Lancaster welcomes first Syro-Malabar parishes and community in Europe

Bishop Campbell & Cardinal Alencherry lead procession

The Diocese of Lancaster welcomed Cardinal George Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, when he came to celebrate a special Mass to inaugurate two personal parishes erected for his Church in Preston (under the patronage of St Alphonsa) and for the rest of the Diocese (under the patronage of Ss Kuriakose Elias Chavara & Euphrasia). These personal parishes are the first for the Syro-Malabar Church in Europe.

A special liturgical blessing was given on the historic and 'saved' church and presbytery at St Ignatius', Preston which now serves as the worship, social and catechetical centre for the Syro-Malabar Catholics across the city and area.

The Major Archbishop also inaugurated the foundation in Preston of the Sisters of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) who have only recently arrived from Kerala. This marks the first foundation of a community of Syro-Malabar Religious Sisters in Great Britain.

The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, headed by the Major Archbishop, has now more than four million members worldwide and traces its origin to St Thomas the Apostle, who is said to have reached the shore of Kerala in 52 AD.

Around a thousand people, 20 clergy from the Syro-Malabar Church and 20 clergy from Lancaster Diocese attended the colourful service at St Ignatius which was accompanied by music and drumming.

Bishop Michael Campbell explained in his blog: "The rest of the Diocese has a smaller but well-established Syro-Malabar presence - connected canonically to the Blackpool St Kentigern's Deanery - and ongoing provision is being made for their needs.

"Meanwhile, we are becoming increasingly aware at the present time of the reality of migration and the plight of so many men, women and children seeking a better and more peaceful future. A frequent refrain in the Scriptures is that of 'the stranger in your midst', with the injunction to welcome and respect those who differ from us in any way.

"There is no doubt that the presence of the Syro-Malabar communities in the Diocese of Lancaster has brought many blessings to us, and we cannot but be impressed by the fervour of their religious practice and devotion to their faith.

"The Syro-Malabar liturgical language (Malayalam) and form of liturgy are markedly different from our own Roman rite, but are nevertheless ancient and worthy of our respect and admiration.

"The concern of the Syro-Malabar Church authorities is to ensure that the faith and practice of their overseas communities be safeguarded and strengthened. In some parts of the world, eg the USA and Australia, the Syro-Malabar actually have their own dioceses and bishops.

"The Syro-Malabar chaplaincy in the Diocese of Lancaster was founded in 2004 by Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue and has, until this point, relied completely on various Roman Catholic parishes in Preston and further afield, to host their liturgies, social gatherings, meetings and prayer services.

"I remember clearly an appeal at a Synod of Bishops in Rome, which I attended some years ago, for us here in Europe to warmly welcome immigrants who have their own faith story and long traditions, for they can inspire and bring new life to often seemingly tired faith communities in our part of the world.

"Pope Francis often echoes the call to 'welcome the migrant' as we would welcome God Himself. I have no doubt that almighty God will look kindly on the Diocese of Lancaster for opening its door in welcome to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church communities.

"Of course, the word Catholic means universal or 'fullness', and the world-wide Catholic Church may be seen as a 'coat of many colours', having many golden strands and various textures - a 'communion of Churches' - united in diversity.

"We in the Roman or Latin Church represent one distinguished strand of that coat, but an equally important and colourful strand is the ancient and venerable Syro-Malabar Church of Kerala.

"We warmly welcomed the Major Archbishop among us in the conviction that our own Church of Lancaster is strengthened and enriched by the presence of his faithful people among us."

NOTE:

Hugh McLoughlin from Scotland comments:

At the Parish of Saint James the Great -- postal address: 20 Beltrees Road, Crookston, Glasgow, G53 5TE -- besides PP the Rev Gerald Walsh (ordained 2011) there is also resident the Rev George Thelliankal CMF (ordained 1988) who is listed in the Archdiocesan directory as "Chaplain to the Syro-Malabar Community". In this regards, each Sunday at 3pm is held the sacred liturgy according to the Syro-Malabar rite.