I have so many wonderful memories of Fr. Mat! We got to know each other more personally when he and I joined a backpacking group composed of several Oakland priests and several lay men. We planned backpacking trips every summer for years. Click here to continue...

On the weekend of October 19 and 20, Father Paulson Mundanmani celebrated Mass with our community.  He shared his recollections of his friendship with Father Mat and some details of how he came to learn of the tragic accident.  To listen to his moving homily, please click HERE.  

Thank You for Celebrating Father Mat with Us
Thank you to everyone who helped make the October 10 Mass commemorating the anniversary of Fr. Mat's death such a special occasion.  The Mass is available on Facebook for those who would like to view it.   At the Mass Fr. Lawrence blessed a new bench outside our Ministry Center honoring Fr. Mat, with a view of his beloved Mt. Diablo.  May it provide rest and comfort to us for many years to come. 
 

For those who wish to make a donation in Fr. Mat’s name, we have three suggestions:

• Hope Solutions, formerly Contra Costa Interfaith Housing, who serve the most vulnerable in need of housing and support-  https://www.hopesolutions.org/donate/

• Save Mount Diablo foundation who help preserve the mountain’s beauty—

• St. Bonaventure Church Renovation. The renovation of our church was a dream of Fr. Mat’s that is currently in progress. Checks can be made out to St. Bonaventure Church note Fr. Mat Church Renovation or through Faith Direct at https://stbonaventure.net/giving

Dear Fr. Oscar Rojas, Fr. David Lawrence, SJ, St. Bonaventure Staff and Parishioners,

On behalf of Fr. Joseph Parekkatt and Fr. George da Roza, the Staff and Parishioners
at St. Anne's Parish in Walnut Creek wish to extend our deepest sympathies to you for your loss.

Fr. Mathew was known to us, as he had presided over Mass here many times. We
remember his wonderful smile, and deep faith, both of which he shared with everyone he met.

Please know that all of you are in our daily prayers. We mourn with you, cry with you,
but also believe with you that Fr. Mathew is now with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

St. Augustine said, "Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is tosee what you believe." Fr. Mathew is now rewarded in Heaven.

He still smiles, still watches over you and prays for you. Feel his blessing upon you.

Your brothers and sisters in Faith,

The Staff and Parishioners at St. Anne's

Dear Bonaventure
 
I am here with you in this moment of deepest saddest at the news of the tragedy that has happened to Fr Matthew and the Bishop from India, Archbishop Dominic Jala. May the courage of the Lord seize our hearts to absorb this deep pain and loss.
 
I am still in shock and I can understand the shock all of you will be, at the great loss of our beloved, dynamic pastor Fr Matthew. He always made every one of us smile and create a positive energy to keep going with enthusiasm and joy. Now, the source of that smile and energy has suddenly gone, we all, I am sure are like sheep without a shepherd. Let the mercy of the Lord in this moment of helplessness, fill our hearts and encourage our faith to remain in hope and to pray for the dear departed. May they Rest in Peace. Offering Holy Eucharist for Fr Mathew and Bishop tomorrow. I am praying for all of you dearest Bonaventure. My heartfelt condolences to you.
 
Fraternally
 
Fr A.J

Dear Members of the Parish of St. Bonaventure,
 
On behalf of all the members of the Multi-faith ACTION Coalition, please accept our deepest condolences. We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Father Mathew. 
 
He was an incredible person with many remarkable qualities; but especially, he was kind, caring and compassionate. He always met you with a friendly smile and a warm greeting. His calming presence made you feel that no matter the challenge, all would be ok! He was deeply concerned about the poor and the under-served. So many of us at the Multi-faith ACTION Coalition were excited to work with Father Mathew, knowing that he was a committed partner who would work hard along side us to confront poverty. He will be terribly missed.
 
We know this is a difficult and uncertain time in the life of your parish. Please let us know what we can do to support you during this time. We are keeping you all in our prayers.
 
We thank God for Father Mathew and his testimony to life.  May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him. 
 
With heartfelt condolences,
Jasmine Tarkoff
Multi-faith ACTION Coalition
 

Dear Fr. VK I always called you that. I will miss the years of friendship and all the time in Mannuthy and later. Our birthdays were a day apart so always remembered it. I will Miss your smile. Rest In Peace.
     Alex Chamakala

Let us all wear a smile as he did on an everyday basis, be an example of his happiness, generosity and most of all love!!! You will forever be in our hearts Father Matt! Thank you for your love, kindness and of course your magic! May you watch over us all in the company of the Angels & Saints!
     Mary Aguirre

Fr Mat was a wonderful man, mentor and friend. He had a great sense of humor and a kind heart. He will be deeply missed. God speed Fr Mat.
     Jane DiLisio

Sorry for our loss. Father Matt will be missed.
     Elizabeth Bias
 
Thank you Fr. Mat. You were there for my family when we needed you the most and helped us during a very difficult time! You will forever be in our hearts and will be missed! Rest in peace!
     Melissa Jekabsons
 
