Survey Promo
RVA App Promo Image

Father Joseph Mattam: A noted Indian theologian passes away

Jesuit Father Joseph Mattam (Photo supplied)

A noted Indian Jesuit theologian on May 29 passed away in Gujarat, western India.          

Father Joseph Mattam, a Jesuit of Gujarat Province, died at 9.55 in the evening at Jesuit Province Infirmary, Jeevan Darshan, Vadodara. He was 85.

He was 66 years in the Society of Jesus and 55 years as a priest.

His funeral was held at the Shrine of our Mother of Forsaken, Jeevan Darshan, Baroda on May 30. 

Mattam was the founder and dean of the Jesuit Regional Theology Seminary in Gujarat, Vadodara (Baroda). 

Though he hailed from Kerala, South India, he was a missionary in Gujarat state. 

He was a much sought-after theology professor in various theological institutes including Jesuit-run Vidyajyoti (Light of Knowledge) College of Theology, Delhi; Khristo Jyoti Mohavidyaloyo (light of Christ college), Sambalpur in Odisha and major seminaries.

Mattam was a member of the Fellowship of Indian Missiologists (an ecumenical association) and the Indian Theological Association.

Under the aegis of the Fellowship of Indian Missiologists, Father Mattam edited several books along with other ecumenical theology professors and missiologists. 

Besides, he was a regular invitee to speak at national and international forums on religious issues and the Indian Catholic Bishops’ Conference. 

His forte was writing on Theological and Scriptural issues. He wrote several books and articles in reputed national and international journals, magazines and periodicals on theology and current issues that affect India and society. 

“Father Mattam was an excellent teacher of mine,” said Jesuit Father P J Joseph from Calcutta.

Father Mattam will be remembered for his invaluable contribution to seminary training in India and theological education. 

 

Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.”  Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.