The Late Rev. Dr. Anton Matthias, a revered Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Jaffna, was born on 10 April 1948 in northern Sri Lanka. His life embodied a rare integration of pastoral compassion, theological scholarship, ecclesiastical leadership, and interfaith engagement, positioning him as one of the most influential pastors in the Diocese of Jaffna. His journey reflects decades of spiritual formation, academic contribution, and selfless public service.
In 1966, recognizing his exceptional promise, the Late Bishop Emilianuspillai selected the young seminarian Anton Matthias to pursue priestly formation in Rome, at the heart of the global Catholic Church. These years proved foundational; shaped by rigorous theological training and a deeply personal spiritual growth, Matthias emerged as a priest deeply committed to the Gospel values and human dignity. He was described by his Indian classmate as a kind-hearted, active, and responsible student, a man who carried a distinct sense of purpose and service.
In 1973, he was ordained to the priesthood by Pope St. Paul VI, a rare distinction that foreshadowed the immense responsibilities he would later shoulder upon returning to his homeland.
Upon his return to Sri Lanka, Fr. Anton Matthias was immediately entrusted with pastoral responsibilities. His first appointment was as Assistant Parish Priest in Jaffna Cathedral (October 1974 - May 1975), followed by his role as Parish Priest of Uyilankulam (May 1975 - August 1979) in the present-day Diocese of Mannar. Even in these early assignments, his pastoral model centered around uplifting marginalized communities, enhancing educational access, and building long-term development structures. His early parishes still recall his charitable works and unwavering commitment to the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.
In September 1979, Rev. Dr. Anton Matthias entered an important phase of ecclesial service that combined the dual spheres of priestly formation and Catholic media leadership. He was appointed Rector of St. Martin’s Minor Seminary in Jaffna, a position that placed him at the heart of nurturing future clergy through rigorous spiritual, pastoral, and intellectual training. Concurrently, he served as both Manager of the Catholic Press and Editor of the ‘Catholic Guardian’, the official diocesan publication, thereby shaping the theological discourse and public engagement of the Church in Northern Sri Lanka. These responsibilities, which he held until October 1984, demonstrate his integrated vision of ecclesial formation and informed religious communication. In 1985, he was once again called to resume his roles at the Catholic Press and Guardian, which he held until August 1986, reaffirming his enduring commitment to Catholic journalism, theological literacy, and the intellectual voice of the Tamil-speaking Church.
In 1984, Rev. Dr. Matthias began a new chapter in academia by joining the University of Jaffna as a Lecturer in Christian Civilization, initiating what would become a distinguished 30 year tenure. His contributions are recognized in the following five distinct phases:
Serving concurrently as University Chaplain and Lecturer, he merged pastoral guidance with academic instruction, supporting students during a time of political turmoil and civil conflict. His role at the Good Shepherd Centre (1985 - 2007) transformed it into a refuge of interfaith solidarity, welcoming both Catholic and non-Catholic students.
As Chaplain, he created safe spaces for youth, advocating dignity, non-violence, and co-existence. Amid bombings and displacement, he ensured that students of all faiths found safety under the Catholic chaplaincy’s roof, a reflection of his deep moral courage.
The present edifice of the Good Shepherd Chaplaincy Centre was fully constructed under his leadership and was formally reopened on 5 July 1986. It remains a beacon of religious formation and student solidarity.
His scholarly excellence and student-centered approach led to his promotion as Senior Lecturer. He introduced interdisciplinary methods by blending philosophy, ethics, history, and theology, making his lectures widely respected for depth and moral insight.
Rev. Dr. Matthias contributed significantly to the academic study of Christianity in Sri Lanka. He focused on the Tamil Catholic legacy, especially the scholarship of Swami S. Gnana Prakasar, OMI. His 1992 monograph ‘The Catholic Church in Jaffna 1875 - 1925’ is a landmark in regional Church historiography.
He also authored ‘We - In the Modern World’ in 1999, tackling contemporary issues in Tamil. His academic degrees (BPh, LPh, BTh, STL, PhD) informed his deeply contextual theological work.
As Head of the Department of Christian Civilization, Rev. Matthias championed curriculum expansion, interfaith dialogue, and values-based education. He worked tirelessly to protect the space for Christian scholarship in a secular, predominantly Hindu university context, fostering a pluralistic academic culture.
He mentored countless students—many now educators, clergy, and civic leaders. He pushed for policies promoting religious equality, better chaplaincy services, and inclusive curriculum practices.
In 2014, he retired from the University of Jaffna. To honor his legacy, the Rev. Dr. Anton Matthias Memorial Gold Medal was instituted and awarded for the first time in March 2025 at the 39th General Convocation. It continues to inspire scholars by celebrating integrity, scholarship, and service.
Alongside his academic commitments, Rev. Dr. Anton Matthias maintained an unwavering dedication to pastoral ministry, shaping parish life through a model rooted in community empowerment, education, and social outreach. From June 1993 to December 2003, he served as Parish Priest of St. Benedict’s Church, Nallur, where he fostered strong community bonds, prioritized youth formation, and expanded educational opportunities. His subsequent ministry at Holy Rosary Church, Columbuthurai (December 2003 - January 2016) was marked by continued focus on social upliftment, lay participation, and the enhancement of parish structures to serve the marginalized. His final pastoral assignment at St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Churches at Kopay (February 2016 - January 2022) reflected his enduring vision: ensuring student welfare, access to education, and charitable initiatives were integral to parish life. Throughout these decades, parishioners consistently recalled his compassion, vision for human development, and ability to integrate spiritual leadership with practical solutions. Notably, during this period, he facilitated the digging of 35 wells across the Northern region, securing support from international donors to meet critical water needs in post-war and underserved communities. These wells stand today as lasting symbols of his benevolence, foresight, and people-centered pastoral mission.
Rev. Dr. Anton Matthias passed away on 10 June 2022, concluding a life that spanned nearly forty-nine years of priesthood, scholarship, and service. His legacy as formator, chaplain, educator, pastor, editor, and visionary remains embedded in the institutions he shaped and the lives he transformed. He stands as a model of Christian witness, a man for others, and a rare embodiment of faith in action.