Fr Mathew Kannadan was born on 16 December 1938, in Nedumgapara, Ernakulam District. Joining the Society of Jesus on 17 May 1958, he did his Novitiate at Beschi College, Dindigul and pronounced the First Vows on 5 June 1960. He was ordained on 26 March 1972.

Fr Mathew’s diverse ministries included teaching at AKJM School, Kanjirapally, serving as Director, Sneharam, Anjengo, Parish Priest at Lady Immaculate Church, Ottappalam. He was the Student Counsellor at Pius X ITI, Edathua, Pastor at St Xavier’s Church, Navarangapura, Gujarat, and Spiritual Ministry at Prasanthi, Pachilakad and Ignatian Retreat Centre, Pariyaram. Fr Mathew was transferred to Christ Hall, Kozhikode in December 2022, for medical treatment. He peacefully passed away on 9 December 2023, and the funeral service was held the following day at Christ Hall.  Chapel and Cemetery. The ceremony, officiated by Fr Provincial, E.P. Mathew, included a heartfelt homily by Fr Raju Augustine, who emphasized Fr Mathew’s commitment to a life of poverty and simplicity.

Fr Mathew, hailing from a humble village, was a true sportsman, approaching every aspect of life with fervour and dedication. Fr Mathew’s life was marked by trust in the Lord, and commitment to the Gospel values, and reflected the joy of the Gospel.

– Raju Vattaparambil, SJ