Palakunnel Mathai Mariam Kathanar (20 February 1831 – 20 April 1900) was an Indian clergy member that served in the Archdiocese of Changanacherry.

He was ordained as a priest at Mannanam by Bernardine Baccenelli of St. Teresa, O.C.D, the Vicar Apostolic of Verapoly on 2 July 1855.

Throughout his life he worked for the betterment of people of all castes and especially the illiterate Dalits who were suffering in the society.

In the month of April 1870, Valiyachan obtained permission from T. Madhava Rao, who was the Diwan of Travancore, to say Mass at the Central Prison, Poojappura for inmates.

On April 21, he was buried in a self-made grave in a chapel built by Valyachan for the dedication of Saint Maurus on the roadside near Koothrapally church.