Ever since the Syro-Malabar Church, the second largest Oriental Church in the Catholic communion was founded by St. Thomas, the Apostle, the Syro-Malabar Catholics have been very keen and enthusiastic in preserving and maintaining their age old unique tradition, faith and liturgical concepts. The establishment of the Diocese of Kalyan on 30th April, 1988 by His Holiness Pope John Paul II could be marked as a stepping stone in the growth of Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Mumbai.
God had willed to bless the children of Syro-Malabar Church with the completion of a ‘House of God’ in the Mira Road-Kashimira region, a thickly populated area with people having diverse religion, faith, language, cultural and social background. To preserve and practice our age old tradition, faith and culture, a common and a greater need for a parish deep rooted in the hearts of the faithful which undoubtedly is the reason behind the existence of our parish today. St. Thomas Parish was created by the merging of two communities - Infant Jesus community from Mira Road and St. Mary’s community from Kashimira. This beautiful Church in the name of St. Thomas is the epitome of God’s providence, united and untiring effort of the parishioners, their sacrifice and immense faith in the God and competent leadership.
The ecclesiastical group for adoration and veneration officially came into existence at Mira Road on Friday, 10th July, 1988 followed by the Eucharistic celebration by Rev. Fr. George Vadakkethala at the house of Mr. C. P. Mathew with a membership of 12 families. In the beginning, Holy Qurbana was being celebrated at the houses of the parishioners on first Fridays and later on Sundays. Rev. Fr. Varghese Nadakkal MST was the first Vicar of Mira Road Parish. Under his patronage, a committee was formed and seven members were elected to look into the affairs of the parish. Through their selfless and dedicated service Mira Road Parish developed gradually. The celebration of the Holy Qurbana and the meeting of the parish council were being held at the house of parishioners. Subsequently, the celebration of Holy Qurbana was shifted to a flat in Sheetal Nagar, where St. Joseph’s Latin Church used to celebrate Holy Mass. Rev. Fr. Michael Morris OCD gave permission to perform the Passion Week program in St. Joseph’s Church in the year 1990. After that Eucharistic celebration was being performed at St. Joseph’s Church on every Sunday.
On 01st August, 1990 Rev. Fr. Jose Ainickal CMI took charge as the Parish Priest. He encouraged and enlightened the members of the parish
to materialize the dream of having a Church of their own. Gradually, the number of parish members increased. As a first step of the materialization of our dream, ’Jyothi Welfare Centre’ was formed and a fund raising committee started functioning. Consequently, on 18th August, 1991, His Excellency Mar. Paul Chittilappilly, the First Bishop of the Diocese of Kalyan, at the time of his pastoral visit to Mira Road Parish, released a souvenir. Combined Christmas celebrations, picnics, way of the cross through Shanti Nagar are the cherished events of that year.
On 01st April, 1991 Rev. Fr. Davis Pulikkottil took charge as the Parish Priest. The parish council at its meeting held on 21st June, 1992 unanimously accepted the proposal for the construction of a church for Mira Road parish and two adjacent flats were booked for this purpose. But it was cancelled due to some inconvenience. Later, it was decided to purchase a hall at 203, D wing in Shanti Shopping Complex. The general body held on 09th August, 1992 had decided that every family should donate their income of a month to purchase the hall. Most of the parishioners fully co-operated. This amount, together with the amount collected previously through the release of Souvenir was entrusted to the Diocese. Special attention was given to faith formation in the children. Catechism classes on Sundays were started. The blessing of Adoration Convent in our parish took place on 14th April, 1994. The parish was divided into eight family units, presidents and secretaries were appointed to each unit and parish council was constituted as per the provisions. It was Rev. Fr. Davis Pulikkottil who had led the Syro-Malabar Catholics of Kashmira area. From the very beginning they were very keen in maintaining a sense of attachment, togetherness and co-operation within their small community. Every Sunday Holy Qurbana was celebrated in St. Jerome’s Church. Catechism classes and meetings were also being conducted regularly.
On 27th August, 1994, Rev. Fr. Paul Pulikkottil took charge as the Parish Priest of Mira Road parish. The parish was named as Infant Jesus. Organizations for mothers and youth were formed. St. Sebastian’s feast day was celebrated for the first time in the parish. When the reconstruction of St. Joseph Church started, the venue of celebration of Holy Mass and meetings was shifted to the Holy Cross School hall. We remember the sincere co-operation rendered by the sisters of Holy Cross with gratitude.