He is what i would look forward to at church. He always told the best stories and kept me smiling the whole time!!! Church will not be the same without him. My kids will also miss his humor and magic. Gone but will never be forgotten
     Jennifer Long
 
I will miss the deep love Father Mat had for his flock. He never missed an opportunity to thank us for participating in our ministries. His joy and smile were infectious and his energy was contagious.
     Celene Boggs
 
He was a wonderful man and a great priest who had a contagious laughter,loved to joke and shared the wonderment of magic with the kids and the "young at heart"! He was kind, compassionate, enthusiastic and made you feel better even when news and daily life could be so frustrating. He had many wonderful visions for our community and he had already started several. I know in may heart that he will continue to inspire us and we will see his visions through. He was loved and will be deeply missed. Peace to you Fr. Matt. You were AWESOME!!! Please pray for us!!!!
     Barbara Wolpman
 
Fr. Mat was an so warm and outgoing and seemed well suited in his chosen profession. Not sure how he did it, but each Sunday, no matter how far from the door he stood, there was no way to get past with getting a warm greeting and a huge smile. He will be greatly missed.
     Cathy Corum
 
Fr. Mat, I loved your smile, joy, enjoyment of God's gifts in the great outdoors and in each person you met, your special love for our children (your high-fives and magic), the gifts you shared with us in Drive-Thru Prayer, Alpha, Mass at the family camping trip in Lake Tahoe and so much more. You are now in your Lord's loving arms and will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to your loving family as we know they are hurting and missing you too.
     Piedad Fracasso
 
Fr. Matt touched so many lives. A great soul that brought so many people close to Jesus, that with an everlasting smile and genuine intention. Will be deeply missed.
     Daisy and Jay Jayaprakash

Let us all wear a smile as he did on an everyday basis, be an example of his happiness, generosity and most of all love!!! You will forever be in our hearts Father Matt! Thank you for your love, kindness and of course your magic! May you watch over us all in the company of the Angels & Saints!
     Mary Aguirre

Dear Fr. Mat, We were just getting to know you but you have lovingly entered our hearts. We will miss you.
     Sol and Ramon Cuenco

We miss you so much Father Matt and still cannot believe you will not be there to greet us as you always have as we enter St. Bonaventure. You welcomed and loved everyone and a smile always on your face. We know you will continue to be there for us. I find myself talking to you often. May you rest in peace.
     Janette and Mel Bissada

Father Mat We miss you. Your smile, humor, and love made our community bonded. You will be in our hearts forever. We love you!
     Michaela, Kaley, & Payton Urias

Dear Fr. VK I always called you that. I will miss the years of friendship and all the time in Mannuthy and later. Our birthdays were a day apart so always remembered it. I will Miss your smile. Rest In Peace.
     Alex Chamakala

Last July I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with Fr. Mathew as we were at the lakeTahoe, visiting parishioners camping there. It was wonderful to spend time discussing about running a lively parish. He was so friendly to me, we shared a lot of personal things during our hikes. We made plans to meet in the Netherlands and else where. I am really missing his texts which he sent often with new insights and inspiration. He was a sourrce of inspiration for many and he remains in my heart inspring to make the parish community an amazing one...in joyful service to the Lord. Eternal joy and peace Fr, Mathew.
     Fr. Sebastian Chazhoor

Thank you Father Mat for everything you've done for St. Bonaventure in the short time you're with us.. Also, thank you for my random request of blessing my new car. You will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Father Mat.
     Jazmin Dadnia

We were fortunate to travel with Father Mat on a pilgrimage & got to know him better. He was so kind, so positive about life, so patient & always smiling.
     Jose & Lucille Poblete

All that I can say is the funeral was so beautiful and the parishioners made it that much more wonderful. 
     Maria Silva

Father Mat you’re gone in our sights but not in our hearts. Thank you and praise God for sharing your gifts and love to us. Your sense of humor, beautiful homilies, founder of Drive Thru prayer, blessing our car, giving high 5 to the kids during offerings and much more will never be forgotten. My grandson stated, “ Father Mat took away all my sins, he’s cool ( 2nd grade first Holy Communion) Farewell Father Mat. Please pray for us.
     Johnny & Vicky Lingbanan

I will always remember your smiling face. You always had a kind word. You’re Awesome and I will keep you in my prayers and you will always be in my heart. Love you and miss you. Thank you for being my friend.
     Margaret LaRivers

I loved the sincerity and warmth you received from him. Very hospitable. Only knowing him a few months, I still miss him and think of him. My wife and always enjoyed his homily, which brought us to St. Bonaventure. He also had a great sense of humor. Will be missed.
     Bryan Diestel

Fr Mat just said two words to me which I will never forget. He said "keep going."
     Adrian Go