Development of the Syro-Malabar Church, Cork, Ireland
Under Fr. Johnson’s guidance, to strengthen unity and fellowship among us, the community was divided into nine different family units, which were named after different Saints. These Family units arrange regular monthly prayer meetings in one of their families. After a general body meeting, a parish council was formed and the representatives were from each family unit. Four Trustees were elected to co-ordinate the functions of the community. Two mass centres were formed; one in Wilton, SMA Church, and the other one in the City Centre, St. Francis Church. Holy Mass was offered on every first and third Sunday in the City and every second and fourth Sunday in Wilton. Catechism was started in both centres on four Sundays, with the fifth Sunday Mass and Catechism at Clogheen, where people of both locations would join together at the Church of the Most Precious Blood. This common fellowship was a great opportunity to mingle with others. Christmas, Easter, other obligatory days and feasts were celebrated together and the fellowship of the community helped us to work together in a more organised way. In addition, home blessings were carried out yearly by Fr. Johnson.
The first Holy Week retreat was in 2008 by Fr. Mathew Naikkamparambil and his team. First Holy Communion and Confirmation in Malayalam, were started in 2008 as well. In the month of May, the Cork Syro-Malabar community started pilgrimages to Knock, to venerate Mother Mary. Our community participated with the Cork Diocese for the Corpus Christy procession. Bible quizzes were conducted for adults and children. August 15th, the feast of Assumption of our Mother Mary and India’s Independence Day, was celebrated at Clogheen Church. We remember most Rev. Canon Liam O’Driscoll for his great encouragement and support towards our community. Special prayers were conducted in the family units, in the months of May and October to venerate Mother Mary. Christmas, New Year and Sunday School Annual day was celebrated on January 3rd 2009. Monthly parish Council meetings and two general body meetings were conducted and the annual financial report was audited by Auditors and approved by the general body meeting.
A new parish committee was formed in 2009 with 18 members and there were 11 family units and 143 families. Four new Trustees were elected and they continued all the activities started in 2008. Cork Syro-Malabar community participated in the Cork St. Patrick Day Parade for the first time. Parish feast day was celebrated and we decided to celebrate it, every year, on the last Sunday of May. Fr. Martin Parokaran and Fr. Paul Thettayil were invited for the feast day. In addition, a one-day camp was conducted for our Sunday school students. Jesus Youth activities were started and the famous REXBAND came to Cork on the 28th of August 2009. A seminar for our Catechism teachers was also conducted. 2009 Holy week retreat was by Fr. Xavier Khan Vattayil and team. Mr. Binu K.P from Dublin came to Cork to support the retreat with his Music ministry.
Our website, www.corksyromalabar.com, was inaugurated by most Rev. Bishop John Buckley on the 30/12/2009.
We started our charity activities by donating our collections from Christmas and Easter lent. Family diaries were produced and were given to the families with all their details. 2010 Holy week retreat was by Fr.Shajan Thermadam and team. The October retreat was by Fr. Soji Olickal, Sehion Ministry and Counsellor Shaju Joseph from Chitoor Retreat centre. Parish feast day message was given by Fr. Jose Pollayil, the Syro-Malabar co-ordinator, Italy.
A By-Law committee was formed and our By-Law was approved by our Major Arch Bishop Varkey Videyathil, Bishop Sebastain Vadakkel, Bishop of Ujjain and Chairman of ‘Commission for Evangelization and Pastoral Care of the Migrants’ and Bishop John Buckley, the Bishop of Cork and Ross in October 2010. A Church Support of Euro 10/month (started in 2007) by each family was also approved by Bishop John Buckley to meet our day-today expenses. With great gratitude we remember the By-Law committee members Mr. Babu Kuruvila, Mr. Thomaskutty Eyyayil, Mr. Shibu A.P., Mr.Tomy Scaria, Mr.Raju John, Mr.Jaison Joseph, Mr. Binu Thomas, Mrs. Sheela Johnson and Mrs. Meyemma Shaji. Other activities include, printing of our community religious Calendar, prayer books in Malayalam and ‘Manglish’ and providing School bags for our Sunday school children. Christmas Carol was conducted in our families under family units. Auxiliary Bishop of Thrissur Arch diocese Mar Raphel Thattil visited Cork during this period and his enthusiastic and powerful preaching helped us to grow spiritually. Fr. Johnson Chalissery completed his 3 years’ service in Cork and went back to India on the 20/01/2011. With great gratitude we thank Fr. Johnson for all his hard work and dedication in fulfilling his priestly duties in Cork. We wish him all the very best!
Fr. Paul Payyappilly came to Ireland on the 13/01/2011 and took charge as our Chaplain. During the 2010-2011 period, a 15-member parish Council was formed. Lots of people from Cork migrated to Australia and Canada during 2009-2011 periods. As a result, the number of family units decreased to 10 and the number of families were down to116. In 2011, our community won the best children’s performance award in the St Patrick Day parade. Curia Bishop, Mar Bosco Puthur visited our community on July 8th 2011. Holy week retreat was by Fr. Louis Vellanickal and team. Fr. Binoy Mathew Kombanamthottam and Fr. Paul Thettayil were invited for the Parish feast day in 2011. We were blessed by the visit of Bishop Joseph Perumthottam on the 26th October 2011.
