MCCL Christmas program - 2020
About Us
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is one of the twenty-four rites of the Universal Catholic Church. It is an Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with the Holy See. It has a total of around 500,000 members. The Church is one of the Saint Thomas Christian churches centered in Kerala, India and was established by the Apostle, Saint Thomas in the 1st Century AD
St. Peter
St. Thomas
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is a Major Archepiscopal Church, founded by The Servant of God, Mar Ivanios, and now headed by Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis.
Servant of God,
Mar Ivanios
The Malankara Catholic Mission of North America Inc., which was registered in 1984, now has an Exarchate that includes 14 churches/missions. His Excellency Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos is the Bishop of the Exarchate in the U.S. and the Apostolic Visitator for Canada and Europe.
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The St. Joseph's Syro Malankara Catholic Mission of British Columbia is one of the recent addition to the NA Exarchate with a number of families across the province and led spiritually by Rev. Fr. John (Daiju) Kuriakose.
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Mission
The mission of the organization is to continue the plan of salvation definitively begun by God the Father in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ and being fulfilled by the Holy Spirit. There by making this experience of salvation available to the community around through the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church by Evangelization. Moreover the organization aims at the integral development of the community. In order to serve this purpose, special emphasize is laid on three areas - Spiritual, Social and Cultural.
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Purposes
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Spiritual: To help the church members to deepen their Christian faith and to live out their faith in their daily life. To guide and motivate the faithful to acquire a spiritual perspective and to develop Christian values of love, hope and charity. Thus, enable them to lead an effective and meaningful Christian life by developing appreciation for the sacraments of the Church, prayer and the word of God.
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Social: To respond and to seek solutions to the social challenges through the organized activities approved by the Church and try to reach out to those in need. To plan and execute suitable programs for the progress and well being of the community. To engage the new immigrant families and international students to cope up with initial concerns and integrate them into the mainstream of the community.
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Cultural : To foster liturgical training and development among the youth focused on Christian values. To promote celebrations that nourish Malankara Catholic and Kerala cultural and linguistic traditions. To develop an awareness towards the protection of the nature and environment.​
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A Journey of Faith and Fellowship for the Syro-Malankara Catholics in Vancouver, BC
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St. Joseph’s Syro-Malankara Catholic Mission in Vancouver has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant spiritual community. Since its establishment, the mission has been committed to fostering faith, fellowship, and service among Malankara Catholic families in British Columbia, while preserving their rich liturgical and cultural heritage.
The mission was formally established in 2016 under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Regi Mathew OFM at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Vancouver. A handful of families began gathering for Holy Mass on alternate weeks, with family prayers at parishioners’ homes in between. A major milestone came in 2017 when the mission participated in the 2nd Western Canada Family Conference in Calgary, aligning itself with the exarchate’s vision for Western Canada. During the conference, the mission launched its website – www.malankaramissionbc.com – and was entrusted with hosting the next conference in Vancouver.
The following years were pivotal in establishing the mission’s spiritual and organizational framework. In 2018, the community secured worship space at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Delta, and began weekly Holy Mass. Faith Formation classes were launched with 15 students and 9 teachers, alongside vibrant parish organizations like the Malankara Catholic Children’s League (MCCL) and Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM). That same year, the mission hosted the 3rd Western Canada Family Conference on the theme “Jehovah Jireh – How to handle when you know God has more for you,” drawing faithful from across the region and saw the visit of His Excellency Bishop Philipos Mar Stephanos for the first time to the community.
In 2019, Rev. Fr. Daiju Kuriakose was appointed vicar and also served as Assistant Vicar at Immaculate Conception Church, Delta. This strengthened ties with the Archdiocese of Vancouver and allowed for regular catechism, cultural programs, and active participation in the Western Canada Family Conference in Edmonton.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed unprecedented challenges. In-person gatherings were suspended, but the mission quickly adapted, shifting prayer meetings and catechism to virtual platforms. Despite restrictions, milestones like First Holy Communion and welcoming new families continued, reflecting the community’s resilience.
The post-pandemic period ushered in renewal and growth. In July 2022, the mission received Charity Status from the Canada Revenue Authority, enabling tax-exempt donations and improving transparency in financial stewardship. Faith Formation expanded to 20 students with 12 teachers, and in-person catechism resumed. The Vacation Bible School aka. MBOC , themed “Fall in Love with Jesus,” brought children together for faith-filled summer learning.
A highlight of the year was the visit of Bishop Yoohanon Mar Theodosius during the Parish Feast in August. The introduction of English Liturgy helped engage youth more deeply in worship. MCYM leadership expanded, celebrating MCYM Day with a procession and anthem, while Christmas festivities included carol rounds, liturgy, and the cultural program “Ephrathah.” The parish welcomed eight new families and four newborns, underscoring its vibrancy.
The past few years reflect a community thriving in faith and outreach – serving 35 families of Syro-Malankara Catholic Chucrh catering to more than 150 members. Holy Week liturgies, parish feasts, and communal meals strengthened unity. Parish Feast saw Bishop Philipos Mar Stephanos greeted with events such as Group Song competitions, Bible quizzes, colouring competition for kids and food stalls, adding festive joy.
Cultural celebrations like Onam, featuring traditional Kerala dishes and games, and the Parish Lelam auction showcased both heritage and generosity. The inaugural Ivano Fest and Ivano Cup Basketball Tournament, attended by more than 700 people, became landmark events, featuring sports competitions, kids’ costume contests, and food stalls, demonstrating organizational excellence and community spirit. The mission also observed the Year of the Word of God, marking the 75th anniversary of the Malankara Catholic Church’s reunion with candlelight prayers. All through the journey remained a cornerstone, serving 19 students with programs like Bible Verse Competitions, VBS, and daily online Bible stories, and a number of students graduated as well during this year.
Looking Ahead
As St. Joseph’s Syro-Malankara Catholic Mission moves forward, it remains committed to organizing programs, outdoor activities, and charity initiatives; welcoming Malankara newcomers to Canada; and nurturing youth and children in faith. Through these efforts, the mission continues to stand as a beacon of spiritual life and fellowship for Malankara Catholics in Vancouver.
