Fr. Mathew Nampiaparambil left for his eternal reward on 4th May, 2019. Though suffering from spine-related ailments, nobody suspected that the end would be so soon. 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, greeting people and helping in sacramental ministry.  

Fr. Mathew (Nampi, as he was fondly called) was born on 6th June, 1937, at Vazhakulam in Kerala. He completed his degree studies at St Joseph’s College, Trichy, and entered the Society in 1958. After his ordination in 1970, he was assigned to teach Physics at St. Xavier’s College, Thumba. He served as its Principal from 1981 to 1990. He served as Principal of two other colleges also, viz. St Aloysius College, Edathua, and Immanuel College, Vazhachal. Often Fr. Nampi was sent to difficult situations since he was seen as a skilled trouble shooter. His total dedication to the work was the secret of his success. “Fr. Nampi is the first person to reach the college in the morning and the last to leave,” people used to say. 

Fr. Nampi was not a man with extraordinary talents, but he was skilled in roping in people with talent into his team. He had no pretensions and egoistic pride in seeking their help. He had no enemies either. He would never keep a grudge against those who might have hurt him. So he was blessed with an army of friends everywhere. He placed his trust in God’s grace rather than in human capacity. He will be fondly remembered by his numerous friends, collaborators and students. He will remain in their hearts though he is no longer in our midst.

• Sunny Jose, SJ