Dr.John Matthai

Dr. John Matthai
(Honest John: A Life of John Matthai, Bakthiar K. Dadabhoy)

This is an authentic and critical work on the life, writings, and administrative talents of John Matthai, who lived and worked during the decisive years of India’s independence movement. He stood like a colossus among the politicians and administrators of both the pre- and post-independence periods. Though he did not owe allegiance to any political party, his counsel was eagerly sought by politicians and viceroys alike. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajagopalachari, and others were frequently in contact with him for one reason or another.

It is a tragedy that he could not remain long in some of the highest administrative positions he held in independent India. He was the first Railway Minister and the second Finance Minister of India. He took his responsibilities seriously and did not tolerate interference in his departments. His resignation as Finance Minister followed the creation of the Planning Commission of India, which he believed would encroach upon the functioning of the Ministry of Finance. Despite repeated requests from the Prime Minister to reconsider his decision, he remained firm. With his resignation, India lost a great administrator and financial expert. He harboured no ill feelings and was willing to continue serving the nation in other capacities, such as Chairman of the Tariff Commission. Later, he joined the Tata Group, where he had worked earlier. The Tatas regarded him as one of their own and welcomed his return.

Dr. Matthai was born into an Orthodox Christian family in Kottayam, Kerala. Later, when the family moved to Calicut, they began attending services at the CSI Church. After completing his studies at Madras Christian College, he went to England in 1913 for higher studies at the London School of Economics, with financial assistance from his brother, Cherian Matthai. He earned a D.Sc. from the London School of Economics and subsequently joined Balliol College, Oxford, to pursue a B.Litt. degree. He returned to Madras in 1918, and in 1922, Madras University appointed him as a part-time professor.

His marriage took place in 1921. His wife, Achamma, belonged to the Elanjikall family of E. John Jacob and had pursued her studies in Calcutta. One of the most painful experiences of his life was the untimely death of his beloved daughter, who had gone to the United States for higher studies and passed away there suddenly.

Dr. Matthai accepted the post of Vice-Chancellor of Bombay University but resigned due to differences with the Governor, who was also the Chancellor. He then returned to Kerala and settled in Thrissur at his family property. While residing there, he accepted the position of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kerala, maintaining his office in Thrissur. As his health deteriorated, he went to Bombay for medical examination at Tata, where he was serving as Chairman. It was then discovered that he was suffering from an advanced form of liver cancer, and doctors gave him little time to live. He passed away on November 2, 1959.

Prime Minister Nehru visited him in the hospital. Though they had differences of opinion, Nehru held him in great esteem. Dr. Matthai, however, did not share the same regard for Nehru.

At his passing, The Times of India wrote:

“In the death of Dr. John Matthai, the nation has lost a great public servant and an uncommon man. For more than four decades, he served his country with distinction, displaying a versatility rare in this age.”

 

A poem of Repentance

 Repentance

Lord, I have no words to describe
Your mercy and Your kindness.
You have been gracious and full of blessings.
In days when life was murky and encounters bitter,
Your mercy and kindness became my help and healing.

But I forgot Your mercy and Your kindness.
I wavered from the paths of righteousness and integrity.
I was foolish and misguided.
I walked along ways that were wrong and unholy.

My lapses, failures, and sins are many.
I do not know how I strayed so far.
Misled by thoughts and feelings impure,
I treated them as trifles of no significance.

Forgive me, Lord.
Send the rays of Your blessing
Upon my withered life and wayward heart.

As I look back, in the evening of my days,
On the paths I have trod,
Shame and repentance fill my soul.
Yet I marvel at how You have protected and guided me
Despite my many faults and failings.

Again and again, You gave me strength
To rise, to walk the right path,
To choose what is good and true.

Lord, Your mercy knows no bounds—
I thank You with tears of gratitude
For Your compassion and forgiveness.

And when my mind and body grow feeble,
When words of thanks can no longer be spoken,
Be with me still—
My strong shield and faithful protector.

