From Fr Francis Rodrigues, Raknno

Fr Casimir John Mathias, senior most priest of the Diocese of Mangalore, passed away on Saturday January 7, 2012 at 11.45 am in a private hospital in Mangalore. He was 94 years old and priest for the last 65 years.

The funeral Mass would be celebrated at St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia at 4 pm on Monday January 9 and the mortal remains would be interred at priests’ cemetery in Valencia.

He was born in Kinnigoli Parish on November 9, 1917 to Joachim Mathias and Rosa Maria Fernandes.

After the priestly studies at St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore he was ordained priest of the Diocese of Mangalore on the April 7, 1947.

After being the assistant parish priest of Bantwal and Cordel parishes he was the parish priest of Ukkinadka parish (then known as Perdala) for 6 years. Later he served as the parish priest of Thannirbavi, Padukone, Ullal-Panir, Hospet and Palimar parishes. He had been to Thannirbavi twice as priest in-charge.

Having retired from active priestly ministry in 1988, he lived in Kankanady Vianney Home, the home for the retired priests, till date.

According to Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore, Fr Casimir was satisfied with the minimum facilities in life and always remained a priest with a very positive outlook of life. Practically he had no complaints on life, mission and facilities.

According to Msgr Denis Prabhu the Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese, Fr Casimir is from a very devout family of number of priests and nuns. He was a good pastor and hard working priest. Being a docile and obedient priest he was ready to serve in any remote parishes as per the will of the superiors. He was willing to take up any mission entrusted to him.
 
According to Fr Henry Sequeira the Chancellor of the Diocese, Fr Mathias had no love for money. Rather he was always generous in helping the poor and needy.

His elder brother Fr Apoline Mathias was a priest of the Diocese of Mangalore. One of his nieces is a Bethany nun for the last 70 or more years and still serving in Calicut. It is said that number of priests and religious have emerged from his family.