforce his faith. Knowing this would incite his guards to beat him and shout him down stubbornly increased his faith. Released in March 2025, George’s decision to forgive his captors is a testimony to the graces borne through faith under fire.
Resources:
Few people know America recently secured the release of a Delta Airlines mechanic who was held captive by the Taliban for over two years. How could that be?
Born in Mexico and a former member of Mexico’s Air Force, George Glezmann also held a degree in anthropology. Working for a major international airline allowed him to explore more than 130 countries as a tourist. While visiting a sick relative with his wife in her native country of Georgia, she encouraged George to explore Afghanistan in December of 2022. Unfortunately, his route triggered suspicion and led to his surprise capture. For more than six months, Aleksandra didn’t know if her husband was dead or alive.
Listen as George shares the harrowing experience of isolation alongside physical and psychological torture. For over a year, he couldn’t sleep more than a few minutes at a time. All he could do was pray and exercise. Born and raised Catholic, George recited prayers audibly as a way to reinforce his faith. Knowing this would incite his guards to beat him and shout him down stubbornly increased his faith. Released in March 2025, George’s decision to forgive his captors is a testimony to the graces borne through faith under fire.
Resources:
- Video and article, "Atlanta man freed after 2 years in Taliban custody thanks Delta, Trump" on Fox5 Atlanta
- "Atlanta man held captive by Taliban talks of being beaten for not renouncing Catholic faith" on WSB-TV Atlanta
- "George Glezmann returns home" video (1 min., 30 seconds) on FOX 5 News/YouTube
- "American George Glezmann released by Taliban 2 years after arrest in Afghanistan" video (2 min., 10 seconds) on CBS News/YouTube
- U.S. Department of State - Release of George Glezmann Press Statement