Archbishop Mar Mathew Kavukatt

 Archbishop Mar  Mathew Kavukatt

For Eliot, many are hollow men —
Stuffed men, with no depth in their lives.
But once in a while, there arise souls
Like Arnold’s Scholar Gypsy —
Inspiring hearts, offering comfort and consolation.

Archbishop Mathew Kavukatt belonged to the rank of such great men,
Always finding time and offering his resources
For the welfare of those entrusted to his care.

Tall and lanky in appearance, endowed with a gentle, comforting voice,
He was rich in mercy and compassion.
Never did he reject a needy hand;
Always willing to help, always ready to soothe
Those who came to him in hope.

Oh, how I loved his words and quotations
Explaining the intricacies of Church doctrines,
Inviting everyone to draw closer
To Jesus, our Redeemer.
His words flowed with the sweetness of honey —
Never hurting or antagonizing,
But always guiding, showing the right way,
Helping people to overcome the storms and tribulations of life.

I was deeply touched by his counsel;
I will never forget the day he urged me
To pursue higher studies —
Opening before me the path of a teacher’s life.
It was his direction and encouragement
That inspired me to learn in universities
Across India and abroad.

Like the sequoias, whose towering heights
Dwarf the trees around them,
The Archbishop stands tall among all others
In his expression of mercy and compassion.

How lovely were his ways —
More tender than the roses and lilies in his garden.

He is with his heavenly Father now,
Yet his voice, his words, and his kind deeds
Live on in our hearts and memories.
Death does not touch the Archbishop,
Negating Willa Cather’s proposition —
For he lives forever,
Through his love and mercy
In the hearts of those he touched.

He is a shepherd, like his Master,
Willing to carry the lost sheep
Upon his shoulders.

 

Priestly Prayer

 Parce, Domine

A Priestly Reflection

O Lord, I have no words strong or beautiful enough
To convey my heart’s joy, my love, my gratitude.
I can only echo the words of Your great servant, Thomas Aquinas:
Laus et jubilatio — praise and joy.

The path I chose was marked by strain and denial,
Yet through those days of formation, of self-deprivation,
You guided me to a place of joy and peace.
In times of darkness and confusion,
You showed me the right path.

I remember Your call as I walked home after Mass,
Alone, my rosary beads slipping through my fingers.
To work for You and preach Your message
Became a silent mission within my heart.

Your call came decisively on that quiet walk from church.
I was sixteen; the world was opening lightly and brightly before me.
My friends planned for college and bright futures,
But You were already within me, strong and insistent.
I did not think of academic life or a prosperous career,
Though academically I was well-placed.

Yet You worked wonders in my life,
Granting me the grace to study both in India and abroad.
Your kindness and generosity defy words.

My years as a teacher, my time as a college president —
These were Your gifts, enabling me
To touch and guide the lives of many young people.
Countless were the chances You gave me
To help them blossom and bear fruit.
Seeing their growth and achievements,
My heart overflows with joy.

I knew the priestly life would demand sacrifice,
But You were always there — my support, my guide.
Through every phase of my priesthood,
I felt Your presence shining within me,
A radiant light revealing Your will.

Through storms and tribulations,
Through thick clouds and thunder,
Your light never ceased to shine.
You were my lodestar on this priestly journey.

Your words have made me gentle and compassionate.
Your walk upon the sea, and the words, “Do not be afraid” —
These have been the rock upon which I stand.

I remember, too, my failures and lapses,
My sins and falls.
Yet You were always there to lift me,
To set me on my feet again.
In those dark moments, Your words —
“I came to call sinners, not the righteous” —
Brought me courage and peace.

Is a priest’s life a gift or a mystery?
As the great evangelizer, Pope John Paul II, once asked.
I have seen, O Lord, Your hands stretched out upon the cross —
Hands not of wrath, but of caress,
Drawing me into the embrace of Your love.

Now, as the evening of my life
Approaches the shores of eternity,
I see red and orange rays
Breaking across the horizon of my days.
Friends depart. Conversations grow fewer.
The urge to labor fades.

