The Syro-Malabar community in
Delhi Cantt was organized by
Fr. Sebastian Vadakumpadan in
1996. He was celebrating
liturgy in Syro-Malabar rite
on alternate Sunday evenings.
By the end of 1996, Fr. John
Chozhithara began celebrating
mass on every Sunday at 06.30
a.m. He visited houses of
members and organized the
people to start prayer groups,
which continues till now. He
grouped the people into 4
zones – Kapashera-Samalka,
Mahipalpur, APS-Subrathopark
and Delhi Cantt – and
conducted prayer meetings at
06.00 p.m. every Sunday.
As Fr. John was transferred
to Rohini in 1997, Fr.
Varghese Pottackal took charge
of the mass centre. Staying in
Okhla, he guided the community
in spite of his heavy schedule
and studies. He constituted
the first Church committee in
Cantt on 31.08.1997. At this
time, Mass was postponed to a
later time at 07.00 a.m. until
it was fixed at 07.15 a.m. in
the year 2000.
From 1997 to 2000, it was a
period of transition for the
community with a number of
priests serving for a short
while and then transferred.
They were Fr. Benny
Maramparambil, Fr. Paul
Madassery, Fr. Francis
Kavalippadan, Fr. Justin
Puthussery and Fr. Baiju
Vadakumchery.
By the end of 1999, a
society was formed by name
Kerala Catholic, Cultural and
Charitable Society under the
chairmanship of Major George
and the priest-in-charge as
the president. The Society was
made to see to the smooth
running of the activities of
the community and it is
functioning very well till
today. The Society organized
retreats during lent season,
arranged annual picnics for
the community, prepared
children for Santhome Fest.
Fr. Martin Mampilly was
appointed in charge of the
community in 2000. As Fr.
Martin was transferred on
28.07.2002, Fr. Jose
Bharanikulangara took over
from him and looked after the
community for next six months.
In 2003 Fr. Baiju Edassery was
appointed in the place of Fr.
Bharanikulangara. Fr. Baiju
introduced Catechism classes
for children immediately after
the mass. Two FCC Sisters
began coming from Palam
convents to look after the
catechism classes. As Fr.
Baiju was appointed Director
of Sanjopuram, Chandpur Fr.
Joseph Odanat took over from
him on 28.03.2004. After his
return to Kerala, Fr. John
Chozhithara
was in charge of the
Community till 1 August 2005.
Thereafter, Fr. Rajan
Punnackal was appointed
priest-in-charge of the mass
centre. On 1 August 2007, Fr.
Tom Mullenchira was appointed
as the first parish priest of
Sagarpur Syro Malabar Personal
parish, which included the
territory of St. Paul parish,
Delhi Cantonment.
The members of the Society
contributed monthly financial
support for the day to day
expenses of the community.
They participated in Santhome
Fests, annual Syro-Malabar
Conventions and all such
common programmes. First Holy
communion of children were
being administered in the Syro-Malabar
rite. Dukhrana, the feast of
St. Thomas is celebrated
solemnly every year by the
community.
|
Centre at a
glance |
|
Name: |
St. Paul’s Syro-Malabar
Church |
|
Address: |
C/o St. Paul’s Church,
Parade Road, Delhi
Cantonment, New
Delhi-110010 |
|
Priest in charge: |
Fr. Tom Mullenchira |
|
Contact address: |
D-2/15
A , Vashist Park,
Jenakpuri,
New Delhi-46 |
|
Area: |
Delhi Cantt, APS,
Subrathopark |
|
Members: |
600 |
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Religious House: |
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Other Institutions:
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Feast: |
St. Thomas the Apostle |
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Activities: |
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* |
Catechism |
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* |
Family Units |
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* |
Choir Group |
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* |
Altar Servers |
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