Kochi: Father Saju Mathew, vicar of Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston, US, has been selected for this year’s covetous Merlin Award instituted by International Magicians Society for the ‘Best Gospel Magician’ category.

Dubbed as the Oscar in the field of magic, the award will be given to him in Houston on March 21.

This is the first time a clergy is being considered for the award. Magicians P C Sorcar, Gopinath Muthukad and Samraj had also received the prestigious award, reported manoramaonline.

Father Mathew said that he was very proud to be chosen for the award. “During my seminary days itself, I had a passion for magic. Earlier, I used magic as a means for imparting Biblical stories and moral lessons to children. But later I got enough venues to present magic at various parishes,” he said.

Father Mathew is a native of Chachipunna at Pathanapuram in Kollam district. He completed his Bachelor of Divinity from Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam.