Date of Birth: 27-12-1865

Ordination to Priesthood: 10-04-1893

Joining the Congregation: 31-07-1933

Religious Profession: 15-08-1937

Death: 28-01-1943

Paremakel has been a historically important house name from the time of Rev. Dr. Thomas Paremakel who accompanied Rev Dr. Joseph Kariyattil on his journey to Rome and Lisbon, Portugal, in an effort to bring about unity in church in South India. Later he happened to administer the church as Governador, and write the first travelogue in Malayalam, Varthamanapusthakam. Fr. Mathew Paremakel was a descendent of such a great family. He was born on 27-12-1865. He was baptised at his home-parish Kadanad.

After the preliminary studies at the village school he was sent to St. Ephrem’s School, Mannanam, where he carried on his studies staying at the boarding run by CMI fathers. During his school years he developed a liking for spiritual matters and even an inclination for a vocation to priesthood. Thus he made use of the opportunity to learn Latin language which was essential for priestly studies those days. After a very successful completion of  his high school studies, with due permission from the bishop, he sought for and obtained admission at the Puthenpally Seminary, Varapuzha. At the seminary he turned out to be very resourceful and made use of every facility available for his spiritual and academic growth. He was ordained to priesthood on 10-04-1893.

Bishop Charles Livinge of Changanassery identifying the specific qualities of his personality appointed Fr. Mathew Paremakel as his secretary. Fr. Mathew has been an inspiring and powerful preacher and he could serve as an able interpreter between the Bishop and the people. He also held the position of the Rector of the St. Berchmen’s English School Boarding. Also during time of Bishop Mathew Makkiyil he served as the secretary. As he has been a very resourceful person he was chosen to serve in the diocesan council during the time of Bishop Thomas Kurialassery and Bishop James Kalassery.

Fr. Mathew Paremakel has been a good pastor and has served as Vicar in parishes like Bharananganam, Athirampuzha, Cherpumkal and Kadanad. People liked his ministry, especially his homilies. Although a very successful pastor he has always been haunted by a liking for religious life. While serving as vicar at Kadanad for a second time he shared to the bishop his plan to join the newly founded mcbs congregation. He was also privileged to join the group of pilgrims from Kerala who visited Holy Land and pilgrim centres in Rome, Lisieux, and Loured etc. during the Great Jubilee Year of Redemption (1933-34).

Fr. Paremakel joined the mcbs on 31-07-1933, at a time when the congregation did not have even a house of its own. At the time the members were living in the minimum facilities of the hostel building at Parel. He started his novitiate on 05-05-1937 together with the first batch of novices, all of them priests, and made his profession on 15-08-1937. As a religious he spent his days in intense prayer before the Holy Eucharist and reading spiritual books. He was very kind and affable to everyone in the community. He helped and cooperated with the founding fathers  in their efforts to lead the community along the path of growth and development.

He spent his final years at Karimpany Ashram. Although he has had a number of health issues he always strived his best not to be a burden to others and be at peace with everyone. As he grew very weak he was administered the sacrament of anointing by Rev. Fr. Cyriac Mannanal, the Vicar Superior. On 28-01-1943, at age of 78, surrounded by the members of the community in prayer, Fr. Mathew Paremakel was called to eternal rest in the Lord. The funeral service was on the following day at Karimpany Ashram. As the bishop was on a journey outside the state he could not attend the funeral. Rev. Fr. George Karuvelil preached the homily highlighting Fr. Mathew’s ministries and spiritual outlook that is to be cherished by everyone. The funeral was attended by the members of the congregation, large number of priests and sisters, huge crowed of laity from various parishes, friends and relatives.