A Concord pastor and a visiting archbishop were killed Thursday in a car crash in Colusa County, the Diocese of Oakland said Friday.
Father Mathew Vellankal, pastor of St. Bonaventure in Concord, was killed along with Archbishop Dominic Jala of the Archdiocese of Shillong, India and apostolic administrator of Nongstoin, India.
Father Joseph Parekkatt, pastor of St. Anne Parish in Walnut Creek, was also injured in the collision. He is in stable condition at Santa Rosa Hospital, Oakland diocese officials said Saturday.
“Father Vellankal’s joyous spirit and faith will be deeply missed,” Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, said.
The crash happened about 2:30 p.m. Thursday, when a Toyota Prius with the three men was hit by a tractor-trailer truck on State Route 20 near Wilbur Springs, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Father Vellankal was born in Ayavana, Kerala, India and ordained a priest on Jan. 5, 1987 in Randar, India as a member of the religious order Salesians of Don Bosco.
Vellankal worked in parishes and schools in India before coming to the Diocese of Oakland in 2001. His assignments included Queen of All Saints, Concord; Our Lady of Guadalupe, Fremont; Holy Spirit, Fremont; and St.
Bonaventure, Concord, according to the Oakland diocese.
Father Vellankal was also known for his skills as a magician, which he used in parish fundraising. He is the author of “From Humor to Inspiration: Jokes, Reflections, and Quotes to Enliven Your Day,” published
in 2005, the diocese said.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Archbishop Jala was born July 12, 1951 and ordained a priest of the Salesians of Don Bosco Nov. 19, 1977. He was ordained archbishop of Shillong on April 2, 2000.
photo: Father Mathew Vellankal – courtesy of St. Bonaventure Church
6 comments
This is so sad. Father Matt was such a joy to listen to and be around. The community will miss his happy, loving spirit and his humor. Thank you for sharing your positivity and kindness with the world Father Matt! Rest in peace. Condolences to the families.
A tragic loss for the Concord Catholic community and the archdiocese of Shillong. Prayers for the repose of the souls of Father Mat, Archbishop Jakarta, consolation for their families, friends, and for the full recovery of Father Joseph Parekkatt.
I am so very sorry for your loss 💔😢💔
Gods speed for their journey home 💛🌷💛
Such a tragedy and loss for the faithful of St. Bonaventure and the Archdiocese of Shillong, India. A miracle Father Parekkatt survives and prayers for a full recovery.
He touched a lot of people with his charisma and spirituality. He was a magician who put a lot of smiles on faces young and old. He was an angel who walked the earth and is angel who is called home by by our beloved Lord.
REST IN PEACE FATHER MATT!
What a terrible tragedy. God bless the St Bonnie’s Catholic community. He seemed like such a great man and pastor.
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