And so I can only pray:

Parce, Domine, parce populo tuo;
Ne in aeternum irascaris nobis.

Spare, O Lord, spare Your people;
Be not angry with us forever.

 

Fr.Mathew Mepreth

 Fr. Mathew Mepreth

O Father, you were a true priest—
encouraging, loving, and inspiring.
Even in illness, when your eyes could no longer see,
your heart still reached out to others.

You spent your days asking about friends and colleagues,
their health, their ministry, their work.
With warm congratulations, gentle thoughts,
and kind words, you lifted spirits.

My own efforts in building academic institutions
were strengthened by your encouragement,
guided by your inspiring voice.
Your words, your calls, your greetings—
they remain fresh in my heart.

I often visited you,
and now those familiar places
feel distant, silent, and far away.

Yet you live on in my thoughts.
The memory of our friendship
will always stay with me.

Goodbye, dear Father.
May the Lord welcome you
into His eternal joy and peace

Goodbye, Sister

How can I ever describe you?
Your love, your humor, your gentle jokes remain with me.
Wherever I go, with whomever I speak,
your presence lingers—quiet, unseen, yet real.

Years have passed, days have rolled by,
but memories stay fresh, alive in my heart.
We never thought this day would come,
yet the Lord has called you home,
to share His eternal joy.

We thought your voice would always greet us
at the close of every day.
Your laughter and your playful words
soothed our hurts, lightened our burdens.
We dreamed our walks together
would never end.

But now your voice is stilled.
Your eyes no longer behold
the beauty of God’s creation.
Still, your laughter, your kindness,
your warmth remain with us.

No longer can we clasp your hand,
nor hear your cheerful welcome.
Goodbye, beloved Sister.
You rest with the Lord.

We, still on the way,
struggle to overcome our sins,
seeking to be purified,
that one day we may also rejoice
in the radiant sunshine of His love.

Goodbye—yet not forever.
We will hold fast to the memory
of those beautiful days and years,
until we meet again.

 

 

Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundathy Roy

 

“Mother Mary Comes to Me” by Arundhati Roy

This book is a biography of Mary Roy, written by her daughter Arundhati Roy. Yet, in many ways, it also becomes Arundhati’s own autobiography, since the lives of mother and daughter are deeply intertwined—sometimes even beyond her conscious awareness. As Arundhati recounts her mother’s struggles and triumphs, she simultaneously reveals the shaping of her own life.

Arundhati’s worldview, often marked by defiance of traditional moral codes, was shaped by the difficult treatment her mother endured in her youth. Despite rejection and harsh words, she maintained a bond with her mother, keeping the lines of communication open.

In this narrative, Arundhati reveals the pain of growing up deprived of her mother’s affection, the absence of her father, her struggles with identity, her rebellious choices, and her unconventional relationships. Eager to escape, she longed to leave her mother’s school in Kottayam and begin anew at an architecture college in Delhi. Though she worked part-time as an architect, she willingly abandoned it to take part in a documentary on village life—an early sign of her adventurous spirit and her fearless resilience in facing ordeals.

What surprises the reader is the unbroken thread of family ties, especially with her mother. Even though Mary Roy often used harsh and abusive words toward her, Arundhati kept a small flame of love alive—visiting her, and ultimately caring for her in her final days.

Mary Roy herself was a formidable figure. Her landmark legal battle at the Supreme Court of India against the Travancore Christian Succession Act secured equal inheritance rights for women, though it left her estranged from her family and community. She boldly started a school in Kottayam that grew into one of Kerala’s most respected institutions. Her courage, boldness, and uncompromising willpower were traits her daughter also carried forward.

Arundhati, drawing from her mother’s spirit, threw herself into rebellious movements, lending her voice and pen to the marginalized. She lived modestly in a single-room apartment, but with the publication of her first novel, The God of Small Things, her life transformed. The book’s worldwide success brought her wealth, fame, and the means to support social causes close to her heart.

