The blessing of the Mar Yawsep Pastoral House, the head office of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain, took place at Old Oscott Hill, Birmingham. The Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, leading the blessing ceremony, marked a historic moment for the Eparchy of Great Britain. Over 300 representatives from various Parishes, missions and proposed missions across the Eparchy attended the event alongside the Eparchial Bishop, Mar Joseph Srampickal.
The blessing ceremony began with a solemn Holy Qurbana officiated by His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, along with Mar Joseph Srampickal and other clergy serving in the Eparchy. This momentous occasion is a significant milestone in the history of both the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain and the Syro-Malabar Church in the diaspora.
The Mar Yawsep Pastoral House is situated on Old Oscott Hill which was once a key centre of Catholic faith in Britain since the 19th century. The building spans 13,500 square feet and this property now serves as a central hub for the pastoral activities of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain. The Eparchy, under the leadership of Mar Joseph Srampickal, raised £1.1 million (approximately ₹11 crore) within the short period of one month through prayer, determination, and a dedicated fundraising campaign.
The property, spread across 1.8 acres, includes parking facilities, 22 bedrooms, a dormitory that can accommodate up to 50 people, halls for gatherings, a dining hall for 50 people, a kitchen, and a chapel with a seating capacity of 100. Once renovations are complete, the facility is expected to offer even more amenities.
In addition to serving as the official residence of the Eparchial Bishop, the Mar Yawsep Pastoral House will function as the administrative head office for the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain. It will also provide a space for training children, youth, and families, as well as hosting various Eparchial programs, retreats, seminars, and marriage preparation courses. The centre will serve as a meeting place for volunteers involved in the Eparchy’s activities, further fostering a sense of community and support. This new centre is a testament to the faith and dedication of the Syro-Malabar Catholic community in Great Britain and stands as a blessing for future generations.
The message of His Beatitude Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil on the occasion of the blessing of Mar yawsep pastoral house was really heart touching and inspiring. The successor of mar Thoma Sleeha, congratulated Bishop Joseph Srampickal, the priests and the faithful of the Eparchy of Great Britain foe achieving such an amazing progress within the short period of just seven years. He expressed his ardent hope that the Eparchy of Great Britain can play a central role in preserving and transmitting the ancient east Syriac tradition and value system. The Major archbishop also urged the faithful to stand together and build up the ecclesial community. He reminded that the Syro-Malabar faithful in Great Britain are not mere economic migrants rather they are Missionaries, they have to find time to revive the Catholic faith and traditions in the land were they live. He exhorted that the Church should uphold always the children and the youth, and adopt a pastoral style of accompaniment.
The Eparchial bishop Joseph Srampickal expressed the sentiments of gratitude and he remembered the wonderful ways of Divine providence which he experienced over the past seven years. He also expressed his gratitude the Syro-Malabar faithful in Great Britian for their sense of oneness and willingness to walk with the Church.