Diphu: Fr. Mathew Thomas Vellaramparampil, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Diphu in Assam and the parish priest of Japrajan parish passed away on 6th February due to heart attack.
Fr. Mathew was born to Thomas Mathai and Theresa of Vellaramparampil family on January 31, 1949 at Vedagiri parish in the Archdiocese of Changanachery, Kerala.
In the year 1965 he joined St. Thomas Minor Seminary, Mylapore then studied Philosophy and theology at Sacred Heart Seminary, Poonamalle and was ordained a priest on January 16, 1977.
Fr. Mathew has worked as an assistant Parish priest in Mawkyrwat and Mawbri in Meghalaya, also in Sonaiguli and Dokmoka, Assam. He worked as Parish priest in Dokmoka, Umrongso, Diphu, Dhansiri, Japrajan and the Rector of Mission Home, Manja in the diocese of Diphu, Assam. From 1999 till his death he was the chancellor of Diphu diocese.
On February 7 morning, Holy Eucharist was offered for Fr. Mathew at Holy Family Church Japrajan and his mortal remains were brought to Diphu.
The funeral rites took place on February 8 at Cathedral of the Risen Lord at Diphu under the leadership of Fr. John Timung, the vicar general of the diocese of Diphu and the cathedral parish priest.
Fr. Tomy Palely the financial administrator of the diocese welcomed the gathering. “The life and ministry of Fr. Mathew can be aptly summarised in the words of the Bible, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim.4.7). His faith helped him to face bravely the cares and struggles of this world. It is the unwavering faith of Fr. Mathew that made him a daring and zealous missionary, a compassionate and loving priest to all. We are sad because we feel a vacuum in our life, however, it is the beginning of a new life”.
Eulogies were given by Bishop James Thoppil of Kohima diocese from Nagaland, Bishop Akasisus Toppo from Tezpur Diocese, Mr. Lijo Francis the nephew of Fr. Mathew, Mr. Jasmin Hanse from Umrongso parish, Mr. Kensing from Japrajan parish, Mr. Cosmos Ekka from Dokmoka parish, Fr. Joseph Teron the vice provincial of Guwahati Salesian province, Fr. Cyriac SDB, Sr. Roselinda AC, and by Fr. Dominc Teron the president of the diocesan fraternity of Diphu diocese and the parish priest of Langhenpi. “I was his hostel boy in Umrongso parish, whenever he saw a beautiful thing or place like shady trees or rocks he would say: it is a nice place to pray. Every nice place he will dedicate to God. For him, everything was for Jesus and all for the love of Jesus . God became the honour of his life. Life is beautiful and death is more beautiful for those who love God. He came from Kerala to NEI particularly for Diphu diocese to work for 44 years” said Fr.Dominic.
Bishop Paul Mattekatt the Bishop of Diphu speaking during the mass said, “Thy will be done, this is all that we say in the face of the sudden passing away of Fr.Mathew. He has called the best and the most experienced from among the priests of Diphu. On Friday (5th February) he was with us at Diphu, attending to so many needed works and on Saturday (6th February) during the day he met so many parents along with their children. And in the evening he just collapsed and passed away”.
Bishop Paul continued, “I have known Fr.Mathew from the year 1983, when I started as a regent brother under him at Dokmoka. That friendship matured and he was a friend and a counselor who made the least demands. His needs were bare minimum; apart from the austere meals, a few pairs of essential clothes and nothing more. He lived profoundly during his 44 years of priesthood. His life of prayer was consistent and exemplary. He always motivated others to join him in prayer by the example of his own prayer life. His sermons were short and simple. Every child could understand him, because he preached more by his life actions than by his words. He also had the rare ability to connect with all. One of the things I have learned from him is the way he treated people who came to him. Anyone who came to meet him at the presbytery he would invite for a cup of tea”.
Archbishop John Moolachira the Archbishop of Guwahati who was the main celebrant in his homily described Fr. Mathew as a “holy and prayerful person who lived a simple and humble life. He was a brother to other priests and religious of the diocese and a father and friend to all”.
Fr.Thomas Maripurath speaking during the homily shared the life and ministry of Fr.Mathew. “In the year 1965, a 16-year-old teenager left his home, parents and brothers and sisters and the wealth that belonged to him and traveled to become a missionary priest in the NEI. Because of his love for the people of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts he opted for the Diocese of Diphu. He was a sincere and exemplary priest and lead his life according to the gospel values. He was a true missionary who worked totally and fully for the spread of the Gospel. He was even arrested and was put in jail for preaching to the Boro community of Dokmoka. People who met him and talked to him were drawn to Christ because his life was radiating God’s love and compassion”.
The life of a wonderful Catholic priest with the mind and heart of Jesus, an excellent ecumenist with endearing human values, promoter of sports and games especially volleyball has completed his earthly life. The legacy he leaves behind is rich and varied and needs to be continued with God’s grace.