On April 2, 1997, Rev. Fr. Joseph Pothenparambil MST took charge as the Parish Priest of Mira Road parish. By this time, the strength of our community in Mira Road had increased considerably. Even though the construction of the Hall booked earlier was completed, its capacity was insufficient to accommodate more than 200 families. Hence, the proposal to purchase a new property was put forward. As per the instructions from
Kalyan Diocese, the same Priest had to serve in Mira Road, Kashimira and Bhayander parishes and the service of the priest was available in these three parishes. At this time, the Syro-Malabar Catholics in the Kashimira area developed a strong desire to build a Church there. Rev. Fr. Joseph Pothenparambil’s opinion of a joint effort by parishioners of Mira Road area and Kashimira area would make the construction of a new Church more easy and convenient, was approved after discussion in the joint general body meeting of both the parishes and subsequently sanctioned by the Diocese. It was also decided to keep the identity of both Mira Road and Kashimira Parish councils till the completion of the new Church construction and the beginning of Eucharistic celebrations and thereafter to have joint Parish council. The general body meeting further decided that the newly constructed church would be named as St. Thomas Church and a welfare centre to be attached to the Church and thus it would be named as St. Thomas Welfare Centre.
In July 2001, Rev. Fr. Joseph Pothenparambil led the limited community of the two parishes and had paid Rs. 1 lac as an advance towards the purchase price for the land to construct the Church. The unity and hardwork of the parishioners reposing full faith and confidence in God were the prime assets. By God’s grace, on 30th September, 2001 the foundation stone for the new church was laid by His Excellency Mar. Thomas Elavanal, the Bishop of Kalyan. A building committee was formed to raise funds and to assist the smooth construction of the new Church building. Under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Joseph and with the intense and sincere effort of the building committee members, ways and means to raise funds were formulated. This included sale of sarees, celebration of Onam festival, collection of donations through coupons, Mimicry programs, installment scheme for dinner sets, Johny Lever show and above all, contribution from parishioners were the main source of fund raising.
On 24th March 2002, Palm Sunday, Rev. Fr. John OCD inaugurated the Hall of the then under construction Church and thereafter Holy Mass was celebrated for the first time in the Hall. Subsequently, the Holy Mass was being celebrated there on Sundays and other days. The united effort of the parishioners, their sincere guidance, suggestions and its implementations speeded up the process of construction. The contribution of the Diocese during this period through help and directions for the completion of the construction of the Church is praiseworthy. It is also to be noted that Rev. Fr. Boby Mulakkampilly and Rev. Fr. Martin Kombara served as an Assistant Vicar in our Parish for a short time along with Rev. Father Joseph Pothenparambil.
31st January, 2004 is an ever-remembered day for the parishioners of Mira Road. It was a day of rejoice and celebration. The God Almighty fulfilled the long cherished desire of the people of Mira Road-Kashimira to have their own place of worship proclaiming the glory of Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. On that day, His Excellency Mar Thomas Elavanal, the Bishop of Kalyan, consecrated the new Church. On the same day, Mrs. Mariya Mendonca, the then Honorable Mayor of Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation inaugurated the Welfare Centre attached to the Church.
Further on, on 4th April, 2004, Msgr. Antony Kollannur blessed the Grotto in front of the Church. On 3rd July, 2005, Msgr. Jacob Porathur blessed the residence of the Vicar situated on the second floor of the Church building. The service and contributions of Rev. Fr. Joseph Pothenparambil in building the Church is to be remembered forever.
In 2006, Rev. Fr. Shaibu Malethadathil succeeded Rev. Fr. Joseph Pothenparambil. During his time, there was a spiritual awakening, his innovative ideas and guidance in the spiritual life of the faithful led them more to God and the Parish. Fr. Shaibu Malethadathil served the Parish for three fruitful years.
In 2009, Rev Fr. Biju Chittilappilly took charge of the Parish. He worked hard to bring out the talents of the parishioners of the Church by organizing many cultural and social events. His master mind is also reflected in the renovation of the existing Altar of the Church.
On 29th August 2010 our Parish was officially declared as a full-fledged Parish by His Excellency Mar Thomas Elavanal.
On 2nd June, 2011 Rev. Fr. Shaju Kottarathil took charge of the Parish. He led the faithful in all the parish activities especially, he reformed and guided the youth of the Church and encouraged them to actively participate in the Diocese, Zone and Parish activities.
On 30th July, 2012 our Parish - St. Thomas Church was blessed when His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry visited wherein a grand reception was arranged by the Diocese of Kalyan.
In 2014, Rev. Fr. Benny Thaninilkumthadathil took charge of the Parish. He led the parishioners to actively participate for social causes through ‘Karunya Trust’ – the Social Action department of the Kalyan diocese. One of the social causes that he spearheaded was to provide 02 houses to two needy families.
In May 2017, Rev. Fr. Boby Mulakkampilly took charge of the Parish, he was very much involved and encouraged Parishioners to participate in multiple cultural and social activities, also he led the parishioners to actively participate for social causes through ‘Karunya Trust’ - A Good Samaritan drive where we donated 5 houses in Kerala for flood affected people. During Pandemic situation he led the parishners and took initiative to provide Food Kits to needy families.
