About Us

“The plans of the Lord stand firm forever; the purposes of his heart through all generations” (Psalm33:11).

This brief history is a ‘looking back and a moving forward’ with the firm plans of the Lord about the St Joseph Syro-Malabar Catholic Church Montreal in the Eparchy of Mississauga. The Syro-Malabar Catholics in Canada are a migrant community, with rich cultural and Catholic backgrounds. Although the faithful are scattered and settled among the several Canadian provinces and territories, they have maintained their faith and religious identity through their limited community connections and contacts with their mother Church, the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in India.

Evolution
The evolution of the Syro-Malabar faith journey started from the early days of Malayalee immigration to Montreal. In the context of its organic growth over the years, the journey could broadly be classified into three stages – Early years (1960s to 2008), Foundation years – (2008 to 2015), Formation Years – 2015 onwards.

Early years (1960s to 2008)
The initial Malayalee immigration to Montreal started in the early 1960s (and about 95% were Christian). Most of them came for higher studies, while others were seeking job opportunities. In the initial stage the communities and individuals were relying for Holy Masses and Sacraments on the part-time pastoral services of priests from the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and other Catholic Religious Orders from India, who were serving in the Latin Catholic Archdioceses of Montreal, who came for higher studies or those came for friendly visit to their family and friends. We would like to convey our gratitude to those priests who took care of the community; and we gratefully acknowledge the valuable guidance and support of the Archbishops and Bishops who gave their invaluable services to maintain the Syro-Malabar Catholic faith.

The very first baptism in the Syro-Malabar rite was administered by Rev. Fr. Philip Cherukara in 1981 at Holy Family of Jesus Church, Laval. Fr. Philip was from the Diocese of Kottayam who worked and served in the Archdiocese of Montreal. He served as the chaplain of St. Pious X School in Montreal for many years. He died of Cancer and is buried at Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery. The first Syro-Malabar Holy Mass (along with a baptism) was celebrated by Rev. Dr. Jacob Kattackal, Diocese of Pala, in 1982, at Holy Family of Jesus church.

By mid 1982, Rev. Dr. Isaac Chackalaparambil, a CMI priest, arrived in Montreal to do Cancer research at McGill University. Eventually he began to administer sacraments in Syro-Malabar rite in special occasions at Roman Catholic churches throughout Montreal, at the request of various Syro-Malabar Catholic Malayalee families. This came to an end by 1986, when Fr. Isaac was reassigned and moved to the United States, and the Syro-Malabar faithful had no opportunity for few years to celebrate Holy Mass and administer the sacraments in Syro-Malabar rite.

The faithful were unable to receive sacraments under the Syro-Malabar rite from 1987 to 1994, as there was no Syro-Malabar priest living in Montreal during that time. However, if ever a visiting priest happened to pass by Montreal, they were always willing to celebrate a Syro-Malabar mass for the Keralites.

In 1994, Rev. Dr. Isaac Chackalaparambil CMI returned to Montreal to continue his research at McGill University. This time he was much more involved with the Syro-Malabar church and community. When the community caught wind of Fr. Isaac’s return to Montreal, they were very eager to have a Syro-Malabar Mass and the sacraments on a regular basis. As a result, the community arranged Holy Mass followed by light socializing at Transfiguration Church in Ville St. Laurent, on a monthly basis. The community would collect and provide a remuneration ($50) for using the church, and families would take turns in providing a pleasant meal for the celebrant of the mass. This became common practice for about four years, until 1998.

At the same time in Toronto, these kinds of Syro-Malabar activities began as well. The Syro-Malabar church was thriving in both Montreal and Toronto such that His Excellency, Major Archbishop Cardinal Antony Padiyara was made aware. Intrigued to learn more about the details and developments, in 1997 the Major Archbishop Cardinal Antony Padiyara sent Bishop Gregory Karotemprel to Canada as his delegate. Upon his arrival in Montreal, a gathering of about 25-30 families took place in Mr. Joychen Pattara’s house, where Bishop Gregory Karotemprel explained the uniqueness, benefits, and impact of the Syro-Malabar church within North America. Following Bishop’s presentation, an engaging discussion ensued, where people were encouraged to share and discuss their opinions.

