“What if I told you that this wasn’t just any church?” I want to share the story of the Knanaya Church in Houston. It is a testament to faith and community. The Knanaya Catholic Mission of Houston began in 1994. Its purpose was to serve the pastoral needs of the Knanaya community in Houston. Neighboring cities were included.
The St. Thomas Diocese of Chicago officially recognized the mission in 2003. A significant moment occurred in 2011. The mission acquired a new church building. Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath consecrated it. That same year, the mission was elevated to a parish.
The Knanaya Church has experienced rapid growth. It now serves approximately 860 families. These families reside in Houston and surrounding areas. These areas include Sugar Land, Missouri City and Stafford. The church also serves the southeastern part of Texas.
The Knanaya Association of Houston’s story began earlier. In 1979, it aimed to enrich the lives of Knanaya Catholics in Houston. It did so through cultural, charitable, educational and social activities. The association promoted the traditions of the Knanaya Catholic Community. It operated under the leadership of the Archdiocese of Kottayam in Kerala, India. The association maintained an environment for regular practice.
Migration of Knanaya families to Houston started in the 1970s. Fr. James Kudilil held occasional meetings for Houston Knanayites. In 1979, the Knanaya Association of Houston was officially incorporated. Eighteen original families unanimously voted for it. The association helped Knanayites of Houston. It allowed them to safeguard their cultural and spiritual values. Meetings were held periodically. Prayers and Holy Mass were organized with visiting Knanaya priests.
The Knanaya Association of Houston was renamed in 1990. It became the Houston Knanaya Catholic Society or HKCS. This change ensured a common format for all Knanaya Catholic units. These units were under the Knanaya Catholic Congress of North America.
Today, HKCS has a close-knit community of around 800 families. They practice their cultural and religious traditions together. HKCS holds annual events. These events include New Year’s Entertainment Programs and the HKCS Onam Program. The Christmas Cultural Program is also popular. Members enjoy a Spring sports picnic and a Fall Picnic. An Annual Community Basketball and Volleyball Tournament takes place. HKCS hosts an annual fundraising program. Proceeds support the Community’s future endeavors.
Several dedicated individuals have led the Knanaya Church. Fr. Joseph Meledath arrived in 1994. He cared for the pastoral needs of the Knanaya community. In 1996, Bishop Joseph Fiorenza appointed Fr. Meledath as mission director. Fr. Joseph Manappurath became mission director in 1998. Mar Jacob Angadiath officially recognized the mission in 2003. Fr. James Cheruvil took over as director in 2007. Fr. Jose Illikunnumpurath was appointed mission director in 2010.
In 2011, the mission purchased its church building. Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath consecrated it. Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt celebrated the first Holy Mass. Bishop Mar Joseph Pandarasseril concelebrated. Mar Jacob Angadiath elevated the mission to a parish. He appointed Fr. Jose Illikunnumpurath as the first pastor.
The Knanaya Church became a Forane Parish in 2015. Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath made the declaration. Auxiliary Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt inaugurated the forane.
St. Joseph’s Congregation established a convent in Houston in 2017.
Currently, Fr. Abraham Mutholath serves as the pastor.
From its humble beginnings to its vibrant present, the Knanaya Church stands as a beacon of faith. It is a testament to the enduring strength of community. It preserves the rich traditions of the Knanaya people. As you leave, consider the legacy of faith, community and tradition embodied in this place.