St. Bonaventure mourns death of popular priest

Father Mathew Vellankal, 61, pastor of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Concord, was killed in a car accident in Colusa County Oct. 10. Also killed in the crash was a visiting Archbishop Dominic Jala of Shillong India. Father Joseph Parekkatt, pastor of St. Anne Parish in Walnut Creek, was also injured in the accident.

The three priests were on an outing to Clearlake when their Toyota Prius was hit by a tractor-trailer truck on State Route 20 near Wilbur Springs, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Vellenkal came to St. Bonaventure as pastor in 2017. Described as a warm, engaging man, Vellenkal was known for his stories and jokes. He is the author of “From Humor to Inspiration: Jokes, Reflections, and Quotes to Enliven Your Day,” published in 2005.

William Gall, deacon at St. Bonaventure who served closely with Vellenkal, describes the priest as “so warm and welcoming.”

“He was such a gem, easy going and very humble,” Gall said. “He was very collaborative and encouraging and had so much energy. He was always on the go. Loved hiking and was always doing something on his day off.”

Vellenkal was born and raised in the state of Kerala in Southwest India. His late parents were “middle class farmers,” he told the Pioneer in an earlier interview. Vellenkal called the area “God’s own country.”

After his ordination, he worked in Northeast India as a youth minister and as headmaster of an all-boys school. His work was recognized by the Vatican and he was named a chaplain of the International Movement of Catholic Agricultural Rural Youth.

In 2001, he accepted a position as assistant pastor of Queen of All Saints in Concord where he served for three years. Following that assignment, he was the pastor at Holy Spirit in Fremont for 11 years before coming to St. Bonaventure.

Vellenkal was an innovator says Gall, known for thinking outside the box. While in Fremont, the priest initiated a Drive-Thru prayer program. He brought the idea to Concord, and volunteers are frequently seen on Clayton Rd. with their orange vests and waving signs. He was also a gifted magician, a skill he used in parish fundraising.

Vellenkal was one of five priests from India serving in local parishes. The five were very close, says Gall. Vellenkal had no family in the United States and it is expected his remains will be returned to India for burial.

Funeral Mass arrangements locally are still pending and will be updated on the parish website at stbonaventure.net.

St. Bonaventure will hold a rosary novena in memory of Fr. Mathew beginning Sat. Oct. 12 and continuing every night through Sunday, Oct. 20. The public is welcome to join for one night or every night. St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord, CA