Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Alakkalam MCBS
Architect and Founder of the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (MCBS)
Full Name: Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Alakkalam MCBS (also spelled Alakulam in some historical records)
Born: 30 March 1888, Poovathode, near Bharananganam, Palai Diocese, Kerala, India
Ordained Priest: 21 December 1913 by Mar Thomas Kurialassery
Co-Founder of MCBS: 7 May 1933, together with Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Paredom MCBS
Perpetual Profession: 12 September 1948
Died: 21 December 1977
Burial: MCBS Mother House Church, Kaduvakkulam, Kerala (MCBS Congregation)
Introduction
Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Alakkalam MCBS is revered as the architect and founder of the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (MCBS), one of the most vibrant religious congregations of the Syro-Malabar Church. Together with Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Paredom MCBS, he laid the foundations of a congregation centered on the Eucharist, missionary zeal, and the renewal of Christian life.
A gifted priest, theologian, retreat preacher, writer, editor, educator, and spiritual guide, Fr. Mathew dedicated more than six decades of priestly ministry to proclaiming the mystery of the Holy Eucharist and fostering a deep life in the Holy Spirit. His vision continues to shape the identity and apostolic mission of the MCBS Congregation across India and many parts of the world. (MCBS Congregation)
Early Life
Fr. Mathew Alakkalam was born on 30 March 1888 in Poovathode, near Bharananganam, in present-day Kerala. He grew up in a devout Catholic family where faith, prayer, and love for the Church formed the foundation of his character.
From his early years he displayed exceptional intelligence, discipline, and spiritual sensitivity. After completing his primary and secondary education, he joined Puthenpally Seminary as a seminarian of the Archdiocese of Changanacherry, where he distinguished himself through his academic excellence and deep spirituality. (MCBS Congregation)
Priestly Ordination
On 21 December 1913, Fr. Mathew was ordained a priest by Mar Thomas Kurialassery, one of the great leaders of the Syro-Malabar Church.
From the beginning of his priesthood, he combined pastoral zeal with intellectual depth, becoming known as a priest who could both teach and inspire.
A Zealous Pastor
Before founding the MCBS Congregation, Fr. Mathew served in several parishes, including:
- Kurusumkal
- Koonammavu
- Mundankal
- Cheruvandoor
- Elamthottam
- Pravithanam
- Poovathode
- Edamaraku
Wherever he ministered, he became known for:
- Reverent celebration of the Holy Qurbana.
- Inspiring preaching.
- Compassionate pastoral care.
- Promotion of Eucharistic devotion.
- Formation of the laity in the faith. (MCBS Congregation)
Scholar and Teacher
Fr. Mathew possessed an extraordinary love for learning.
In 1919, he was appointed Professor of Syriac at Puthenpally Seminary, where he formed generations of future priests.
His expertise extended beyond language to theology, Sacred Scripture, liturgy, and spirituality. He emphasized that scholarship should always deepen one’s love for Christ and His Church rather than remain merely academic.
Secretary to Bishop Mar James Kalacherry
When Mar James Kalacherry became Bishop of Changanacherry, he selected Fr. Mathew as his first secretary, reflecting the bishop’s confidence in his wisdom, prudence, and administrative ability.
During this period, Fr. Mathew also contributed significantly to diocesan initiatives, including:
- Organizing pastoral ministries.
- Supporting clergy formation.
- Strengthening charitable works.
- Helping establish the Orphanage Press.
- Promoting the Priests’ Provident Fund for the welfare of clergy. (MCBS Congregation)
Vision for a New Religious Congregation
The early twentieth century witnessed a renewed emphasis on:
- Eucharistic spirituality.
- Missionary outreach.
- Religious life in the Syro-Malabar Church.
Fr. Mathew and Fr. Joseph Paredom shared a common desire to establish a religious congregation that would unite:
- Eucharistic adoration.
- Community life.
- Missionary activity.
- Priestly holiness.
- Evangelization.
With the approval of Mar James Kalacherry, their vision became a reality.
Foundation of the MCBS Congregation
On 7 May 1933, at Mallappally Mission Church (now St. Athanasius Church, Nedungadappally), Fr. Mathew Alakkalam and Fr. Joseph Paredom formally founded the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (MCBS).
The congregation was established during the Holy Year of the Redemption, emphasizing its Eucharistic and missionary identity.
Today, the MCBS is a religious congregation of pontifical right serving in numerous dioceses across India and abroad. Its members engage in parish ministry, retreat preaching, education, healthcare, social service, missionary work, and the promotion of Eucharistic spirituality. (Emmaus Retreat Centre)
Mystic of the Holy Eucharist
Fr. Mathew’s spirituality centered on the Blessed Sacrament.
He believed that the Eucharist was:
- The source of priestly holiness.
- The heart of missionary activity.
- The center of Christian life.