In 1998, Rev. Dr. Isaac Chackalaparambil CMI returned to the United States to continue his research studies and once again there was no permanent residing Malayalee priest in Montreal. The Syro-Malabar Church and its activities in Montreal resumed briefly after two years in 2002, when two priests from the Claritian Congregation, Fr. James and Fr. Lukose moved to Montreal. However, this was short-lived, as the two priests moved to Ottawa in 2004.
During these periods, the leadership, hard work, and contributions of George Kattackal was very appreciable.

Foundation years (2008 to 2015)
After an interval of about four years, in 2008 September the Montreal Syro-Malabar community welcomed Fr. Jomon Kalladanthiyil CSC; a priest from the Holy Cross Congregation. The arrival and involvement of Fr. Jomon CSC gave new energy and a new spirit to the Syro-Malabar faithful in Montreal. He was a resident at St. Joseph’s Oratory and quickly got in contact with the Malayalee community. As a result, Syro-Malabar mass resumed as before and was available every 4-6 weeks in various churches. Once Fr. Jomon was settled and had established himself within the Holy Cross Congregation Montreal, he celebrated Syro-Malabar Holy Mass in one of the chapels at St. Joseph’s Oratory. Under the leadership of Fr. Jomon, Mr. Jimjees Abraham and Mr. Mathew Pathiyil took the initiative to start and organize the mass on a monthly basis from 2009. Holy Qurbana was arranged on the 2nd Sunday of every month in the Community chapel of the Oratory. In the beginning, around 40 people joined for the Holy Mass. Tessy Thoppil was appointed as the communications in charge. The choir was led by Mr. Jose Mattam, Neetha Mathew, Lisy George, Jilson Thomas, Nikhil Sebastian, and Albin Kuriakose. Benny Augustine, Tessy Benny, Jijo George, and Leena Jijo took initiative to organize arrangements for the Holy Masses.
The small community collected a yearly financial contribution to set up the initial resources and to arrange the mass on a regular basis. After the Holy Mass, the faithful gathered for snacks and coffee in the Oratory Cafeteria. Good family spirit was maintained, and people got spiritual and social nourishment from such gatherings. Main celebrations like Christmas, Easter, Jubilee celebrations of priests was celebrated with more participation of the ecumenical and Malayalee community in Montreal. Special mention and gratitude for the efforts of Mr. Mathew Pathiyil, Neetha Mathew & Tessy Thopil who coordinated these events to make it memorable ones.

For about 35 years, there were only 25-30 Syro-Malabar Catholic families living in Montreal. Things remained as such until the Canadian Government Immigration policies changed in 2015. Since then, hundreds of Malayalee’s have come and settled in Montreal.

Erection Apostolic Exarchate for the Syro-Malabar Catholics in Canada
August 6, 2015, is a memorable day in the history of the Syro-Malabar Catholics in Canada. It was on that day the Holy Father Pope Francis, “Desiring to protect and promote the spiritual riches of the Oriental Churches…” (Cf. Decree of Erection), erected the Apostolic Exarchate for the Syro-Malabar Catholics in Canada and appointed Rev. Dr. Jose Kalluvelil as the Apostolic Exarch by the Apostolic Constitution “Spiritualem ubertatem” and the titular Bishop of Tabalta. The Episcopal Ordination of the Apostolic Exarch and the formal inauguration of the Syro-Malabar Exarchate took place on September 19, 2015, at the Church of Virgin Mary and Athanasius Canadian Coptic Centre by His Beatitude George Cardinal Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. A few faithful Syro-Malabar Catholics from Montreal participated in the Episcopal Ordination in Toronto, Ontario.

Formation Years – 2015 onwards
Ever since the erection of the Syro-Malabar Apostolic Exarchate, we initiated our faith journey with a specific vision and mission. Our main objectives are, To Form, To Fortify, and To Evangelize the People of God and provide them with all the necessary pastoral care. Based on the promise of Christ, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mt. 6:33), we could slowly build up the Exarchate from scratch, despite of the initial struggles.

