In a momentous event on September 18, 2024, the Syro-Malabar community in Bristol witnessed the consecration of their new parish Church, St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church. The ceremony, presided over by Major Archbishop His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, marked a significant milestone for the Syro-Malabar faithful in the region. The ceremony, held in the presence of a large gathering of nearly a thousand faithful, marked a monumental day for the local community.
The consecration was a culmination of years of dedicated effort, prayer, and unwavering faith. The new church, named in honor of St. Thomas the Apostle, stands as a testament to the deep roots of the Syro-Malabar Church.
The consecration, which began in the evening, was led by Major Archbishop His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, the Head of the Syro-Malabar Church. Joining him were Mar Joseph Srampickal, Bishop of the Eparchy of Great Britain, Fr. Paul Olickal, parish priest and other priests. The event was solemnly carried out with the anointing of the altar and other religious rites, filling the church with a deep spiritual atmosphere.
In his address, Mar Raphael Thattil praised the dedication and faith of the Bristol community, highlighting the importance of family values passed down through generations. He emphasized that daily family prayers contribute to nurturing strong Christian values in children, helping raise future priests and leaders within the Church. He extended blessings to the congregation, praying for abundant grace upon the members.
Following the consecration, a Holy Qurbana was celebrated with Major Archbishop, bishop Joseph Srampickal, Rev Dr Tom Olikkarott, the Pastoral co-ordinator, Rev Fr Joe Moolachery the Eparchial finance officer and several priests. During the following public gathering, Trustee Binu Jacob delivered the welcome speech. Then, Trustee Siji Sebastian presented a detailed report on the 24-year journey of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church in Bristol. Trustee Mejo Joy expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the project.
Mar Joseph Srampickal congratulated the community for their tireless efforts in establishing the church, recognizing the sacrifices made over the years. He noted the importance of the church as a spiritual home for the Syro-Malabar faithful in the UK.
The consecration of the Bristol church marks a first for the Syro-Malabar Church in the UK. While several Syro-Malabar churches have been acquired across the UK, the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church in Bristol stands out as the first to be fully purchased and owned by the local community. This achievement is the culmination of years of collective effort, including internal and external fundraising by various committees and the leadership of former Vicar Fr. Paul Vettikkattu. Rev. Fr. Paul Olickal, the parish priest, played a pivotal role in bringing this dream to fruition.
The event concluded with a mega raffle draw, with prizes distributed by the bishops, further adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The consecration of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church is a proud and historic moment for the entire community in the UK.