The XXVI General Chapter, which has been celebrated since last August 15, elected Fr. Mathew Vattamattam CMF as Superior General of the Congregation of the Claretian Missionaries for the next six years during the morning session of Monday, August 30, 2021. In this way, he has been re-elected.
After praying and being inspired by the Holy Spirit, the voting for the election of the Superior General took place. Fr. Gonzalo Fernandez CMF, who moderated the session, asked the usual question of acceptance. Fr Mathew concluded by accepting this great responsibility. His words were greeted by the capitulars with warm applause and then all rose to greet and congratulate him.
About Fr Mathew Vattamatam
Fr. Mathew Vattamattam CMF was born on 4 October 1959 in Kalathoor, Kerala (India), St. Mary’s Parish, Kalathoor. He did his basic studies at St. Mary School, Kalathoor, secondary studies at St. John’s High School, Kanjirathanam. He joined the Congregation at the Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad on July 3, 1974. He made his first profession on 31 May 1978 and took his final vows on 31 May 1984. He was ordained a priest on 10 May 1986.
From 1986-1987 he served as assistant vocation promoter and assistant formator of aspirants at the Claret Bhavan Kuravilangad. From 1987 to 1988 he was appointed as Vocation Promoter and assistant to the Formator at Belgaum Minor Seminary. From 1988 to 1989 he was assigned as assistant to the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s, Champakulam, Kerala. From 1989-1994 he studied for a Licentiate in Systematic Theology and a Licentiate in Psychology at the Gregorian University in Rome. In 1994-96 he was appointed Director of the Claret Nivas Retreat House in Bangalore and assistant to the Novice Master. From 1996 to 2003 he served as Novice Master of the Bangalore Province.
At the XXIII General Chapter, held in Rome in 2003, he was elected General Consultor and Prefect of Formation, and re-elected to the same office in 2009.
From the Province of Fatima we congratulate him. We pray for him and place in Mary’s heart these next six years of his journey.
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