In 1961, there were only 2 Catholics from Kerala residing within the geographic boundaries of the Archdiocese of Toronto. As the 60s progressed, Canada began to see an influx in the number of Malayalee immigrants.Through the late 70’s, and 80’s, the numbers grew dramatically. Accordingly, this presence resulted in a growing community of Catholics in search of a place to worship and to congregate. Kerala Catholics gathered at various churches, convents and other places.
On Feb.18 1977, Most. Rev. Thomas Fulton Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, appointed Fr. Thomas Thottunkal, chaplain of Toronto’s Indian Catholics. Under his guidance, the Malayalee catholic community began to unite. There still existed a broader religious need. Fr. Joseph Kannath was approached to help establish a permanent place of worship. It was his dynamic leadership and pastoral vision that led our community and convinced the Archdiocese authorities that there existed a strong need for a Malayalee Catholic Parish. After a number of discussions, negotiations and the guidance, through Most Rev. Aloysius Ambrozic, then the auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, the dream of a Malayalee Catholic parish came true.
Almost 25 years ago, Sunday November 22, 1982 in the basement of St. Timothy Catholic School, our parish was born. A few days following, on the 28th of November, his Eminence, G. Emmet Cardinal Carter declared "with care of souls for the faithful of the Malayalam language of the Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara, and Latin rites" our parish was official. He then appointed Rev. Joseph Kannath as the 1st pastor of the mission. On December 11, 1983, Precious Blood Church in Scarborough opened its doors to the Malayalee community and became our place of worship, parish events, and community activities. The malayalee community gratefully acknowledges and deeply appreciates the late Rev. Fr. William F. Breen of Precious Blood who opened his arms to us from the beginning and was so understanding and supportive of our needs.
From the beginning, Toronto’s Kerala Catholics were blessed with the guidance and spiritual direction of Malayalee priests, such as Dr.Savio Pattara, CMI, Rev. Thomas Palackal, CMI and the late Rev. Thomas Thotumkal, whose energy helped our young community blossom. We must acknowledge the support of Most Rev. Nicholas De Angelis, Episcopal, Vicar for ethnic communities and the present Auxiliary Bishop Most Rev.Richard Greco,Who considering the growing needs permitted to function from Precious Blood Parish from June 2006.We have had the support of many malayalee Catholic priests and nuns. We take this opportunity to thank them and acknowledge their support. We gratefully remember Fr. Jose Kuriedath CMI, Fr. Isaac Chakkalaparampil CMI, Fr. Joy ureth,CMI.
We have been blessed with a full-time pastor since the inception of our parish which has been wonderful for not only pastoral support and guidance but also the preservation of our Kerala tradition. Since the appointment of Rev. Fr. Kannath, we have enjoyed the services of Rev. Fr. Antony Kozhuvanal, Rev. Fr. Thomas Kalarathil, Rev. Fr. John Pynadath, CMI, Rev. Fr. Cletus Plackal, CMI; Rev. Fr. Joseph Kunthrail, CMI, Rev. Fr. Varghese Pudussery, CMI, Rev. Fr. Augustine Mampilly, CMI, Fr. Paul Varghese Moonjely.
Present Pastor, Rev.Fr. Jose Varghese Thaipparampil, took new initiatives in conducting catechism classes, out reach programs, youth activities and vigil prayer. CMI fathers has been for many years serving Malayalee community. Committed Parishioners Make the St.Thomas Mission Parish an active Parish. May God bless's the parish more and more.
On Feb.18 1977, Most. Rev. Thomas Fulton Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, appointed Fr. Thomas Thottunkal, chaplain of Toronto’s Indian Catholics. Under his guidance, the Malayalee catholic community began to unite. There still existed a broader religious need. Fr. Joseph Kannath was approached to help establish a permanent place of worship. It was his dynamic leadership and pastoral vision that led our community and convinced the Archdiocese authorities that there existed a strong need for a Malayalee Catholic Parish. After a number of discussions, negotiations and the guidance, through Most Rev. Aloysius Ambrozic, then the auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, the dream of a Malayalee Catholic parish came true.
Almost 25 years ago, Sunday November 22, 1982 in the basement of St. Timothy Catholic School, our parish was born. A few days following, on the 28th of November, his Eminence, G. Emmet Cardinal Carter declared "with care of souls for the faithful of the Malayalam language of the Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara, and Latin rites" our parish was official. He then appointed Rev. Joseph Kannath as the 1st pastor of the mission. On December 11, 1983, Precious Blood Church in Scarborough opened its doors to the Malayalee community and became our place of worship, parish events, and community activities. The malayalee community gratefully acknowledges and deeply appreciates the late Rev. Fr. William F. Breen of Precious Blood who opened his arms to us from the beginning and was so understanding and supportive of our needs.
From the beginning, Toronto’s Kerala Catholics were blessed with the guidance and spiritual direction of Malayalee priests, such as Dr.Savio Pattara, CMI, Rev. Thomas Palackal, CMI and the late Rev. Thomas Thotumkal, whose energy helped our young community blossom. We must acknowledge the support of Most Rev. Nicholas De Angelis, Episcopal, Vicar for ethnic communities and the present Auxiliary Bishop Most Rev.Richard Greco,Who considering the growing needs permitted to function from Precious Blood Parish from June 2006.We have had the support of many malayalee Catholic priests and nuns. We take this opportunity to thank them and acknowledge their support. We gratefully remember Fr. Jose Kuriedath CMI, Fr. Isaac Chakkalaparampil CMI, Fr. Joy ureth,CMI.
We have been blessed with a full-time pastor since the inception of our parish which has been wonderful for not only pastoral support and guidance but also the preservation of our Kerala tradition. Since the appointment of Rev. Fr. Kannath, we have enjoyed the services of Rev. Fr. Antony Kozhuvanal, Rev. Fr. Thomas Kalarathil, Rev. Fr. John Pynadath, CMI, Rev. Fr. Cletus Plackal, CMI; Rev. Fr. Joseph Kunthrail, CMI, Rev. Fr. Varghese Pudussery, CMI, Rev. Fr. Augustine Mampilly, CMI, Fr. Paul Varghese Moonjely.
Present Pastor, Rev.Fr. Jose Varghese Thaipparampil, took new initiatives in conducting catechism classes, out reach programs, youth activities and vigil prayer. CMI fathers has been for many years serving Malayalee community. Committed Parishioners Make the St.Thomas Mission Parish an active Parish. May God bless's the parish more and more.
