The Jesus Youth Movement rejoices in the priestly ordination of Rev. Fr. Mathew Jacob Pallivathukkal, the fifth priest from the movement to be ordained in the United States. Fr. Mathew has been incardinated into the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Chicago.

Fr. Mathew hails from the Pallivathukkal family, originally from Kavalam, Kerala, India. He is the son of the late Jacob Mathew, who passed away nearly twelve years ago. His mother, Alphonsa, and sister, Treasa, reside in Kochi, Kerala, while his younger sister, Rachel, recently completed her higher studies in Canada.

Born and raised in Kerala, Fr. Mathew pursued his engineering studies at Rajagiri institutions in Kochi. Following his graduation, he worked in India for several years before moving to the United States in 2015. Settling in Schenectady, New York, he continued his professional career as a computer engineer with GE.

Throughout his years as both a student and a professional, Fr. Mathew remained actively involved in the Jesus Youth Movement. It was through Jesus Youth, more than two decades ago, that he encountered Christ in a personal way and embraced a life of discipleship and mission. His commitment to the movement continued to deepen through his active participation in various ministries in both India and the United States.

While serving in the Jesus Youth mission and working professionally in Schenectady, Fr. Mathew discerned a call from the Lord to the priesthood. Inspired by a desire to dedicate his life fully to God and serve the Church, he began his priestly formation in 2019 at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, Florida.

By the grace of God, Fr. Mathew was ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Mar Joy Alappat, Bishop of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Chicago. His ordination marks a significant milestone for the Jesus Youth Movement and stands as a testimony to the fruits of youth evangelization, discipleship, and vocational accompaniment.

The Jesus Youth family across the world thanks God for the gift of Fr. Mathew’s vocation and prays that his priestly ministry may bear abundant fruit for the Church and the mission of Christ.