- The strength of every apostolate.
One of his best-known sayings reflects his profound Eucharistic devotion:
“Praised be to the most Holy Mystery of the Eucharist, full of goodness and glory. Let there be worship and glory to the most Blessed Sacrament, as innumerable times as there are stars in heaven and clouds in the sky.” (MCBS Congregation)
Apostle of the Holy Spirit
Fr. Mathew was renowned for his dynamic preaching on the Holy Spirit.
His sermons were so influential that people affectionately called him the:
“Loud Speaker of the Holy Spirit.”
He travelled extensively, often on foot, conducting parish missions and retreats throughout Kerala. His preaching emphasized:
- Personal conversion.
- Eucharistic devotion.
- Repentance.
- Renewal through the Holy Spirit.
- Fidelity to the Church.
His retreats inspired countless priests, religious, and lay faithful to deepen their relationship with Christ. (MCBS Rajasthan)
Literary Contributions
Fr. Mathew was one of the leading Catholic writers of his generation.
His contributions include:
- Founding editor of Vedaprachara Madhyasthan, the official publication of the Archdiocese of Changanacherry.
- Sub-editor of the magazine Eucharist and Priest.
- Author of 24 theological and spiritual books.
- Numerous articles on theology, Scripture, Eucharistic spirituality, and the Christian life.
His writings helped shape the spiritual formation of clergy and laity alike and remain an important part of the MCBS heritage. (MCBS Congregation)
Leadership Style
Fr. Mathew combined intellectual brilliance with profound humility.
He encouraged:
- Simplicity of life.
- Obedience to the Church.
- Deep prayer.
- Missionary courage.
- Eucharistic worship.
- Fraternal charity.
He believed that a missionary’s effectiveness depended first on holiness rather than activity.
Final Years
Even in his later years, Fr. Mathew continued writing, preaching, and guiding the congregation he had helped establish.
He remained deeply devoted to the Blessed Sacrament and spent much of his time in prayer, encouraging younger priests and religious to preserve the original charism of the congregation.
He entered eternal life on 21 December 1977.
His mortal remains were buried at the MCBS Mother House Church, Kaduvakkulam. In 2009, the remains of the two founders were reverently exhumed and temporarily reinterred during the preparation of a common founders’ shrine, reflecting the congregation’s continuing devotion to its founders. (MCBS Congregation)
Spiritual Legacy
Fr. Mathew Alakkalam’s legacy continues through the worldwide mission of the MCBS Congregation.
His vision remains visible in:
- Eucharistic spirituality.
- Retreat ministries.
- Missionary evangelization.
- Catholic education.
- Formation of seminarians.
- Social outreach.
- Parish ministry.
- Publications and theological formation.
His life demonstrates that authentic missionary work flows from a deep encounter with Christ in the Eucharist.
Spiritual Lessons from Fr. Mathew Alakkalam
1. The Eucharist Is the Heart of Christian Life
He taught that every apostolate should begin and end before the Blessed Sacrament.
2. Holiness Precedes Mission
Missionary success depends first on personal union with Christ.
3. Love the Holy Spirit
He continually urged Christians to listen to and cooperate with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
4. Use Knowledge in Service of Faith
His scholarship was always directed toward building up the Church and forming disciples.
5. Build for Future Generations
His greatest achievement was not merely founding a congregation but establishing a spiritual heritage that continues to inspire thousands.
Selected Quotations
Among the sayings attributed to Fr. Mathew are:
“Stir up the faith in the Holy Sacrament in the measure in which it is losing ground.” (MCBS Congregation)
“Praised be to the most Holy Mystery of the Eucharist, full of goodness and glory.” (MCBS Congregation)
These words summarize the mission that shaped his priesthood and the congregation he co-founded.
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1888 | Born at Poovathode near Bharananganam |
| 1913 | Ordained a priest |
| 1919 | Appointed Professor of Syriac at Puthenpally Seminary |
| 1920s | Served as secretary to Bishop Mar James Kalacherry and contributed to diocesan initiatives |
| 7 May 1933 | Founded the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (MCBS) |
| 1948 | Made perpetual profession in the congregation |
| 1977 | Died after more than six decades of priestly service |
Conclusion
Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Alakkalam MCBS was more than a founder—he was a visionary priest, theologian, preacher, and spiritual father whose life was entirely centered on Christ in the Eucharist. His collaboration with Fr. Joseph Paredom gave birth to the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, a congregation that continues to proclaim the Eucharistic mystery and serve the Church across the world.
His example of prayer, scholarship, missionary zeal, and unwavering devotion to the Blessed Sacrament continues to inspire priests, religious, and lay faithful. As the “Architect of MCBS” and a “Mystic of the Holy Eucharist,” Fr. Mathew Alakkalam remains a shining model of priestly holiness and missionary commitment.
Leave a Reply