Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church -44
Fr. Matthew Moozhiyil, S.J.
Fr. Matthew Moozhiyil, S.J., who first endeavored to form an organization uniting Christian writers and journalists, was born on April 23, 1924, in Moozhiyil, Valyangadi, Kottayam, to parents Kochu Mathai and Mariamma. His early education was at the primary school of Idakkattupalli, and he continued his studies at the C.M.S. School in Kottayam, known as C.A.I. during that time. Each day at this school began with devotional songs and Bible readings, which greatly attracted Matthew. His academic proficiency was highly valued by his teachers.
He completed his high school education in Kottayam and then joined the Jesuit order. He earned degrees in L.P.H. (Licentiate in Philosophy) and L.T.H. (Licentiate in Theology). His priestly formation took place in Shebagram, Kottayam, and Karsiog. He was ordained a priest on March 23, 1956. His priestly life began with the aim of bringing many people into God’s kingdom through the ministry of the Word.
He served as a teacher at St. Britto’s School in Goa and St. Paul’s School in Belgaum for a period. While working in Kanjirappally, he was also the editor of the magazine “Christuraj,” which was published from Kanjirappally under the name Snehaseena. The publication was initially printed to support a Dalit child, reflecting Fr. Moozhiyil’s commitment to the Dalit community. Snehaseena had a circulation of one hundred thousand copies at that time. Fr. Moozhiyil was instrumental in forming the Kerala Christian Writers and Journalists Fellowship, and he started the practice of awarding distinguished literary figures.
He was also responsible for the installation of a statue of Our Lady of Fatima at the front of the Kumannelloor Shanthinilayam, brought from Portugal. As a devotee of Mary, he composed and distributed numerous devotional hymns. One of his poems, “My Daily Offering to the Immaculate Heart of the Holy Mother,” was printed and distributed in thousands of copies. Inspired by Sister Lucia’s words from 1917 about the greatest evil of the present being humanity’s lack of prayer, he wrote and published a hymn titled “Koorirulil” in the Manjari style, a few lines of which are included below:
“Without being deceived by illusions, To progress in the path of love, O embodiment of love, grant us The pure spirit of love, That we may bring joy to all, Strengthen us to bring peace to the suffering And let our lives be an offering to praise you.”
Fr. Moozhiyil was one of the three selected from India to attend the World Catholic Press Congress. At the congress held in West Germany, he was accompanied by the Archbishop of Calcutta. He has visited various holy places including Lourdes, Rome, Assisi, and Lisieux. He served in Ernakulam, Kumarannelloor, and Edathwa. His significant works include translations and publications such as “Growth and the Straight Path,” “Lilliput Flowers,” and “A Message of Love for Young Souls,” among others.
Fr. Moozhiyil’s works are notable for their focus on the formation of children’s character. He also authored “Remembering Mother” and has been a proponent of the Jesuit dress code and discipline. The Marian Apostolate has grown into a global movement, and the foundational text, “Mary Speaks to the Priests,” has been translated into about thirty languages, making it one of the most widely translated works after the Bible. He has been a prominent promoter of the Marian Apostolate.
In his early years, his parents instilled in him the belief that even if an elder called, he should respond immediately. This upbringing helped foster his respect for the Dalit community.
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