Mathew Makil (27 March 1851 – 26 January 1914) was the second Vicar Apostolic and the first indigenous Vicar Apostolic of the Vicariate of Changanacherry, which is the Syro Malabar Archeparchy of Changanacherry today. Mathew Makil was also the first Vicar Apostolic of the Vicariate of Kottayam, which is the Knanaya Catholic Archeparchy of Kottayam today. In 1896, he became the Vicar Apostolic of the Vicariate of Changanacherry, and in 1911, when a new Vicariate Apostolic of Kottayam was constituted exclusively for the Knanaya Catholics, Mathew Makil was transferred to Kottayam as its first Vicar Apostolic. He died at Kottayam on 26 January 1914, and was declared a Servant of God on 26 January 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI, and Venerable on 22 May 2025 with the approval of Pope Leo XIV.News Bulletin of the Holy See, 22 May 2025
Early life He was born as the third son of Thomman and Anna, at Makil Puthenpurayil house in Manjoor, Travancore now a part of Kerala.
After primary education, he studied Syriac language at Mannanam.Mutholath, Fr. Abraham (Ed.) Mar Mathew Makil, The Diocese of Kottayam Platinum Souvenir 1911-1986. Kottayam: Jyothi Book House. pp. 81. Then he joined Puthenpally Seminary that was common for Latin and Syrian priestly formation. He was trained under the rector and future co-adjutor Bishop of Verapoly Marcelinus Berarthi OCD. The Vicar Apostolic of Verapoly, Leonard Mellano of St. Louis, OCD, ordained him as priest on 30 May 1874 at the age of 23.Choolaparambil, Mar Alexander (Ed)., Pastoral Letters, കാലം ചെയ്ത ഡോക്ടർ ലവീഞ്ഞ്, ഡോക്ടർ മാക്കീൽ എന്നീ വന്ദ്യ പിതാക്കന്മാർ തങ്ങളുടെ ഭരണകാലത്തു പ്രസിദ്ധപ്പെടുത്തിയിട്ടുള്ളത്. Kottayam: The Catholic Diocese of Kottayam. 1925., p. xvi. His first Holy Mass was offered on 8 June 1874.
Priestly Ministry
Professor and Vicar Fr. Makil's first assignment was to teach Syriac language for two years in the same seminary where he had studied. Then he was made vicar of his home parish at Kaipuzha. Later, he served as vicar of Edacat parish at Kottayam, and then transferred back again as vicar of Kaipuzha church. Co-adjutor Bishop of Verapoly Marcelinus Berarthi OCD, who was his former seminary rector assigned him as his secretary in 1885. Makil received the appointment order on 25 December 1885 and took charge on 1 March 1886.Makil, Mathew (2001). കോട്ടയം മിസത്തിന്റെ സ്ഥാപന ചരിത്രം. Kottayam: Bishop Makil Foundation, p.9. He continued his service until the establishment of the Vicariate of Kottayam with Charles Lavigne as the Vicar Apostolic.Moolakkatt, Mar Mathew (2009). The Book of Decrees of Mar Mathew Makil. Bangalore: Syrian Churches Series XXI, p.1.
The Syrian Catholics were part of the Diocese of Kodungalloor and Vicariate of Verapoly along with the Latin Catholics. They had been writing to the pope requesting to establish. Honoring this request, Pope Leo XIII separated the Syrians from the Diocese of Kodungalloor and Vicariate of Verapoly that were governed by the Carmelite missionaries and established the Syrian Vicariates of Kottayam and Trichur on 20 May 1887. The Vicariate of Kottayam was entrusted to Msgr. Charles Lavigne, a Jesuit missionary from France. This Vicar Apostolic appointed Fr. Mathew Makil as the Latin professor at a seminary with school he established at Brhmamangalam for the Southists. During that time, Mathew Makil was vicar of Kaduthuruthy and Brhmamangalam churches.Choolaparambil, Mar Alexander (Ed)., Pastoral Letters, കാലം ചെയ്ത ഡോക്ടർ ലവീഞ്ഞ്, ഡോക്ടർ മാക്കീൽ എന്നീ വന്ദ്യ പിതാക്കന്മാർ തങ്ങളുടെ ഭരണകാലത്തു പ്രസിദ്ധപ്പെടുത്തിയിട്ടുള്ളത്. Kottayam: The Catholic Diocese of Kottayam. 1925., p. xvi-xvii.