First Official Pastoral Visit by His Excellency – Bishop Jose Kalluvelil
In March 2016, Bishop Jose Kalluvelil visited the Syro-Malabar faithful in Montreal. He was cordially welcomed by the community. The visitation included a Holy mass and prayerful coordination of the future plans for the formation of organized spiritual and community engagements under the new Exarchate.
At the time of visit, the number Syro-Malabar Faithful was around 50 families. His Excellency Bishop Jose met with the community of all the Syro-Malabar Catholics in Montreal at the residence of Mr. Jimjees Abraham. Discussions ensued about the formation of the Syro-Malabar mission, with the goal of having a full-time parish priest one day and a Syro-Malabar Church. Debates and differences of opinions were exchanged regarding these matters.
As per the direction of Bishop Jose Kalluvelil in the first meeting, catechism classes were started once in a month in the Oratory with 14 students. Mr. Benny Augustine was appointed as the Catechism Principal and Dr. Saji George as the vice-principal, with Mrs. Joby Biju George, Francy Tharakan, and Jimjees Abraham helping with classes.
Day by day, the number of faithful increased, and the Community Chapel at the Oratory was not enough for regular monthly Holy Mass. Therefore, the Holy Qurbana was shifted to Saint André Bessette Chapel, a side Chapel in the Basilica of the Oratory that can contain around 300 people. By then, around 200 people joined for regular monthly Holy Qurbana. The number of Catechism students increased to 41. Classes were held at Le Pèlerin Center (Holy Cross House) in the campus of the Oratory.

Officiating St- Joseph Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission
As the number of people were constantly increasing for the regular monthly Holy Mass and Catechism classes, Fr. Jomon started looking for a suitable place for all people to gather on a more regular basis. With the permission of Mar Jose Kalluvelil, he contacted the Archbishop Christian Lépine of the Montreal Archdiocese. Fr. Jomon received a response from the archbishop’s house, and he was invited to meet with Mgr. Blanchard, the then Vicar Episcopal for Cultural Communities. During their meeting, Fr. Jomon expressed the need to have a Church for the Kerala community to gather for regular liturgical celebrations and he requested if the community could use the nearby French Parish –Notre Dame des Neiges Parish on Côte-des-Neiges Road (5366, de la Côte-des-Neiges Rd.), Montréal, QC, H3T 1Y2. Mgr. Blanchard, the old Pastor of this same parish for the French community, was very happy about this request and spoke with Archbishop Lépine and agreed to use this Church for regular monthly Holy Masses and Catechism classes without disrupting the regular programs of the already existing French Parish. He invited Fr. Jomon to talk with Fr. Alfredo, the Pastor of the French Parish and made further arrangements. After meetings and discussions with the Parish authority, Fr. Jomon Kalladanthiyil, CSC signed the first contract between the Archdiocese of Montreal and St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. From January 2018, we were allowed to use the Church and Parish Hall as per our need.

First Trustees
From January 2018, we started having two Holy Masses per month and 2 sessions of Catechism classes (first and third Sundays of the month). By then, the number of faithful had increased to 500 people. As per the directions from the Exarchate, the parishioners elected the first two Kaikkarns (Trustees) from Syro-Malabar church Montreal. The first two Kaikkarans (Trustees) of the mission were Mr. Francy Jos Tharakan and Dr. Saji George. The treasurer was Jimjees Abraham. Nijin Sebastian helped out as Sacristan and Yogi Joseph and the team formed a good choir for the church. The number of Catechism students increased to around 100. A new website for the church was launched in June with the hard work of Joshy Joseph and Fr. Jomon. The website was named as KCC Montreal – Kerala Catholic Community in Montreal. All Catholics from Kerala in Montreal belonging to different rites were coming together to pray. From time to time, all the Kerala priests who lived and continue to live in Montreal helped to celebrate the Holy Masses according to the need of the community.

Frist Priest from the Exarchate – Fr. Boby Joy Muttathuvalayil
In September 2018, after thanking Fr. Jomon for all his selfless services, Bishop Jose Kalluvelil appointed a new Pastor for St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Montreal. Fr. Boby Muttathuvalayil took the leadership from Fr. Jomon Kalladanthiyil, CSC along with his appointment as pastor of Ottawa, Mother Theresa Parish. Fr Boby Joy with his eminent leadership and enthusiasm led the community day by day to the long-cherished aim. Fr Boby Joy paved all the way and as per the direction of Bishop Mar Jose Kalluvelil, started the communication with the Archdiocese of Montreal for the pastoral collaboration. The prayer, preparation and group work of faith community was very good and later helped to achieve the aim. And during this period Francy Jos Tharakan was nominated as the Eparchial pastoral council member from Montreal St Joseph Syro-Malabar Church.

