Studies & Formation:
Secondary Education:St. George’s High School, Muttar 1967
Hr.Secondary: St. Aloysius College Edathua
Graduation: St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi 1973 - 1975
Post Graduate Study: Delhi School Of Economics, Delhi 1984-1986
Apostolic Assignments:
Novitiate: X.T.T. I, Patna 1970-1972
Juniorate: X.T.T. I, Patna 1972-1973
Philosophy: De Nobili, Pune 1976-1978
Regency Yr 1: Sanjivan Niwas 1978-1979
Regency Yr 2: Masihi Gurukul 1979-1980
Theology: Vidya Jyothi, Delhi 1980-1984
Tertianship: Sacred Heart College Shembaganur 1989
Ordination: St. Mary’s Church, Thuruthy 1983
Final Vows: X.T.T. I, 1991
Rector Minor Seminary: Muzaffarpur 1986-1988
Parish Priest: Catholic Church Chuharhi 1983-1989
Director: Sanjivan Niwas 1991-1994
Parish Priest: Catholic Church Darbhanga 1994-2000
Priest in Charge: Dadarwara 2001-2003
Parish Priest: Catholic Church Darbhanga 2003-2005
Parish Priest: Catholic Church Dadarwara 2005-2007
Minister: X.T.T.I, 2007-2009
Parish Priest: Catholic Church Koath 2009
Parish Priest: Catholic Church Dumraon 2009-2012
Co-Pastor in Chenari and Coordinator Charismatic Renewal Buxar Diocese 2013 -2018
Retreat Ministry: Fathima Matha Susamachar Kendra 2018- 2021
Xavier Bhawan 3 July 2021 to 15 Oct. 2025
Larg number of priests along with the Archbishop of Patna Archdiocese, a good number of Priests along with the bishop of Muzaffarpur diocese and some priests along with the bishop of Buxar diocese were present for the funeral service of Fr. Mathew Kattathara at XTTI, Patna. Three of his brothers along with six other close relatives from different parts of India were also present for his final rites.
Fr. Mathew spent most of his priestly life as pastor in different parishes across Bihar, taking care of the Christian communities. He was truly a man for others, a shepherd who guided, a counsellor who listened and a brother who prayed with and for his people. At Dadarwara, near Darbhanga, he organized the nearby villagers and formed 50 self-help groups so that their dependency on the money lenders could be reduced.
He also spent a few years in formation and retreat ministry. He played a pivotal role in the formation of diocesan seminarians and Jesuit scholastics. He was very much loved by his parishioners and formees. He was always at the service of those who needed his help. He was very compassionate and understanding. He put his heart and soul into all the responsibilities assigned to him.
Though he suffered from diabetes and poor eyesight, he bore his condition with faith and courage. Whenever he was asked about his health, his answer was always, “I am fine”. In the early hours of 15 October 2025, feast of St. Teresa of Avila, he was clapping and singing praises to the Lord. Then, with a gentle hiccup, he breathed his last at 1.20 a.m., a priest who lived and died in praise of God.
As we commend him to the Lord, we are consoled by the words of St. Paul that so fittingly summarize his life and hope:“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.”(2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Today, as we say our final goodbye, let us give thanks for the gift of Fr. Mathew’s life and priesthood, and let us pray that he may now share fully in the eternal joy of Christ, the Good Shepherd.Fr. John was a very community-oriented person who valued community life. He was very lively during community recreation after supper and he enjoyed a game of cards. He was very human in his dealings with others. As a superior, he trusted his men and had confidence in them and brought out the best in them. Many young members in the community couldn’t believe that the superior could shout, fight, joke and laugh aloud. He had no inhibitions and was transparent in his dealings with others.
(Fr. Jose Thayil, SJ)
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