A Brief History of the Malankara Catholic Community in Switzerland
The roots of the Malankara Catholic Community in Switzerland can be traced back to the late 1990s, when the first Malankara Catholic families arrived in Zurich and nearby areas. Though few in number, these early members held strongly to their spiritual traditions and desired a place to worship and celebrate the Holy Qurbono in the Malankara Catholic rite. As more families gradually settled in the region, the need to form an organized community became increasingly evident.
Im Jahr 2001, under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Thomas Kuruvila OIC, the Malankara Catholic Community in Zurich was officially established. This founding took place during an important period in the life of the Malankara Catholic Church. At that time, His Eminance Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, who is now the Major Archbishop–Catholicos of the Malankara Church, served as the Apostolic Visitator for the Malankara Catholic faithful in the UK and Europe. The Church was then led by the late Major Archbishop–Catholicos Cyril Baselios, whose guidance and blessings, along with those of the Apostolic Visitator, played a vital role in the birth of the Zurich community.
The first gatherings and Holy Masses were conducted in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wiedikon, Zurich, where a small but devoted group met every first Sunday of the Month for prayer, Holy Mass, and fellowship. As the number of faithful slowly grew, the community later gathered at the Catholic Church in Bäsedorf, Zurich, on special Feastdays (Christmas, Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter) which better served its pastoral needs.
In 2015, responsibility for coordinating the community passed from Fr. Thomas Kuruvila to Fr. Scaria Kochumuruppel, who continued to guide the community with dedication. During this period, the venue for the Holy Mass was moved to the Latin Catholic Church in Urdorf, Zurich, for reasons of convenience and accessibility.
In 2019, when Fr. Biju Thomas Chavadimuppel was appointed as the coordinator. Under his spiritual leadership, the community strengthened its unity and pastoral activities. He is ably supported by Fr. George Mathew OIC, whose service and commitment have been greatly appreciated by the faithful.
What began as a small gathering of a few Members has grown over the years, Today, the Malankara Catholic Community in Switzerland has blossomed into a group of over 70 members, united in faith, liturgical tradition, and fellowship. The community continues to be a living witness of the Malankara Catholic heritage in Switzerland, cherishing the blessings of its founders and guided by the enduring grace of God.