Vicar General According to the instruction from the Vatican through the Apostolic Delegate on 6 May 1889, Bishop Charles Lavigne appointed Fr. Mathew Makil as Vicar General for the Southists on 8 September 1889, on the feast of the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He had some privileges including dressing like a bishop, right to offer Pontifical Mass, administer the Sacrament of Confirmation, and giving minor orders for seminarians.Pastoral Letters, കാലം ചെയ്ത ഡോക്ടർ ലവീഞ്ഞ്, ഡോക്ടർ മാക്കീൽ എന്നീ വന്ദ്യ പിതാക്കന്മാർ തങ്ങളുടെ ഭരണകാലത്തു പ്രസിദ്ധപ്പെടുത്തിയിട്ടുള്ളത്. Kottayam: The Catholic Diocese of Kottayam. 1925. pp. xvii. Fr. Mathew offered his first Pontifical Mass at Kaduthuruthy church during the Three Day Fast observance in January 1890. The occasion was honored with the presence of Bishop Charles Lavigne and Co-adjutor Bishop of Verapoly Marcelinus Berarthi OCDMakil, Mathew (2001). കോട്ടയം മിസത്തിന്റെ സ്ഥാപന ചരിത്രം. Kottayam: Bishop Makil Foundation, p.15.
Episcopal Service
Vicar Apostolic of Changanacherry Based on the recommendation of the Apostolic Vicars of Kottayam and Trichur, the Holy See reconstituted the two vicariates as three with local priests as bishops. The Vicar General for the Southists Mar Mathew Makil was appointed on 28 July 1896 as the Apostolic Vicar for Changanacherry. The other vicariates were Ernakulam and Trichur with Mar Aloysius Pazheparambil and Mar John Menachery as Apostolic Vicars. Fr. Mathew Makil received his appointment order as Vicar Apostolic of Changanacherry on 21 September 1896, on the feast day of his patron saint.Makil, Mathew (2001). കോട്ടയം മിസത്തിന്റെ സ്ഥാപന ചരിത്രം. Kottayam: Bishop Makil Foundation, p.18. The Episcopal ordination of the three Apostolic Vicars were done at Cathedral in Kandy, Ceylon on 25 October 1896 by the Delegate Apostolic of East Indies Ladislao Michele Zaleski who had his headquarters in Kandy.Pallath, Paul & George Kanjirakkatt. Origin of the Southist Vicariate of Kottayam, Acts and Facts. Vadavathoor, Kottayam: Oriental Institute of Religious Studies India. , p. 11.
The Catholic population of the Vicariate of Changanacherry when Mar Makil took charge was 140,000. Out of the three Syrian Vicariates, Changanacherry was the biggest in the number of members and churches.Pastoral Letters, കാലം ചെയ്ത ഡോക്ടർ ലവീഞ്ഞ്, ഡോക്ടർ മാക്കീൽ എന്നീ വന്ദ്യ പിതാക്കന്മാർ തങ്ങളുടെ ഭരണകാലത്തു പ്രസിദ്ധപ്പെടുത്തിയിട്ടുള്ളത്. Kottayam: The Catholic Diocese of Kottayam. 1925. pp. xvii-xviii. The estimated number of faithful in the Vicariate of Trichur was 84,000, Ernakulam was 66,500 while that of Changanacherry was 102,500.Moolakkatt, Mar Mathew (2009). The Book of Decrees of Mar Mathew Makil. Bangalore: Syrian Churches Series XXI, p. 34.
Attempts for Knanaya Vicariate The Knanaya Catholics were disappointed that their community at Chumkom (Thodupuzha), Karimkunnam, Diamper, Brahmamangalam and VarappettyMakil, Mathew (2001). കോട്ടയം മിസത്തിന്റെ സ്ഥാപന ചരിത്രം. Kottayam: Bishop Makil Foundation, p.26. with three churchesMakil, Mathew (2001). കോട്ടയം മിസത്തിന്റെ സ്ഥാപന ചരിത്രം. Kottayam: Bishop Makil Foundation, p.31. were under the Vicariate of Ernakulam. Out of 14,000 Southists, 1,500 were under the Vicariate of Ernakulam. They were worried that the community would be divided under different Syrian Vicariates in the future. So, they were appealing to the Holy See to establish a separate vicariate for the Knanaya Catholics.
On the other hand, the Northists in the Vicariate of Changanacherry were not content with the pastoral governance of an eparch from the minority community. When Mar Makil took charge In 1896 as the Vicar Apostolic of Changanacherry, the Northists were 100 to 109 thousand with 133 parishes and 256 priests.Moolakkatt, Mar Mathew (2009). The Book of Decrees of Mar Mathew Makil. Bangalore: Syrian Churches Series XXI. p.xi. The Knanaites at the same time were a minority of less than 10% with 14,000 to 20,000 members, 12 parishes, and 21 priests.Moolakkatt, Mar Mathew (2009). The Book of Decrees of Mar Mathew Makil. Bangalore: Syrian Churches Series XXI. p.x. Since the Northists and Southists had no communal relationship, the Northists doubted the interests of the bishop, though he served the vicariate without any partiality as a benevolent father. The objections on the appointment of Mar Makil was not against his personal character because he tried his best to do justice to both communities.Joseph, Antony, (1998). "മക്കീൽ മാർ മത്തായി മെത്രാനും ചങ്ങനാശ്ശേരി വികാരിയാത്തും (1986-1911)," ചങ്ങനാശേരി അതിരൂപത ഇന്നലെ, ഇന്ന്. Changanacherry: Archeparchy of Changanacherry. p. 168.
