Changanassery: Archbishop Mar Joseph Pavathil said that Mar Mathew Aanikuzhukaatil, was a pastoral nobleman who sought God’s favor rather than human pleasure in pastoral ministry. He remembered that in the bishop’s ministry, the phrase, “the Messiahship of God,” proves the purpose, significance, and mission of his dedication towards the ministry.
Mar Aanikuzhikkatil was a man who loved the Syriac heritage and worship of the Syro-Malabar Church and was loyal to it. In spite of the difficulties and limitations of the Idukki diocese, he first formed a church community centered on the worship of God above all else.
God’s love and charity were the two main focuses of his ministry. Like Moses, he acted as a mediator for the immigrant nation. As a member of the immigrant peasant family, he took on the pains of man in the intensity of the green man and fought for his rights.
“The Bishop was a spiritual practitioner who was actively involved in social, cultural, agricultural, economic, and educational activities in the hilly region of Idukki,” remembers Mar Pavvathil.
“His position was based on deep prayer, authentication of knowledge, and experience. He gave remarkable leadership to the church and the community with his modesty and generosity of conduct,” said the bishop.
