Mar Annikuzhikkatil is a noble clergy who fought for his faith with a life of restlessness. Bishop Mathew Annikuzhikkatil was born on September 23, 1942, as the third of 15 children and the first of sons. He completed his primary education in his native place, Kadapalamattom, and Kunjithanni. He attended high school at St. Anthony’s High School, Mutholi.
Subsequently, he joined the Kothamangalam Minor Seminary and began his studies. He studied philosophy and theology at Major Seminary, Vadavathoor, Kottayam. He was ordained to the priesthood on March 15, 1971, at the Holy Family Church, Kunchithanny, through the services of Mar Mathew Pothanamuzhi. His first assignment was as an assistant vicar at Kothamangalam town church. He also served in the Josgiri, Chiruli, and Ezhukuvayal Churches. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Director of the Muvattupuzha Jeevajyoti and Pastoral Center. Mar Mathews also served as a press manager. He also served as Vicar of the Naissery Church. He received his doctorate in theology in 1985.
After completing his studies, he served at the Pottankadu Church and the Randar Church. In 1990, he was appointed Chancellor of the Diocese of Kothamangalam and Secretary of the Diocese. In 2000, he became the Rector of Kothamangalam Minor Seminary. He also served in the Thrikkariyoor church. He was a member of the Kothamangalam Diocesan Presbyterial Council, the Catholic Committee, and the Diocesan Working Committee. In 2003, Pope John Paul II divided the diocese of Kothamangalam into eight dioceses and established the Idukki diocese. On January 15, 2003, Mar Mathew was appointed as the first bishop of the diocese.
On March 2, 2003, the Diocese of Idukki was inaugurated at St. George’s Cathedral, Vazhakatoppu, and the consecration of the bishop. He served as the KCBC Family Commission Chairman, KCBC SC / ST Commission, and the Syro Malabar Synodal Commission. The Diocese of Idukki has become self-sufficient
The number of nuns has increased from 13 in 2003 to 30 in 15 years. The monasteries grew from 102 to 150. During this period, 25 churches were renovated. 27 parishes and churches have been renovated. At present, there are two colleges, eight higher secondary schools, 17 high schools, several UP and LP schools, one ITC for technical education, and one for the holistic development of students. The High Range Development Society has also been initiated for involvement in the social service sector of the diocese. In addition, the physical development of the diocese, including the Minor Seminary, the Adimali Pastoral Center, the Priest Home, and the Cathedral Church of the Vazhathope were developed as a result of his father’s will.
After completing the age of fifteen years as the bishop of Idukki Diocese and the first bishop of the Diocese, he was appointed as the new Shepherd. He also emphasized the importance of encouraging church believers to take up spirituality and their social and intellectual development. Family shepherding was the first shepherd’s mission. It has also strengthened its sphere of education, employment, hospitality, and philanthropy.
He made a significant contribution to the issues of the Idukki land and the Pattaya issue. Mar Mathew was the voice of the poor, peasant, and common man of the High Range. The bishop who worked for the upliftment of the hill people was diligently trying to create a new generation of educated and leadership leaders.
