Mathikere

M.K. Extension, Mathikere,

Bangalore, Karnataka – 560 054

Bangalore – the Garden city and Silicon Valley of India – had a tremendous flow of migrants from Kerala after independence in search of employment and other livelihood. Among them were also Malankara Catholics. They were able to participate in their own liturgical services occasionally in the early eighties through the Malankara priests namely Fr. Dominic Zacharia(late), Fr. Philip Chempakassery and Fr. John Padipurackal who came here for higher studies in St. Peter’s Seminary and Dharmaram Vidyakshethra. Our regular holy Qurbono was started in June 1986 by Rev. Fr. Isaac Thottunkal(presently Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos) who came as the appointed Chaplain of the Malankara community in Bangalore from the Diocese of Bathery for higher studies in Dharmaram Vidyakshethra. This was a turning point in the history and growth of the Malankara faithful in Bangalore. Though our services were conducted at different places, thanks to various congregations, our spiritual leader, Rev. Fr.Isaac realized the need for having our own Church. He was able to organize the community which was scattered in the city through house visits, prayer groups and get-togethers. The Malankara Catholic Association started by Rev. Fr. IssacThottunkal was actively involved in this endeavor.

With the whole hearted support and blessings of Cyril Mar Baselios of happy memory, thethen Bishop of the Diocese of Bathery (later our first Catholicos) , Isaac Achen could establish the first Parish at Mathikere – St. Joseph’s Malankara Catholic Church on 16^th April 1991. The Parish now has over 100 families and in the year 2015, the silver jubilee was celebrated.

The successive Vicars viz. Fr. Zacharias Kottayil(late), FrTomy Thadathil(late), Fr. Abraham Thalothil, Fr. Sebastian Keepally, Fr. Benny Panachiparampil, Very Rev. Koshy Kakkanatt Cor-Episcopa, Very Rev. Ramban Mathew Chamakala,  Fr.Mathew Perumbellikunnel, Fr. James Charuvilayil, Fr. Joshy Vazhapilleth etc. had all given powerful leadership. The present Vicar Fr. Varghese Kadakketh is now leading the community successfully.

The Assistant Vicars namely Fr. Philip Maruthoorkandathil, Fr. Mathew Varikkatt, Fr. Joseph Venmanath, Fr. George Thekada, Fr. George Thomas Kochuvila, Fr.Geevarghese Kaithavana and also Fr. Abraham Eramangalath(late) Fr. Prashob OIC, Fr. Antony Raj and Fr. George Thomas OIC etc. also have rendered valuable services. We also thank the Rev. Sisters of both SIC and DM congregations as well as the Brothers who have been extending their valuable and commendable services.