What makes Mother Mary Comes to Me remarkable is how beautifully Arundhati integrates personal experience with literary expression. With fearless honesty, vivid imagery, and flawless diction, she crafts not just a biography of her mother, but also a testament to resilience, rebellion, and the unbreakable bond of love. It is, without doubt, a literary masterpiece.

My Reflections on Priesthood

 

The Priesthood: A Life of Service and Gratitude

Introduction

In today’s world, the relevance of priesthood is often questioned. Some dismiss it as outdated, while others feel disillusioned by priests who fail to reflect the compassion of Christ. Yet, priesthood remains a sacred calling—a life rooted in love for Jesus and sustained by His grace. My own journey as a priest has been shaped by this love, expressed in teaching, pastoral ministry, and daily encounters with people.

The Heart of Priesthood

At its core, priesthood is not about titles, projects, or positions. As Cardinal Walter Kasper reminds us, what truly matters is reflecting Christ’s compassion. Henri Nouwen described priests as “wounded healers,” reminding us that imperfection is not a barrier but a channel for God’s mercy. Archbishop Fulton Sheen put it simply: the difference between a priest and a prisoner is only that the former was not caught.

Priests must always return to their identity: to be, above all, priests of Jesus Christ. Administrative roles may come, but their mission remains the same—to make Christ present in the world.

Qualities of a Priest Today

Fr. Peter Stravinskas identifies essential qualities for priests in modern times:

• Courage of conviction in faith

• Confidence without arrogance

• Enthusiasm and passion for Christ

• Joy grounded in eternity

• Scholarship and ongoing learning

• Prudence, courtesy, and dignity

These qualities rest on timeless foundations: prayer, obedience, and chastity.

A Teacher and Guide

Some of my happiest memories are of guiding students. On several occasions, I was able to support gifted young people who faced financial difficulties. Many went on to become doctors, engineers, and leaders in their fields. These experiences showed me that priesthood is not only about preaching but also about opening doors for others and nurturing their God-given potential.

Pastoral Ministry in the U.S.

After retiring from college teaching, I served in parish ministry in the United States. These years were deeply fulfilling. Preaching the Word of God and celebrating the Eucharist gave me great joy. Parishioners encouraged me, and on one occasion, a congregation even applauded after my homily—a rare and humbling experience.

Such moments confirmed my belief that the priest’s task is to make Christ present through word and sacrament. For this grace, I remain profoundly grateful.

Celibacy: A Gift and Challenge

Celibacy is both a demanding challenge and a profound gift. Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa observes that celibacy without deep love for Christ becomes a burden, but lived in love, it becomes spiritually fruitful. It requires humility, discipline, companionship, and constant reliance on God’s grace.

The joyful witness of a priest who lives celibacy authentically is itself one of the strongest invitations to new vocations.

Weakness and Mercy

Like all people, priests carry weakness and sin. I often feel unworthy of my calling. Yet, as Thomas Merton writes, our poverty is the soil in which God plants His desire. Henri Nouwen’s vision of priests as “wounded healers” is deeply consoling: our brokenness can become the very place where God’s mercy shines.

Companions on the Journey

Spiritual writers like Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen have been great companions in my priesthood. Merton’s The Seven Storey Mountain first inspired me in seminary, and visiting his grave at Gethsemane Abbey was a moving experience. Nouwen’s The Wounded Healer affirmed that priests minister out of their own woundedness. These writers remind us that the priestly life, though fragile, is always carried by grace.

Gratitude and the Eucharist

Ultimately, the priestly life is one of gratitude. Every day is a gift; every act of ministry is grace. Gratitude finds its highest expression in the Eucharist, the supreme act of thanksgiving. In celebrating it, the priest unites himself to Christ’s self-offering and becomes a living witness of God’s love.

Conclusion

Priesthood is not a profession but a vocation—a life lived close to Jesus, rooted in gratitude, and sustained by His mercy. It is a call to reflect His love and compassion, even in weakness. To be a priest is to stand as a sign of Christ’s presence in the world, a task beyond human strength but made possible through God’s unfailing grace.