(06.06.1937- 04.05.2019)

Fr Mathew Nampiaparambil left for his eternal reward in the early hours on May 4, 2019. Though he was suffering from ailments related to his spine in recent years, such an imminent death was least expected. Doctors declared heart failure as the cause. Last October he had moved from Lumen, Kochi to Christ Hall, Kozhikode for better medical and nursing care. With a cheerful face he was moving around in his wheel-chair, often making himself available to people who lined up for the sacrament of penance. He was laid to rest on May 5 in the presence of his family members, friends, priests and religious.

Fr Mathew (Fr Nampi as he was fondly called) was born on June 6, 1937 at Vazhakulam in Ernakulam district. After his school education at Vazhakulam, he completed his Pre-Degree in Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha and B.Sc Physics in St Joseph’s College, Trichy. He entered the Society of Jesus on July 01, 1958 at Beschi College, Dindigul. After doing his Novitiate and Juniorate in Dindigul, he moved up to Sacred Heart College, Shembaganurand for his philosophy studies. Later, he obtained MSc (Physics) and M.Phil degrees from St Joseph’s College, Trichy. After his theological studies in St Mary’s College, Kurseong, he was ordained a priest on March 14, 1970 in St Dominic’s Church, Kanjirapally. He made his final commitment in the Society on December 08, 1976 at St Xavier’s College, Thiruvananthapuram.

Fr Nampi served at various places in different capacities. Soon after his ordination he joined St. Xavier’s College, Thumba as Lecturer in 1971 and became its Principal in 1981. He moved to St Aloysius College, Edathua as Principal in 1990. Simultaneously he was Superior and Manager of Pius X ITC, Edathua. In 1993 he was appointed as Manager of Vimala Estate, Vellarikundu. After two years of stint there, he was invited to be Principal of the newly started Immanuel College, Vazhachal near Neyyattinkara. He served as Superior and Manager of St Joseph’s HSS and St Joseph’s Junior School, Kozhikode from 1999 to 2005. Then he returned to St Xavier’s College, Thumba as Rector and Manager. His last appointment was to Lumen-Jyothis, Kochi as Superior from 2010 to 2016 and then as Treasurer till he moved to Kozhikode in 2018 for better medical care.

Fr Nampi was not a man with extraordinary talents and skills. But he succeeded in whatever job he was entrusted with. Many a time he was sent to the midst of troublesome situations, and proved to be a skilled trouble shooter. This was very true in his appointment as Principal of St Xavier’s College, Thumba and St. Aloysius College, Edathua. In all these places he succeeded to restore peace and unity, thanks to the power of his total dedication to the task. “Fr Nampi is the first person to reach the institution in the morning and the last one to leave in the evening,” people used to say. He would make himself adept with the rules and regulations concerning the work and systematically keep files and records.

Fr Nampi was always aware of his limitations. He would make up for that by roping in people with knowledge and skills. He had no pretentions and egoistic pride in seeking help from others. Fr Nampi was known for his availability and generosity - to shoulder any responsibility that the Society placed on him. The varied nature of his work is proof of that. He was trained to work in the field of higher education, and about twenty-five years of his active life was devoted to that field. The rest of the years saw him as Manager of an estate, Rector, Superior and Treasurer. Twice his services were lent to different dioceses to head their colleges. What is significant is that Fr Nampi had no enemies. He would never keep grudge against those who might have hurt him on various occasions. He was blessed with an army of friends and he would gladly spend time and verve to relish their friendship.

Fr Nampi was a person who placed his trust in God’s grace than in human capability. He was scrupulously faithful to his spiritual duties. One would see him spending long hours in prayer, particularly when surrounded by problems. Fr Nampi will be remembered for the generous  service rendered to thousands of students and his  genuine acts of love and friendship. Now that he has merged into eternity, may the Good Lord reward his faithful servant for all his goodness as a committed Jesuit.

 

Fr Sunny Jose