A new parish committee was formed in January 2012 with 13 members. There was a total of 110 families from 10 different family units. There was a one-day retreat by Fr. Antony Payyapilly in February 2012. Holy week retreat was by Fr.Joseph Thomas Vayalil, Shalom team. Fr. Mathew Arackaparambil gave the parish feast day message. We were blessed by the visit of our Major Arch Bishop Cardinal Mar George Alanchery, on June 10th 2012. Our community took part in the international Eucharistic Conference in Dublin in June 2012. Fr. Paul Payyappilly went back to India in July 2012 due to ill health and we wish him all the very best in his future activities.
Fr. Francis George Neelankavil was appointed as our Chaplain in October 2012. A one-day retreat was organised for our children in October and was by the Mother Theresa Sisters. A new parish Committee with 12 members were formed in January 2013. There were 108 families from 9 family units. Holy week retreat was by Fr. Dominic Valamanal. A liturgical Calendar was printed and distributed to members. A half an hour-long Malayalam classes were started for our children on Sundays, just before Catechism Classes. Fr. Mathew Arackaparambil, Fr. George Augustine and Fr. George Pulimala were invited for the 2013 parish day feast. First Friday adoration was conducted in St. Francis Church monthly. There was a one-day English retreat by Fr. Xavier Raj and Team, in June 2013. A half day seminar was conducted for the parents, Teachers and students by Fr.Joseph Vellanal. A follow up retreat by Fr. Joseph Puthenpurackal was organised in September 2013. A 3 day, Christeen retreat was conducted by Smt. Marykutty teacher for our children. Garda vetting and Child protection trainings were given to our Trustees, Sacristans and Catechism teachers. Our community got invited for the Syro-Malabar Global meet which was conducted in Kakkanad, Kochi in 2013 by the Commission for Evangelization and Pastoral care of migrants. On 17/12/2013, it was informed to us by our Major arch Bishop that Fr. Antony Perumayan from Northern Ireland was appointed as our National co-ordinator, by Cardinal Sheen Brady.
The 2014 parish council had a total of 18 members from 9 family units and 3 Trustees were elected from them. Church support list and the official website were updated. It was decided to conduct Catechism only on the 1st and 3rd Sundays in the City Centre. Holy week retreat was by Rev. Dr. Sony Thekkummuriyil and October retreat was by Fr. Jacob Manjaliy. A picnic for Catechism teachers and students were arranged in 2014. Our community joined the Dublin Church’s Death Relief Fund (DRF) by paying 50 Euros individually. On 10/10 2014 Jesus Youth’s REXBAND again visited Cork. By the end of 2014 we were forced to stop our City mass centre due to the change of the Priest in-charge of St. Francis Church. Our sincere thanks go to Fr. Eugene Barrett and other Franciscan priests for all their support and kindness to our community.
Consequently, in 2015, our community started gathering together in one mass centre, in Wilton. For the 2015 Parish council, 3 Trustees were elected by our general body meeting. The boundaries for our family units were rearranged. In September 2015, there were 103 families from 8 family units in Cork Diocese and in the Cloyne Diocese there were 32 families from 4 family units. In total -135 families. On 19/04/2015, Fr. Antony Perumayan was honoured as a Monsignor by Pope Francis. Msg. Antony Perumayan visited Cork Syro- Malabar community on the 19/04 2015 and discussed the future plans to the faithful. The holy week retreat was given by Fr. Kurian Puramadathil and team.
26/03/2016, 3 members from our community represented the Dublin Ad hoc committee. Fr. Francis George Neelankavil went back to Kerala in May 2016. With great gratitude we acknowledge Fr. Francis Neelankavil’s hard work and activities for our community. The parish Council was discontinued by the general body meeting and a temporary Trusty was appointed for the day today activities until the new priest came. Most Rev. Bishop Sebastian Vadakkel visited Cork on the 27/072016 and discussed the future plans to the Laity. The 2014, Death Relief Fund was stopped by Dublin Church in 2016 and the members were asked to apply for refund of the contribution (50 Euros). Our sincere thanks go to Fr. Paul Thettayil, Fr. Joseph Vellanal, Fr. Suneesh, Fr. Prince and Fr. Binoy Mathew who helped us in the absence of our Chaplain.
