Born on 12 June 1943 in Wadakkancherry, Kerala, Fr.
Mathew gave his life generously in the Salesian vocation. He made his First
Profession on 24 April 1964 in Shillong, his Perpetual Profession on 9 April
1970 in Sonada, Darjeeling, and was ordained a priest on 22 December 1973 in
Trichur, Kerala. From that time until his death, he lived as a faithful
Salesian priest, educator, pastor, and companion of the young.
Life and ministry
Fr. Mathew was a Salesian through and through. Over the course of his
priestly ministry he served in multiple roles: rector, principal, parish
priest, assistant parish priest, bursar, confessor, and spiritual guide and a
barefoot counselor. In every ministry he
exercised a practical, service-oriented pastoral style. He was widely known by
many common faithful as a “helper-priest” who favored simple living and warm,
accessible pastoral care. Colleagues and parishioners alike remember him as a
man without malice or judgment, always ready to listen and to help.
Fr. Mathew served in a wide range of apostolates
with steadfast commitment and simplicity. His assignments included Assistant
Principal at DB Technical School, Park Circus (1974–1976); Assistant Principal,
Don Bosco School, Park Circus (1976–1979); Assistant Principal, Don Bosco
School, Liluah (1979–1982); Bursar, Don Bosco School, Azimganj (1982–1985);
Principal, Don Bosco School, Bandel (1985–1989); Rector, Don Bosco, Krishnagar
(1989–1995); Parish Priest, St. Albert’s Home, Monsada (1995–1998); Bursar, Don
Bosco School, Liluah (1998–1999); Parish Priest, Catholic Church, Kalyani
(1999–2006); Bursar and Assistant Director, DB SERI, Mirpara (2006–2007);
Rector, DB SERI, Mirpara (2007–2010); Bursar, Don Bosco Welfare Centre,
Azimganj (2010–2014); Assistant Director, Don Bosco Ashalayam (2014–2016);
Assistant Parish Priest and Confessor, Don Bosco, Krishnagar (2016–2018);
Bursar, Don Bosco Vidyaniketan, Kalyani (2018–2020); and Confessor, Don Bosco
Welfare Centre, Azimganj (2020–2026)
In every mission entrusted to him, Fr. Mathew showed
himself to be practical, attentive and deeply service-oriented. He carried out
his responsibilities with quiet efficiency and a pastoral heart, always placing
people before procedure and service before self. He was widely known as a “people’s
priest” who lived simply, spoke plainly, and approached everyone with
warmth and without judgment.
Care for the young
Fr. Mathew had a special love for young people, especially the boys in
boarding homes and institutions under his care. He believed in accompaniment,
formation through presence, and the quiet power of encouragement. Many former
boarders and students remember him as patient, approachable, and steady—someone
who listened, advised, and made time for them. His presence gave confidence to
many who were still finding their way in life.
Healing and practical concern
Fr. Mathew often
self-medicated and, out of pastoral concern, recommended these treatments to
confreres and parishioners, who came to him for help. Beyond spiritual
accompaniment, Fr. Mathew took a pastoral interest in the physical well‑being
of those he served. He was also known for his pragmatic interest in traditional
and natural medicine. Confident in Dissen remedies and Ayurveda,
Fr. Mathew often used these treatments for himself and recommended them, out of
pastoral concern, to confreres, parishioners, and lay people who came to him
for help. He was remembered not only as a priest but also as someone who cared
for bodily well-being with the same concern he showed for spiritual growth. His approach to healing was
consistent with his practical, compassionate way of tending to bodily as well
as spiritual needs.His readiness to share remedies, advice, and time
earned him the affectionate reputation of being a healer in both body and
spirit.
In a similar spirit of service, he helped many young
couples who were facing difficulties in begetting children, offering them
encouragement, practical suggestions and prayerful support while accompanying
them with sensitivity and compassion.
Personality and interests
Fr. Mathew was a man of conversation, thought, and quiet pleasures. He
enjoyed logical discussion and took delight in playing chess and other simple
pastimes. These interests reflected a personality that was thoughtful,
disciplined, and calm. He combined intellectual seriousness with humility, and
his ordinary pleasures were marked by the same simplicity that characterized
his priestly life.
Memories from confreres
The confreres of the Province of Kolkata have expressed deep affection and
gratitude for his life and witness:
- “Dear Fr. CL
Mathew, you will be remembered by us as an Educationist and a Pastor after
the heart of Don Bosco! Adieu and pray for us from heaven!” — Fr. Tomy
Mathew, SDB
- “You were
very affable, concerned to sick confrers and people in general and supply
medicine too taking nothing in return. You will be remembered for your
kindness.” — Br. Theophil, SDB
- “We have
lost a loving and effective pastor, a concerned social worker, a physician
with medicine and suggestions for good health.” — Fr. P. M. Mathew, SDB
- “Will always
cherish the memories of Bandel when you were principal and I was a
practical trainee.” — Fr. Tomy Augustine, SDB
- “I had lived
with him in my community at Kalyani years ago. I have fresh memories of
him since just 4 months ago I had met and chatted with him in DB
Azimganj!” — Fr. E. A. Thomas, SDB
- “Many
children in Ashalayam remember him fondly. His gentle and encouraging
presence is well remembered.” — Fr. C. J. George, SDB
- “Good Lord,
accept Fr. C. L. Mathew, your good servant through whom you continued your
salvific works...” — Sanjla Babu, SDB
- “I missed
Fr. C L Mathew as he left for eternal reward in heaven. He was so loving
and caring to me when I was in Don Bosco Azimganj. It was he who gave me
medicine for kidney stone during Corona pandemic when I was suffering
during those days. He helped all the poor people with medicine and counseling.
May God grant him eternal rest. Amen” – Fr. Xavier Lakra SDB
Funeral arrangements
A Requiem Mass was celebrated on 1 June 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Provincial
House Chapel, Kolkata. His mortal remains will be laid to rest at Bandel
Basilica on 4 June 2026 at 2:00 PM. Further details regarding memorial
services, if any, will be communicated by the Province.
How to Remember and Pray
Those who wish to mourn and give thanks for Fr. Mathew’s life are
encouraged to pray for the repose of his soul, to offer Masses or personal
prayers in his memory, and to support one another in this time of loss. In
memory of his lifelong service to youth and families, donations to Salesian
educational or boarding ministries may be made in his name if desired.
Closing tribute
Fr. C. L. Mathew will be remembered as a devoted Salesian, a loving and
effective pastor, a trusted confessor, a concerned social worker, and a healer
in both body and spirit. He embodied the Salesian spirit in a simple, pastoral,
and practical way. Beloved as a Priest-guide, a spiritual companion, and
respected as an educator and social worker, he leaves behind a legacy of quiet
charity and steadfast service. He served with humility, kindness, and practical
wisdom, leaving behind a legacy of quiet charity and faithful priestly ministry.
He will be remembered
for his pastoral care, his calm presence, and his unwavering commitment to
serving others without spite.
We have lost a loving
and effective pastor, a concerned social worker, a physician with medicine and
suggestions for good health and sound spirit. We entrust him now to God’s
merciful love and commend his soul to the prayers of the Church. May the Lord
reward his life of generous dedication and grant him eternal rest.
May he rest in peace.
- Soroj Mullick SDB, 1st June 2026, Nitika DB, Kol-15
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