OBITUARY

Br Mathew Puthiedom, S.J.

(1.10.1934-30.07.2024)

Born on 1, October 1934 at Eachome, Br Mathew Puthiedom fulfilled his mission on earth and is called back by the Divine Master to himself on 30, July 2024. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.  Enter into the joy of your master.” This Gospel verse is truly applicable to him.

Fr Zucol was his Vocation Promoter and Br Mathew joined the Society in 1954 as a novice at Christ Hall, followed by two years of Juniorate.  After his Tertianship in Shembaganur, Br. Mathew pronounced his final vows in Christ Hall in 1966.  He served the Society of Jesus as a highly energetic and resourceful person in St. Michael’s, Kannur, and L.F. Orphanage in Mattool, Vimala Estate, Vellarikundu, Loyola School and Boarding house, Trivandrum, AKJM Kanjirapally and in the Bishop’s House, Kozhikode.  He also served as Minister of the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Jerusalem, Israel for many years. For four years he served as the person in charge of the farm in De Nobili College, Pune.  Later he took charge of the farm at Prasanthi, Pachilakkad.  In 2015 Br. Mathew joined the community of Loyola, Mukundara as Sub Minister and in-charge of the farm.  From 2021 June he was leading a retired life in Christ Hall, Kozhikode.

Br Mathew was a highly efficient, responsible and generous person.  Whatever job he was entrusted with, he would leave no stone unturned in its execution. And so he was entrusted with ever more important duties and charges which he carried out with extraordinary dedication and commitment. Br Mathew gave prime importance to his spiritual life.  He never skipped his spiritual duties including Holy mass, and the sacrament of reconciliation.  He drew strength from the daily Holy Eucharist for his hectic daily chores.  He was also a good Jesuit companion to all the Jesuits with whom he lived. Br Mathew enjoyed reading.  In the evenings he would find time to read some catholic publications and newspapers.  He enjoyed travelling and sight-seeing and he had ample opportunities to go round the world enjoying the hospitality of the universal Society especially in the U.S., Europe and in the various provinces of India.  He was absolutely well prepared to be united with the Lord with a clear conscience with absolutely an innocent heart, testifies Fr Thaiparambil, his spiritual guide at Christ Hall. Br Mathew was generous; he gave without counting the cost; he toiled without seeking for rest; he fought without heeding the wounds; he worked without asking for reward.  He is a model for us and an intercessor for us in heaven.

Syriac Panjikaran