Joining our community as Parochial Vicar, Fr. Mathew Suresh, OSB looks forward to getting to know the parishioners and supporting our spiritual needs. Having served as a priest for more than 20 years, he takes great joy in administering the sacraments, preaching and celebrating Mass.
Fr. Mathew previously served at Ave Maria Catholic Parish in Parker and came to us on July 1, 2023. He’s been in the United States since November 2022. Fr. Mathew was ordained on Jan 6, 2001, by the late Bishop Emmanuel Pothanamuzhy of the Diocese of Mananthavady, Kerala, India. Fr. Mathew is a priest and monk of the Order of St. Benedict of St. Joseph’s Priory, Makkiyad, Kerala. He went through minor seminary at St. Joseph’s Monastery, Makkiyad. He studied philosophy at St. Joseph’s Philosophy Institute in Makkiyad and received his bachelor’s in theology at Kristu Jyoti College in Bangalore, India.
“Priesthood has been a wonderful and challenging experience with varied areas of ministry and work,” Fr. Mathew says.
Fr. Mathew served in various ministries at the monastery, including as principal and teacher. He also managed philosophy students and was a Director of Junior of Monks. In addition, he served as a councilor of the Major Superior of the Monastery and financial administrator. In his role here at our parish, Fr. Mathew looks forward to serving all of us.
“I want to be a humble Parochial Vicar for everyone and to meet their spiritual needs whenever I am able,” he says.
Back in India, Fr. Mathew has three brothers and his parents. His brothers are all married with children. It’s hard to find any similarities between India and the United States, says Fr. Mathew — the weather, climate, food, lifestyle and language are all different.
“I’m happy that I am here in the U.S., especially in the Diocese of Colorado Springs,” he says. “I’m loved by people of both Ave Maria and St. Francis of Assisi.”
Fr. Mathew has quite a few hobbies, including reading; listening to preaching and Christian music; watching soccer, volleyball, basketball and cricket; and keeping up on the news. He hopes to help us deepen our faith, as he believes we all need that, even Pope Francis.
“Our parishioners have wonderful faith in One and Triune God,” he says. “Like the apostle Peter, I pray to increase my faith and that of our parishioners.”
As Parochial Vicar, Fr. Mathew hopes to support us in our faith journey through prayer, the sacraments, preaching and hosting classes to share his faith. We joyfully welcome him to our faith community!