ST. MARY'S KNANAYA CATHOLIC MISSION, MANCHESTER
MANCHESTER
St. mary’s knanaya catholic mission, manchester
About Us
St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Mission was erected in November 2017 by the Major Archbishop of Syro Malabar Mar George Alencherry at St Anthony’s church in Wythenshawe. Prior to this, St Mary’s Knanaya Chaplaincy was established as the First Knanaya Chaplaincy of Europe in April 2015 by the Bishop of Shrewsbury diocese- His Excellency Bishop Mark Davies.
The Mission Director – Fr Suni Padinjarekara Thomas is serving the Mission members since May 2024. His predecessor was Fr Saji Malayilputhenpurayil (September 2005- May 2024) and Fr Ajoob Thottananiyil as Assistant Mission Director (June 2023 – January 2024) We have around 300 families in and around Manchester who are members of this Mission.
There are 3 trustees Mr Jishu John, Mr Siju Chacko and Mr Georgekutty John. and they lead 11 Parish council members who actively work for this Mission. There is a full fledged Sunday school – St John Paul II Sunday school under the leadership of the Headteacher Mrs Shery Babey & the Staff Secretary Mr Jijo James since September 2015 with 17 teachers and 180 students. We have Holy Mass every Sunday as well as on 3 weekday evenings which is well attended by the Mission members.
Territory
- Newcastle
- Sunderland
- Durham
- Bishop Auckland
- Middlesborough
- Darlington and surrounding areas
The Mission encompasses the Greater Manchester area and hosts several active pious associations, including the Thirubala Sakhyam, Mission League, Savio Group, St. Teresa of Calcutta Prayer Group, Woman’s Forum and the Legion of Mary.
- Thirubala Sakhyam- led by Mrs Asha Thomas, Maymol Thomas, Mr Jijo James
- Savio Group- led by Jini Jose, Mini Mathew, Merin Dennis
- Mission League- Priya Martin, Sony Anil, Justin Thomas
- St. Teresa of Calcutta Prayer Group,- Mr Dennis Joseph
- Woman’s Forum- Smitha Anson, Manju Jaimon, Saritha Jince
- Legion of Mary- Sony Anil, Asha Thomas, Smitha Anson, Leya Jijo, Manju Jaimon & Tieby Graison
Key events organized by the Mission include a 10-day rosary, the Catechism Annual Day, Parish Day, All Saints’ Day, a Christmas Charity Food Bank, Christmas Nativity, Father’s Day and Mother’s Day celebrations, Family Fun Day, picnics, Arts and Sports Day, a Bible Festival, and Vannakkamasam. Our main feast is in the month of October dedicated to our Patron saint ‘Mother Mary’ after we celebrate 10 days of rosary in the church. Christmas, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter etc are the other major events along with a retreat during advent and Lent season.
There are 8 koodarayogams based on the various geographical areas and we have a koodarayogam once every three months. The Parish council also has meetings once every 2 months and makes important decisions for the smooth running of the Mission. We are really proud that the only UK Knanaya Deacon Anil Lukose is also a member of our Mission and is the backbone of our Mission.
Office Bearers