Elevation of Exarchate into Eparchy
2018, December 22 was another remarkable day for the Syro-Malabar Catholics in Canada. The Apostolic Exarchate for the Syro-Malabar Catholics in Canada was elevated to the rank of an Eparchy (Diocese) with the title of Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Mississauga by His Holiness Pope Francis on 22 December 2018. The inauguration of the Eparchy and the installation of Mar Jose Kalluvelil were solemnized on 25 May 2019 by His Beatitude George Cardinal Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, at St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Cathedral, Mississauga. Let’s thank God for this ineffable gift, a gift for the missionary zeal, hard work and coordinated efforts of all the People of God in this country.

First Parish Council Members
During the years of 2019-2020, the parishioners elected Sijo Varghese and Arun Baby Melettu as Kaikkarans (Trustees). And first parish council was formed under the leadership of Fr. Boby Joy. The first parish council members were Rijo John, Abhilash Kunjappan, Benny Augustine, Binu Joseph, Francy Jos Tharakan, Saji George, Trinson Joy, Aneesh Lukose, and Anish Kurian. From 2019 onwards regular Sunday Holy Qurbana was with regular catechism classes with the help of Syro-Malabar priests residing in Montreal. Rev. Fr. Boby Joy Muttathuvalayil assured the availability of priests on every Sunday. Deepthi Joseph was appointed as the Principal for the Catechism Department. The number of catechism students increased year after year to reach nearly 180.

First Feast of St Joseph & St Sebastian (First Perunnal)
The first Perunnal of the church was celebrated On May 5th, 2019. It was the feast of St. Joseph and St. Sebastian and was held in Notre Dame des Neiges Parish on Côte-des-Neiges. Fr. Boby, the trustees Sijo Varghese and Arun Baby along with the different family units made the first Perunnal a day to remember.

Parish council and ongoing developments
In 2020-2021, Mr. Trinson Joy and Mr. Anish Kurian were elected as the Kaikkarans (Trustees) and the parish council remained the same. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the in-person attendance of Holy Qurbana but whenever possible it was conducted according to Covid-19 protocol and government regulations at different locations with the help of Syro-Malabar priests residing in Montreal under the leadership of Fr. Boby and the trustees. The availability and commitment of Rev. Fr. George MCBS and Rev. Fr Regi Franciscan OFM are remarkable during this period.
In 2021, April 31st Rev. Fr. Boby Joy Muttathuvalayil was transferred to Alberta as the Associate pastor in St Alphonsa Forane Parish Edmonton and as Mission Director of other seven Missions in AB and BC. Receiving the batton from Rev. Fr. Boby Joy, Rev. Fr. Augustine Kallumkatharail came to St. Joseph Church Montreal, together with his assignments as Parish Priest of Ottawa and the Director of Catechism in the Eparchy of Mississauga with effect from May 01, 2021. Fr. Augustine came to Montreal twice in a month, and on all other Sundays, we had the help of other priests from Montreal.
As the number of faithful was increasing day by day and to have fixed place for worship and a regular full-time priest for the St. Joseph community was an essential need. Frequent intervention of Bishop Mar Jose Kalluvelil, Rev. Fr. Jomon Kalladanthiyil and Rev. Fr. Boby Joy Muttathuvalayil to the Bishops Christine Lepine and Alain Faubert the Archbishop and Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Montreal respectively, paved a way to have a full-time priest in collaboration with Archdiocese of Montreal.

