A Silver Jubilee is certainly a milestone in the life of any institution. Yet, in the long journey of a diocese, twenty-five years is only a brief span. Even so, the remarkable progress achieved by the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago during this relatively short period deserves special attention. Alongside its spiritual and organizational growth, the steady emergence of priestly vocations stands out as one of its most encouraging achievements.
Established in 2001 by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago has grown rapidly both in pastoral outreach and community life. In just twenty-five years, the diocese has been blessed with nearly ten native priests—an extraordinary development for a community largely composed of immigrant families. These vocations are the fruit of fervent prayer, strong family faith, and systematic catechetical formation within the parishes. At present, seven other young men are pursuing priestly formation in various seminaries, further reflecting the promising future of vocations within the diocese.
What makes these vocations particularly noteworthy is their origin. Many of them arise from among the second generation of Syro-Malabar families settled in the United States. Growing up in a society filled with diverse opportunities and challenges, these young men have nevertheless responded generously to God’s call. Their commitment stands as a living testimony to the enduring power of faith and the providence of God at work within the diaspora community.
The diocese itself came into existence on March 13, 2001, when Mar Jacob Angadiath was appointed its first Bishop. The Chicago Diocese also holds the historic distinction of being the first Syro-Malabar diocese established outside India. In its early years, the diocese faced numerous challenges typical of a newly formed ecclesial jurisdiction spread across a vast country. Yet from the very beginning, Bishop Angadiath laid a strong pastoral foundation, particularly in the area of faith formation.
Recognizing that the future of the Church lies in its younger generation, he ensured that catechism classes accompanied the regular celebration of the Holy Qurbana in every parish. Children were carefully introduced to the traditions and liturgical heritage of the Syro-Malabar Church. They were encouraged to participate actively in parish life through altar service, the Cherupushpa Mission League, and later the Youth Apostolate. These initiatives nurtured a deep spiritual foundation among children and young people—an investment that would later bear fruit in the form of priestly and religious vocations.
The first such vocation emerged about nine years after the establishment of the diocese. In 2010, Kevin Mundackal from the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church Bronx joined the seminary. On May 5, 2018, he was ordained a priest, becoming the first native priest of the Chicago Syro-Malabar Diocese. After serving as Associate Pastor and Director of the Youth Apostolate, Fr. Kevin is currently completing advanced studies in Canon Law at the Major Seminary in Vadavathoor, India.
That same year, on June 2, Fr. Rajeev Valiyaveettil was also ordained to the priesthood and now serves as the Parish Vicar of St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Church Charlotte. The following years witnessed a steady stream of ordinations. Fr. Melvin Paul Mangalath was ordained on May 16, 2020, and Fr. Thomas Pulickal on June 6, 2020. Fr. Melvin currently serves the diocese as Director of the Youth Apostolate and Assistant Director of the Family Apostolate. Fr. Thomas Pulickal is the President of the Amoris Christi Retreat Center and also an Assistant Professor at St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary.
Further ordinations followed: Fr. Joby Joseph, ordained on May 22, 2021, now serves as Assistant Director of Vocations at the seminary in Mundelein, Chicago. Fr. Joel Pius, ordained on May 28, 2022, is currently the Associate Pastor of the Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral Chicago. More recently, Fr. George Parayil, ordained on June 3, 2023, serves as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Church Houston.
The diocese continues to witness new vocations. During this Silver Jubilee year, Deacon Mathew Jacob from the Our Lady of Health Syro-Malabar Church Coral Springs will be ordained to the priesthood on May 23. Likewise, Deacon Michael James and Deacon Sam Kuttappassery from St. George Syro-Malabar Church Paterson, NJ are scheduled to be ordained priests on June 13.
Beyond these ordinations, more than seven seminarians are currently preparing for priesthood on behalf of the Chicago Diocese. In addition, five young men from its parishes are pursuing priestly formation in various religious congregations. Vocations to religious life among young women have also begun to emerge from the diocese.
Indeed, more than twenty-five vocations in twenty-five years—what a remarkable blessing for a young diocese!
At the same time, the Chicago Diocese is witnessing the rise of a vibrant and committed young generation rooted in the Mar Thoma Nasrani heritage. These young people are increasingly involved not only in the pastoral and administrative life of their parishes but also in the wider activities of the diocese.
Movements such as the Youth Apostolate and Jesus Youth have played an important role in fostering this participation. Equally significant has been the consistent encouragement offered by the diocesan leadership—from Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath in the early years to his successor, Mar Joy Alappatt. Their support has helped create a vibrant and dynamic environment for youth ministry within the diocese.
Nevertheless, continued efforts are essential to deepen the faith formation of young people and to strengthen their connection with the Church. Diocesan gatherings, conventions, and community initiatives provide valuable opportunities for this engagement.
Viewed in this light, the Silver Jubilee Convention in Chicago takes on a deeper significance. It is not merely a celebration of the past twenty-five years, but a moment of gratitude for God’s abundant blessings and a renewed commitment to nurture faith, unity, and vocations for generations to come.
