CARDIFF: The Syro-Malabar Catholic faithful of Cardiff have witnessed the fulfilment of a long-cherished aspiration with the establishment of their own parish church — a milestone that marks the culmination of decades of faith, commitment, and pastoral growth since the earliest days of their migration to the United Kingdom.

On Sunday, 19 July, ahead of the solemn liturgical celebrations of the feast, Bishop Mar Joseph Srampickal, Eparch of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain, officially elevated St. Thomas Mission, Cardiff, to the status of the sixth parish of the Eparchy. The historic declaration was made in the presence of Archbishop Mark O’Toole of the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia. Rev. Fr. Prajil Pandarapparambil was appointed as the first Vicar of the newly established parish.

Following the declaration, Bishop Mar Joseph Srampickal celebrated the Holy Qurbana, with Archbishop Mark O’Toole delivering the homily. Rev. Dr. Mathew Pinakkatt, Chancellor of the Eparchy, and Rev. Fr. Prajil Pandarapparambil, the newly appointed Vicar, concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.

The elevation of St. Thomas Parish comes as the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain prepares to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its establishment, adding a significant chapter of joy and thanksgiving to the life of the Eparchy and the Syro-Malabar community in Cardiff.

The journey of the Cardiff community reflects the wider story of Syro-Malabar migration and faith in Britain. Beginning as a small gathering of families, the community was nurtured in its early years through the pastoral care of local diocesan priests. It gradually developed into a Holy Qurbana centre and, following the establishment of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain, was recognised as a Proposed Mission. Through the dedicated ministry of priests appointed by the Eparchy, the support of local diocesan clergy, and the committed service of lay leaders, the community continued to grow, progressing from Mission status to its present recognition as a parish.

Dedicated to St. Thomas the Apostle, the patron of the Syro-Malabar Church, the new parish serves nearly 300 families, with around 230 children participating in catechism formation.

The parish declaration and the associated feast-day celebrations were organised under the leadership of a dedicated organising committee, headed by trustees Sibichan Joseph and Silvy Saji, with the active participation of clergy, parish representatives, and faithful.