First Assigned Church for St Joseph Syro-Malabar Mission
In 2021, Fr. Jomon helped to find out St. Richard Parish, Cote Saint Luc for our regular Sunday Holy Qurbana. After a year of lockdown, gradually resumed the in-person services with limited number of participations. Reaching out to St Richard parish was a new beginning for Syro-Malabar faithful in Montreal. Fr. Boby and Fr. Jomon made the arrangements for the first official meeting with the Archdiocese of Montreal. Two bishops of Archdiocese of Montreal, and Rev. Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, the priest in charge of English-speaking community invited Bishop Jose Kalluvelil, Fr. Boby Joy and Fr. Jomon for an official meeting to discuss the availability of a priest of Eparchy of Mississauga to serve in the Archdiocese of Montreal. After so many discussions and meetings both dioceses came to an agreement to have a priest from the Eparchy of Mississauga to serve as a fulltime priest for St Joseph Syro-Malabar Parish Montreal and St Richard Catholic Parish, Cote Saint Luc. Bishop Kalluvalil with his hard work and dedication was able to acquire a beautiful church from the Archdiocese of Montreal for the Syro-Malabar Catholics, with the agreement that the church would still provide all the Sacramental needs of the Latin church parishioners as well. The role and cooperation of Deacon Nathan of St. Richard parish is unforgettable.
Meanwhile, St Joseph Church Montreal arranged meeting with Curia members of the Eparchy of Mississauga under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Augustine Kallumkatharayil and trustees- Trinson Joy and Anish Kurian. Parish Council Meeting and General Body Meetings were adjourned to discuss and evaluate the process and steps. St Joseph Syro-Malabar Church prepared themselves under the leadership of the vicar, to receive the ineffable gift. There were many hazards, such as travel facility, distance and mainly financial. By the grace of God, all the faithful offered their full support to have spiritual nourishment for the community. The timely involvement, guidance of Rev. Fr. Augstine Kallumkatharayil helped the community to welcome the fulltime vicar for the Syro-Malabar Church, Montreal.

Frist Full Time Priest for St Joseph Syro-Malabar Church Montreal – Fr. George Joseph Changanamthundathil (Jojo)

On August 01, 2021, a pastoral collaboration was formed with Montréal Archdiocese for our liturgical and administrative activities between St. Richard’s Parish in Côte Saint-Luc and St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Church. Rev. Fr. George Joseph from the Eparchy of Mississauga was appointed as the first fulltime and residential priest for both communities on August 01, 2021. A grant farewell was given to Fr. Augustine Kallumkatharayil on July 26, 2021 for all the services and preparation rendered to St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Community during the short term of service with maximum effort and result.
St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Community welcomed our new priest Fr. George Joseph on July 28, 2021. He was accompanied with Bishop Mar Jose Kalluvelil, Rev. Fr. Jacob Edakalathur, Rev. Fr. Plogen Antony from the Eparchy of Mississauga.

On August 1, 2021, Fr. George Joseph Changanamthundathil (Jojo) was appointed and installed as the first residing parish priest of St Joseph Syro-Malabar parish, Montreal by Bishop Mar Jose Kalluvelil. The solemn Holy Qurbana was celebrated by Bishop Mar Jose Kalluvelil and Rev. Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, (Priest person of English-speaking parishes, in the Archdiocese of Montreal) Rev. Fr. Jomon CSC and Fr. Jojo as co celebrants. All the priests from Kerala, serving in Montreal was present for the ceremony. Commencement of Daily Syro-Malabar Mass
Under the able direction and guidance, of Fr. Jojo, daily Syro Malabar Holy Qurbana in Malayalam was commenced from August 01, 2021. This is a remarkable milestone, and the community thanks the Almighty God for this gift.
Along with the daily Holy Qurbana other spiritual activities like – the Rosary, (except Monday), Adoration (Friday), Novena (Wednesday and Saturday), Catechism Classes (Sunday) have also continued. Many other ministries and initiatives have started during this time. The catechism student registrations have now reached 200 which is a milestone.

Special Gratitude and Honor to Priests
In this journey, a special word of gratitude needs to be expressed to many priests who took tremendous effort and time for the formation of the Syro-Malabar church. We fondly remember Rev. Fr. Louiz Antony OFM Cap, Rev. Fr. Josey Mullassery OFM Cap, Rev. Fr. Manual OFM Cap, Rev. Benny OFM Cap, Rev. Fr. Sunny, Rev. Fr. Binu MCBS, Rev Fr. Tijo MCBS, Rev. Fr. George MCBS, Rev Fr. Jaison MCBS, Rev. Fr. Joy O’Carm, Rev. Fr. Sibychan O’Carm, Rev. Fr. Deepak O’Carm, Rev Fr. Shaiju O’ Carm, Rev. Fr. Janil (Holy Trinity), and Rev. Fr. Regi Franciscan OFM, who helped and continues to help the Syro-Malabar community in our spiritual needs.
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