In November 2016, Fr. Sibi Arackal came from Kerala to Cork and took over the charge as our new Chaplain. A new parish Council was formed in 2017 with 3 Trustees and 12 other members. There were 130 families from 9 family units. Annual retreat was by Fr. Antony Parangimalil V.C. In May 2017, Europe’s Apostolic Visitator Mar Stephen Chirapanath and Co-ordinator Fr. Joseph Varikkattu visited Cork Syro-Malabar community. There was Holy mass followed by Parish General Body meeting. It was a great chance for the Laity to talk to them and get their valuable advises for spiritual growth. At the meeting, Bishop mentioned the importance of teaching Malayalam, our native language, to our children. Fr. Joseph Vellanal and Fr. Paul Thettayil were co-celebrants for our feast day. First Friday Adoration was started in Wilton in 2017. We also had a retreat in September by Fr. Soji Olickal. Bible Quizzes were conducted for adults and children. Child safeguarding policy was introduced to our Church as guided by the Cork Diocese and same was uploaded on our website. Garda vetting were done for Catechism teachers, Trustees, Sacristans and Choir members who are in contact with children. Two safeguarding representatives were appointed from our community for monitoring and reporting any safety concerns. Full day safe guarding training was given by the Diocese of Cork and Ross to those representatives and to Fr. Sibi. Our website was updated in 2017 and the domain name was changed to www.syromalabarchurch.ie. A prayer book (Viswassa Deepthi) was produced in ‘Manglish’ for our children to participate actively in our liturgy.
The 2018 parish Council had 3 Trustees and 17 other members. Two new family units were formed due to the increase in our numbers. There were 140 families from 11 family units. Holy week retreat was by Fr. Binoj Mulavarickal and Fr. Biju Muttathukunnel. His Excellency Mar Stephen Chirapanath was present for Holy Mass celebration on the 27th of March. Fr. Binoy Kombanamthottam and Fr. Joseph Karukayil were the guest priests for our first Holy Communion and parish feast day celebration.
On the occasion of Pappal visit to Ireland on August 26th, around 200 people along with Fr. Sibi attended the Holy Mass in Dublin. Auxiliary bishop of Changanassery Arch diocese Bishop Thomas Joseph Tharayil visited Cork Syro-Malabar community on 21st October 2018. In October, we had a 2 days retreat by Fr. Binoj Mulavarickal. Cork Syro-Malabar community donated an amount to Kerala Flood relief fund in 2018. A Christmas cake competition was conducted to fund rise for the flood relief. Our community were invited for the family fun day organised by Wilton SMA Church and our active participation was appreciated by Fr. Miachael O’ Leary, SMA. A one-day camp was arranged for our Sunday school children. As per the 2016 Law, procedures for Charity registration under Charity Regulatory Authority of Ireland were started for our community. A committee was formed for this purpose. Syro-Malabar Church, Cork Facebook page was also opened in 2018.
In 2019, there were 146 families from 12 family units in our community. 30 single youth members were also registered during this time to Cork Syro-Malabar Church. The 2019 Parish Council included 2 Trustees from the general body meeting and 20 other members from the 2018 Parish Council. A retreat was conducted for our children in February by Sehion Team. Holy week retreat was by Fr. Jacob Madathumpadi. On April 6th people from our community climbed ‘Corrin Hill- stations of cross’ in Fermoy. For the 2019 first Holy Communion Celebration, bishop Mar Stephen Chirappanath was present as the chief celebrant. At the general body meeting, he explained the new By-Law which came into effect on the 28/04/2019 to the faithful. He also suggested that it will be beneficial in future if we lease or buy a Church/building for our religious activities. Fr. Paul was the co-celebrant for the parish feast day. The Episcopal ordination of Bishop Fintan Gavin, the new Bishop of the Diocese of Cork and Ross was on the 30/06/2019. Our community was invited for the same and representatives from our Church attended the ceremony. Children’s retreat was by Sr. Ruth O’Callaghan and team from Roscommon. Two youths from our community attended the international Youth Conference held in Switzerland. Around 25 youths attended the Youth Conference which was held in Kildare.
The Syro-Malabar catholic community in Cork got It’s charity registration on the 30/11/2019 as ‘The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church of Cork’ and the registration number is 20204848. It was a great achievement for the Syro-Malabar Catholics in Cork and appreciation goes to those worked behind it. The Chaplain and 2 other members from our parish Council are representing the Ad hoc committee in Dublin. A Church Build Committee was formed in October 2019 with 17 members to co-ordinate the Church lease/buy activities. The members of the community started a special prayer for this attempt to become a reality, if it is God’s wish. Even though, we were paying for the SMA Church Fee annually, they introduced a daily fee for using the rooms for Catechism. Hence the parish general body meeting agreed to bring in a fee from Catechism students to meet those expenses.
Syro-Malabar Church, Cork had its first Holy Land visit In February 2020 and about 36 people participated in it. Other religious organisations that work under our Church are Jesus Youth, Nurses Ministry and Legion of Mary. We also have Altar Servers group and appropriate training is provided to them. Moreover, we have a beautiful Choir and a sound system team who helps in edifying the congregation in glorifying our God.
From February 2020, Fr. Sibi Arackal got transferred to Clonakilty Parish. However, Fr. Sibi is continued as our Chaplain in- charge until the new priest arrived, as authorised by Bishop Fintan Gavin and Mar. Stephen Chirappanath. In the month of March 2020, we temporarily stopped our public activities as directed by the Diocese and the national law, due to COVID-19 pandemic. Holy Mass was celebrated live by Fr. Sibi on our FB page during that time. From July on wards there was Holy Mass at Clogheen Church according to COVID-19 protocol and guidelines. The 2019 Church committee was continued in 2020 and served our community. The Church registration form was updated in December 2020 and new registration was sought from the members.
