By Joseph Rodricks

Feb 5: He is a handsome, tall person, rich in spirituality, intellectually superior, and possesses an admirable personality with a grace-filled face. Known for punctuality, he is a man of his words—dignified, humble, simple, yet firm. Yes, I am referring to Dr Alphonsus Mathias, the senior-most Archbishop in all of Asia. He was consecrated as a Bishop at the early age of 36 in 1963 and installed as the first bishop of Chikkamagaluru 60 years ago, on February 5, 1964. I was just 17 years old at the time.

His consecration was one of the most colourful events in the history of Chikkamagaluru. The kilometre-long procession was surrounded by motorcycles, cars, volunteers, and hundreds of priests, nuns, and faithful. The Bishop-designate was on a big decorated Jeep along with His Excellency Robert Knox, the Pope's representative. I wanted to garland him that day, and although the police initially prohibited me from approaching the cavalcade, the Bishop signalled them to allow me. Thus, I climbed up and garlanded the Bishop, marking my first encounter with him. I had purchased that colourful garland for Rs 2 only, remembering it was in 1963.

He served for approximately 24 years as a Bishop and was responsible for the all-round development of the Chikkamagaluru diocese. He constructed 24 churches and established many new parishes. The construction of a Cathedral at Chikkamagaluru, designed with the latest plan, was greatly appreciated. He also built a beautiful "Bishops House" called Jyothi Nilaya in Chikkamagaluru.

Elevated as the Archbishop of Bangalore, he served for about 12 years. Born on June 22, 1928, in the village of Pangala in Udupi district, he would be 97 years old now. He resides in a small room in Vianny House attached to St. John's Medical College, Bangalore.

His regular routine used to include celebrating the Holy Eucharist every day in the chapel of the hospital and visiting patients regularly. However, due to a leg surgery, he is currently unable to visit patients and uses a wheelchair. Before the operation, he used to walk about 5 kilometres in the St John’s Hospital compound and was a familiar face on the campus. The present Archbishop's House in Bangalore, an architecturally outstanding structure, was built by him and stands as an example of his foresight. He was also responsible for establishing the prestigious St. John's Medical College and Hospital in Bangalore when he was the President of CBCI, India. Today, the importance and usefulness of this popular hospital in the city of Bangalore and Karnataka are well known to everyone.

A fluent orator, his sermons used to be very impressive and inspiring. He had a good command over the languages of Kannada, English, and Konkani and served as the President of CBCI for two terms.

He is a "Priest for all reasons and all seasons," possessing a sound body and a sound mind. He led his life by example, characterized by simplicity and humility. It is our privilege and opportunity to wish him a blessed 60th Happy Anniversary of consecration as Archbishop, a rare honour as there are only two Archbishops living with such a long innings of over sixty years now.

He is known for his spiritual strength, simplicity, and discipline, especially for his fluent and powerful spirit-filled sermons. The sermon he delivered in Chikkamagaluru before going to Bangalore as Archbishop, approximately 30 minutes long, was powerful, emotional, and inspiring. His sense of punctuality is praiseworthy, exemplified by an incident in 1966 when he was reading his Bible in his car before a scheduled event in Balehonnur. His dedication to time management was remarkable.

Despite health challenges, including a leg surgery and the removal of fingers from his right leg, he remains zealous in visiting patients and counselling them in his wheelchair. A small quotation on retirement hanging on the wall of his room reflects his philosophy of life, emphasizing the importance of the person in front of him.

"They say, 'Those who deserve appreciation do not need it’. I thought this is very apt and applicable to our dear Archbishop. Even now, he reads without glasses and recognizes people as they enter his room. His food habits are very simple, and he maintains a positive outlook on life.

Once again, let us consider this a blessing and an opportunity to wish His Grace God's choicest blessings on his 60th episcopal consecration anniversary. He is a real asset to the Holy Catholic Church, and the mother church remains holy because of dedicated priests like him in the service of God and society. The Christian community of Karnataka, especially Catholic faithful, should remain grateful to this living saint and true Vicar of Lord Jesus Christ. It is our duty to pray for his good health.

As ordinary people, we often lack the sense of recognizing and appreciating good and humble people around us in society. It is time for us to understand and realize our follies, and thank God for giving us such a good virtuous shepherd to guide the flock. May Almighty God bless him more and more and grant him good health to continue guiding the Church.