Archbishop Emeritus Alphonsus Mathias passes away

Bengaluru: Most Rev Alphonsus Mathias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore Archdiocese, passed away on Wednesday, July 10 at St John’s Medical College, Bengaluru. He was 96 and had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments.

Archbishop Mathias served as the Bishop of Chikmagalur (1964-1986) and as Archbishop of Bangalore (1986-1998). He was also the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) for two terms.

Born on June 22, 1928, in Pangala of South Canara, Karnataka, he joined St Joseph Seminary in Mangaluru and later studied in Sri Lanka and Rome.

Ordained as a priest in 1954, he contributed significantly to the church, including attending the Second Vatican Council. His legacy includes roles as Chairman of St John’s National Academy and various international positions within the church.