st jude church
A Community Takes Root: The Story of St. Jude Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.
In the bustling city of Bangalore, a Catholic community yearned for a place to call their own. In 2001, representatives of Malayalee Catholics from Udayanagar approached Fr. George Kallarackal, seeking a space where they could celebrate their faith in their native Malayalam language. With blessings and support, the journey of St. Jude Syro-Malabar Catholic Church began.
Fr. Antony Edanad, on April 1st, 2001, became the first to serve the growing community at Mother of Perpetual Help Church. Soon, under the leadership of Fr. Benny Alumkalkarottu, who took charge in February 2003, the community took a significant step forward. The first meeting of Syro-Malabar Christians was held in March, and the St. Jude Trust was formed shortly after.
Their dream of a permanent home became a reality on May 4th, 2003, with the acquisition and consecration of their first church building. The joyous occasion was marked by the first Holy Mass offered by Fr. James Narithookil on July 3rd of the same year.
The community’s dedication and perseverance culminated in a defining moment on July 8th, 2004. Archbishop Ignatius Pinto declared their church an independent Syro-Malabar Parish, named after St. Jude, the Apostle of Hope. Fr. Benny was appointed the first official Parish Priest.
However, the path to a grander church building wasn’t without its challenges. The foundation stone, blessed in February 2007 by Archbishop Bernard Moras, marked the beginning of construction. Yet, a land dispute halted the progress for a significant period. Fr. Sebastian Edathikkavil took over as Parish Priest in July 2007, and with unwavering determination, the community navigated the legal hurdles. Finally, in May 2009, construction resumed, leading to the grand consecration of the newly built church on January 23rd, 2011.
St. Jude Church was elevated to Diocesan Pilgrim Centre on April 7th, 2024 by His Excellency Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath, Bishop of Mandya.
St. Jude Syro-Malabar Catholic Church stands today as a testament to the community’s unwavering faith, resilience, and dedication. It serves as a beacon of hope, not only for its members but also for the wider community it embraces.
