Syromalabar Church

About the Syro-Malabar Church

Discover the vibrant Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, one of the 22 Eastern (Oriental) Catholic Churches in full communion with Rome. With 4.6 million believers, it stands as the largest of the Saint Thomas Christian denominations, governed by the Synod of Bishops under the leadership of the Major Archbishop. Experience its deep-rooted spirituality and strong tradition of vocations to priesthood and religious life, making it a dynamic Catholic community worldwide.

History and Growth of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in the USA

The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, founded by St. Thomas the Apostle in South India, has a rich history of migration and growth in the United States. Established as the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago in 2001, it has flourished over the years, catering to the spiritual needs of a growing community.

Migration and Establishment of Dioceses

The Syro-Malabar faithful embarked on a journey of migration, first settling in the Malabar region to the north and the High Ranges in the East. As farmers seeking better opportunities, they established their faith communities and built churches, leading to the formation of the Tellicherry and Kothamangalam dioceses in the 1950s.

Expansion to Different Cities

In the late 1960s and 1970s, a significant number of Syro-Malabar Catholics migrated to different cities in India, including Bombay, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, and Calcutta. To meet the spiritual needs of this dispersed community, the Kalyan Diocese was established in Bombay in 1988, and other cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Delhi are awaiting dioceses

Migration to Europe and the USA

In the third wave of migration, Syro-Malabar Catholics moved to Europe and the United States in search of better opportunities. Among the professionals, nurses played a vital role, in settling in major metropolitan cities and forming small communities. Initially referred to as “Malayalam Qurbana,” Holy Masses were organized by various Kerala Catholic Associations to preserve their cultural and religious identity.