Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church -38
Rev. Dr. Mathew Mundadan C.M.I.
Rev. Dr. Mathew Mundadan, a renowned theologian and historian in the church scene in India, was born on November 12, 1923, in the Mundadan family of Karinkathuruth in Ernakulam district, as the son of Vareeth Therese and his wife. After completing his high school education, he joined the C.M.I. (Carmelite of Mary Immaculate) Congregation in 1940. Following initial training, he made his first vow in 1945. He completed his priestly education and was ordained in 1953. In 1954, he earned an M.Th. degree from the Pontifical Athenaeum in Pune.
After his ordination, he was appointed to teach theological students in Aluva for a year. Following this, he was sent to Rome for further studies. In 1957, he earned a licentiate and in 1960, a doctorate from the Gregorian University in Rome. Upon returning home, he was appointed as a teacher at Dharmaram College and Dharmaram Vidyakshetram in Bangalore (1960 to 1990). During this period, he served as the Rector of Dharmaram College from 1975 to 1978 and as the President of Dharmaram Vidyakshetram from 1976 to 1980 (then known as Dharmaram Pontifical Institute). He also served as the Provincial Superior of the C.M.I. Congregation (Kalamassery) three times, from 1975 to 1978 and from 1990 to 1996. In 1996, he established the Jeevas Center in Aluva, where he currently serves as the founding director. He has consistently succeeded in fulfilling his responsibilities with dedication and complete commitment.
The various books and numerous articles written by him reflect his profound knowledge and insights into theology and church history. His simple lifestyle, noble thought process, and narrative style have become a hallmark of his personality. His research papers and articles have earned him a prominent place in both national and international publications. He is a renowned spiritual teacher and educator. His major works include:
Arrival of the Portuguese in India and the St. Thomas Christians (1498-1552) (1967)
16th Century Traditions of St. Thomas Christians (1970)
History of Christianity in India (1984) – A new edition was published in 2001
Indian Christians Search for Identity and Struggle for Autonomy (1984)
History and Beyond (1997)
Paths of Indian Theology (1998)
The Tomb of St. Thomas (1974)
Indian Christian Churches (2003)
In addition to these, he has written six small books and about sixty research papers.
Father Mundadan is a member of various national and international associations. He is also the convener of the St. Thomas Christian Academy for Research, the general editor of the History of Christianity series, the associate editor of the Indian Church History Review published from Bangalore, and has been involved in the publication of Tanim and Third Millennium. He is also a member of the editorial boards of several periodicals and has played a pivotal role in the formation and progress of the Church History Association of India and the St. Thomas Academy for Research. He is a member of the Indian Theological Association and the Indian History Congress.
In recognition of his tireless work, the Kerala History Congress awarded him the M.O. Joseph Nedumkunnam Award. The Alloor Better Life Movement honored him with the Kerala Church Star Award in 2003. The Kerala Church Star Award citation states:
“Rev. Dr. Mathew Mundadan C.M.I. is a distinguished theologian and historian in the church field in India. With over fifty years of experience in historical research, he is a unique talent who has made a significant impact on the history of the Indian Church. He is an exceptional theologian with extraordinary research skills and creative thinking. His dedicated efforts aim to integrate the Church’s and the world’s thoughts with Christ. He has refined his Christian philosophy against societal inequalities and strives to address the inevitable moral dilemmas of humanity by exploring both the temporality of the body and the immortality of the soul.”
The Jeevas Research Center, which operates from Aluva, and the Tanim publication reflect the perspectives and visions of Father Mundadan C.M.I., spreading spiritual wisdom across the ecclesiastical and social spheres.
The active and dedicated work of Father Mathew Mundadan in the fields of history and research, despite his advanced age, serves as an inspiration to all.
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