On 10th Dec. 2020, Rev Fr. Jose Kokkopuzha took charge of the Parish succeeding Rev. Fr. Boby Mulakkampilly and Rev. Fr. Saju Thomas took charge of the parish on 9th Feb 2024.
With the providence of God, the Parish is growing in all the aspects. At present, the Church has a strength of 300 plus registered families. The parish is divided into 17 family units for the smooth functioning of the parish activities. The activities of the Parish Council, Pithruvedi, Mathrusangam, Seraphim Youth, and Catechism, Choir group, Altar boys and Charismatic group are leading the parish to march ahead.
The parishioners wholeheartedly remember with gratitude all the former Priests, Trustees, Parish council members and all other parish organizations for their services rendered to the parish and to bring it in the present status. The reverend sisters of the Adoration convent have been a great support in the growth of our parish. Let’s be thankful to the merciful Lord for giving us the opportunity to achieve our long cherished desire to have a place of worship by upholding the ideology of work, worship and witness. May the God give us strength and vigor to lead our parish to progress in peace and love during the years to come.
Important events in the History of St. Thomas Catholic Church, Mira Road
| Date & Year | Important Events |
|---|---|
| 30th Apr, 1988 | His Holiness Pope John Paul II established the Diocese of Kalyan. |
| 10th Jul, 1988 | The ecclesiastical group for adoration and veneration officially came into existence at Mira Road, followed by the Eucharistic celebration by Rev. Fr. George Vadakkethala. |
| 1988 | Rev. Fr. Varghese Nadakkal MST was the first Vicar of Mira Road Parish. |
| 1990 | Rev. Fr. Michael Morris OCD gave permission to perform the Passion Week program in St. Joseph's Latin Church, Mira Road. |
| 01st Aug, 1990 | Rev. Fr. Jose Ainickal CMI took charge as the Parish Priest. |
| 18th Aug, 1991 | Pastoral visit of His Excellency Mar. Paul Chittilappilly, the then Bishop of the Diocese of Kalyan. |
| 01st Apr, 1991 | Rev. Fr. Davis Pulikkottil took charge as the Parish Priest. |
| 09th Aug, 1992 | The general body decided that every family should donate their income of a month to purchase a hall. |
| 14th Apr, 1994 | The blessing of Adoration Convent in our parish. |
| 27th Aug, 1994 | Rev. Fr. Paul Pulikkottil took charge as the Parish Priest. |
| 02nd Apr, 1997 | Rev. Fr. Joseph Pothenparambil MST took charge as the Parish Priest. |
| 30th Sep, 2001 | His Excellency Mar. Thomas Elavanal, the Bishop of Kalyan laid the foundation stone for the new Church |
| 24th Mar 2002 | Rev. Fr. John OCD inaugurated the Hall of the then under construction Church and celebrated the first Holy Mass in the Hall. |
| 30th May 2002 | Rev. Fr. Boby Mulakkampilly took charge as Asst. Parish Priest. |
| 30th May 2003 | Rev. Fr. Martin Kombara took charge as Asst. Parish Priest. |
| 31st Jan, 2004 | His Excellency Mar Thomas Elavanal, the Bishop of Kalyan, consecrated the new Church. Mrs. Mariya Mendonca, the then Honorable Mayor of Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation inaugurated the Welfare Centre attached to the Church. |
| 04th Apr, 2004 | Msgr. Antony Kollannur blessed the Grotto in front of the Church. |
| 03rd July, 2005 | Msgr. Jacob Porathur blessed the residence of the Vicar situated on the second floor of the Church building. |
| 2006 | Rev. Fr. Shaibu Malethadathil took charge as the Parish Priest |
| 2009 | Rev Fr. Biju Chittilappilly took charge as the Parish Priest. |
| 29th Aug, 2010 | His Excellency Mar Thomas Elavanal officially declared our Parish as a full-fledged Parish. |
| 02nd Jun, 2011 | Rev. Fr. Shaju Kottarathil took charge as the Parish Priest. |
| 30th Jul, 2012 | His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry visited our Church wherein a grand reception was arranged by the Diocese of Kalyan. |
| 2014 | Rev. Fr. Benny Thaninilkumthadathil took charge as the Parish Priest. |
| May 2017 | Rev. Fr. Boby Mulakkampilly took charge as the Parish Priest. |
| Dec. 2019 | Ordination of Fr. Maxin Pozholiparambil |
| Dec 2020 | Rev. Fr. Jose Kokkopuzha took charge as the Parish Priest. |
| Dec 2023 | Ordination of Fr. Anish (Daniel) Alappat |
| Feb 2024 | Fr Saju Thomas [Mathew] Adampakallel took charge as the Parish Priest |