HISTORY OF THE SYRO-MALANKARA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN IRELAND 

Introduction

Ireland, known as the “Emerald Isle,” is famous for its lush landscapes, rich culture, literature, and music. Located in the Atlantic Ocean west of Great Britain, it is divided into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom.The island has four provinces—Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster—comprising 32 counties, six of which belong to Northern Ireland. Ireland has produced many great writers, including George Bernard Shaw, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Beckett, and James Joyce. Its patron saint is Saint Patrick, and it is often called the land of saints.

History begins….

Although Indian immigration dates back to around 1700, significant migration from Kerala began only in the 2000s, largely driven by opportunities in the healthcare sector.The history of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church in Ireland is closely tied to Venerable Archbishop Mar Ivanios. Following the Reunion of 1930, he visited Dublin on June 22, 1932, en route to meeting Holy Father Pope Pius XI, to attend the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin. During his stay at Rathfarnham Castle as a guest of the Jesuit priests, he introduced the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church and its Antiochian liturgical tradition to Ireland, receiving notable media attention.The seed sown 94 years ago has since grown into a flourishing community.

Starting And Development of the  Syro-Malankara Catholic Diaspora Community                                                                              

The first Holy Qurbono in Syro Malnakara Rite in Ireland was celebrated by Venerable Archbishop Mar Ivanios at  St Francis Xavier’s Church Gardiner Street in 1932.  In 2004, families belonging to the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church arrived in this country in search of employment. From that time, they developed a strong desire to preserve the liturgical heritage in which they were born, raised, and had practiced their faith. On September 19, 2008, Rev. Fr. William Nedumpurath OIC,  arrived here at the invitation of a few Malankara families residing in the country. He celebrated the Holy Mass according to the Malankara liturgy in Dublin for the first time since the visit of Venerable Archbishop Mar Ivanios. This marked an important step in the formation of the community. Following this, efforts were made to identify Malankara Catholic faithful who had migrated to Ireland and to bring them together as a community. On October 28, 2009, the then Bishop of Mavelikkara, Joshua Mar Ignatius, visited Ireland and celebrated Holy Mass in Dublin with the families, further strengthening and encouraging these efforts.

By the decision of the Holy Episcopal Synod, and His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, appointed Fr. Daniel Kulangara as the coordinator of the Syro Malankara Catholics in Ireland who  arrived in Dublin on 25 February 2010 and visited Malankara families in and around the city. On 28 February 2010, he celebrated Holy Mass at the Church of St. Finian in Swartz, thereby establishing the first Malankara Mission in the name of the Holy Mother of God. A committee of seven members was also formed to coordinate and promote its activities. From March 2010 onwards, monthly family prayer meetings began in Dublin.Subsequently, on various occasions, bishops and priests who had studied in Rome visited the community and celebrated Holy Mass.

Earlier, on 24 January 2010, Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the Father and Head of the Church, made his first pastoral visit to the community. He celebrated Holy Mass for the Malankara faithful at St. Francis Xavier Church, Gardiner Street, where Venerable Mar Ivanios Metropolitan had previously celebrated the first Holy Mass in Ireland, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Mar Ivanios’ visit to the country.

Stro-Malankara Chaplaincy Begins in the Republic of Ireland

Following this visit, His Beatitude appointed Rev. Fr. Abraham Pathakkal of the Bathery Diocese as the first Chaplain of the Syro Malankara Catholic Mission in Ireland on 2 December 2012. Alongside his services in the Archdiocese of Dublin, regular Holy Mass for the Malankara Catholic community, as well as faith formation programs, began at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Clondalkin, Dublin. During his tenure, he visited Malankara families in Belfast and other parts of the country, arranging Holy Mass in those locations. Belfast, the second Malankara Catholic community, was officially inaugurated in August 2016.

On 4 September 2021, as per the appointment of the Major Archbishop – Catholicos  Rev. Fr. Cherian Thazhamon from the Archdiocese of Thiruvalla arrived in Ireland and became the first National Coordinator and the second Chaplain of the Dublin Malankara Catholic Mission. Over four years of dedicated spiritual leadership, he significantly expanded the community’s presence across Ireland. He made considerable efforts to visit and explore mission opportunities in various Latin dioceses, including Cork, Galway, Waterford, and Limerick.  

With the effective communications and pastoral meetings of Rev. Fr. Cherian Thazhamon the Coordinator of Ireland the Major Archbishop – Catholicos continued to present the ecclesial meetings of the church in the respective dioceses in Ireland. As a result a few priests where appointed  to cater to the pastoral  needs of our faithful to these respective dioceses.

      Rev. Fr. Shinu Varghese Angadiyil –  Cork and Ross  (2023)

      Rev. Fr. Jijo Johny Asharipparambil – Galwayne        (2023)  

      Rev. Fr. Joachim Pandarakkudiyil   – Limerick             (2025)

      Rev. Fr. Saju Thazhethottathil    –         Dublin              (2025)

His beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos appointed 

Rev. Fr. Shinu Varghese Angadiyil as the second coordinator of Ireland on 2025 15th August

Mission Activities

Approximately 350 families are actively associated with the Malankara Church across six communities in Ireland, participating at various levels in church ministry and pastoral life.

In the Republic of Ireland, four priests serve in the dioceses of Dublin, Cork and Ross,Galway and Limerick, faithfully carrying out the liturgical and pastoral ministries of the Malankara Church. In Northern Ireland, two priests from the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, minister in the Dioceses of Belfast and Armagh.

Faith formation through Sunday School is conducted in all communities in a structured and dedicated manner. Approximately 190 students, ranging from Junior Infants (LKG) to Grade 12, are enrolled in catechetical instruction. A total of 61 teachers are selflessly committed to this important ministry.In addition to academic formation, annual events such as talent shows and anniversary celebrations are organized in each community to identify and nurture the artistic talents of children. The first Regional Sunday School Show is scheduled to take place in June 2026.

Family prayer groups are active across all regions, holding monthly prayer gatherings. Organizations such as MCCL, MCYM, MCMF, and MCA continue to grow and serve in response to the needs of the times.Since 2025, a common convention has been initiated at the International Marian Shrine at Knock. In every community, committee members play an active role by providing leadership and coordinating various programs.In addition to opportunities in the healthcare sector, employment prospects in the IT sector have also expanded. As a result, many young people are now coming here for educational purposes.

Conclusion

The generous support and goodwill of our lay brothers, who are the pride of our Church, have been a constant source of strength and protection for the growth of our community in Ireland. Their willingness to make great sacrifices has further strengthened and enriched our community. We remember with deep gratitude all the families who have supported our growth over the years, as well as the lay brothers who have guided and led us. In the same spirit, we gratefully acknowledge the sacrifices made by all those who have led and nurtured this community throughout its journey.

It is through the special care and keen interest of the Head of our Church and our Father, His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, that the arrangements here have been made so swiftly and that so many priests have been assigned to serve this community. I convey to His Beatitude the love and heartfelt gratitude of the Malankara faithful in Ireland.I also remember with deep appreciation with all the previous Apostolic Visitators along with all the Bishops of the Church. I further extend our sincere gratitude to the Latin Church in  Ireland for all their generocity and timely concerns.