In 1911, Mar Makil went to Rome with his secretary Fr. Chandy Chulaparambil, who became his successor, and Fr. Mathew Vattakkalam to request to Pope Pius X requesting to bifurcate the vicariate for the Southists and Northists with their own bishops. They reached Rome on 4 May 1911.Makil, Mathew (2001). കോട്ടയം മിസത്തിന്റെ സ്ഥാപന ചരിത്രം. Kottayam: Bishop Makil Foundation, p.29. He had a consensus letter for the same signed by the other two Vicar Apostolic of Ernakulam and Trichur. The three bishops of the Syrian Vicariates Mathew Makil (Changanacherry), Louis Pazheparambil (Ernakulam), and John Menacheril (Trichur) signed the petition on 1 March 1911 requesting to appoint separate vicariates and bishops for Southist and Northists.Joseph, Antony, (1998). "മക്കീൽ മാർ മത്തായി മെത്രാനും ചങ്ങനാശ്ശേരി വികാരിയാത്തും (1986-1911)," ചങ്ങനാശേരി അതിരൂപത ഇന്നലെ, ഇന്ന്. Changanacherry: Archeparchy of Changanacherry. p. 185. On the way Mar Makil and team visited the Holy Land and famous cities in Italy including Naples, Pompeii, Geneva, and Turin. On their return trip to Kerala, they visited Switzerland, Bavaria, Germany, Belgium, and France.Pastoral Letters, കാലം ചെയ്ത ഡോക്ടർ ലവീഞ്ഞ്, ഡോക്ടർ മാക്കീൽ എന്നീ വന്ദ്യ പിതാക്കന്മാർ തങ്ങളുടെ ഭരണകാലത്തു പ്രസിദ്ധപ്പെടുത്തിയിട്ടുള്ളത്. Kottayam: The Catholic Diocese of Kottayam. 1925. pp. xviii.
Fr. Mathew Vattakalam and Fr. Alexander Choolaparambil visited Propaganda Fide on 5 May 1911 to clarify the petitions signed by the three Syrian bishops. 1911 May 8: Mar Makil appeared in front of Propaganda Fide for the same purpose on 8 May 1911.Joseph, Antony, (1998). "മക്കീൽ മാർ മത്തായി മെത്രാനും ചങ്ങനാശ്ശേരി വികാരിയാത്തും (1986-1911)," ചങ്ങനാശേരി അതിരൂപത ഇന്നലെ, ഇന്ന്. Changanacherry: Archeparchy of Changanacherry. pp. 185. Mar Makil and team met the pope on 22 May 1911 and presented the appeal to divide the Vicariate of Changanacherry for Southists and Northists by re-establishing the Vicariate of Kottayam for the Southists. He suggested that it was necessary for peaceful administration and pastoral growth of both the communities. The pope presented the matter for the study of Propaganda Fide. Propaganda Fide gave a positive recommendation on 31 July 1911 on the application submitted. The pope approved the recommendation on 28 August 1911.Pastoral Letters, കാലം ചെയ്ത ഡോക്ടർ ലവീഞ്ഞ്, ഡോക്ടർ മാക്കീൽ എന്നീ വന്ദ്യ പിതാക്കന്മാർ തങ്ങളുടെ ഭരണകാലത്തു പ്രസിദ്ധപ്പെടുത്തിയിട്ടുള്ളത്. Kottayam: The Catholic Diocese of Kottayam. 1925. pp. xviii-xix.
Kottayam Knanaya Vicariate Pope Pius X reestablished the Vicariate of Kottayam for the Southists on 29 August 1911 and appointed Mar Mathew Makil as its bishop with effect from 30 August 1911. Msgr. Thomas Kurialachery was appointed as the successor of Mar Makil at Changanacherry. The Knanaya Catholics who belonged to the Changanacherry and Ernakulam Vicariates were brought under the reconstituted Vicariate of Kottayam. They were 30,000 in number at that time.Pastoral Letters, കാലം ചെയ്ത ഡോക്ടർ ലവീഞ്ഞ്, ഡോക്ടർ മാക്കീൽ എന്നീ വന്ദ്യ പിതാക്കന്മാർ തങ്ങളുടെ ഭരണകാലത്തു പ്രസിദ്ധപ്പെടുത്തിയിട്ടുള്ളത്. Kottayam: The Catholic Diocese of Kottayam. 1925. pp. xix. This important decision of Vatican helped to resolve 15 year old desire of the Northists and Southists to have their own vicariate and bishop.
On his return from Rome, Mar Makil instead of going to Changanacherry, arrived at Edacat (Kottayam) on 7 October 1911. From 4 September 1910 onwards, his communications were from Edacat.Joseph, Antony, (1998). "മക്കീൽ മാർ മത്തായി മെത്രാനും ചങ്ങനാശ്ശേരി വികാരിയാത്തും (1986-1911)," ചങ്ങനാശേരി അതിരൂപത ഇന്നലെ, ഇന്ന്. Changanacherry: Archeparchy of Changanacherry. pp. 187.