“Step into a world of faith brotherliness,” a parishioner once said to a newcomer at Saint Mary Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Saint Mary Syro-Malankara Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith and community. It is located in Mesquite Texas. The church’s history is rich with the dedication of its members.
In 1991, a small group of families began meeting monthly. They shared their religious experiences. They prayed together. This was the humble start of the Dallas Malankara Catholic mission. This occurred seven years after the Malankara Catholic community officially started in the United States.
Initially, there were only 11 families. Fr. William OIC from Chicago offered spiritual guidance. The community lacked its own worship space. Kind Latin Catholic parishes provided their facilities after their Sunday services. In 1993, Rev. Augustine Kailath was appointed to care for the community. Rev. Fr. Abraham Kadamala followed him as vicar.
Under Fr. Kadamala’s leadership, the community purchased its own church in Garland. On January 1, 1996, St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church officially opened. Over the next decade, several priests served the church. They were Rev. Fr. Abraham Kadamala, Rev. Fr. Peter Kochery, Fr. Chacko Narimattathil, Rev.Fr. Thomas Kottayil and Rev. Philips Chacko.
As Dallas grew, so did the community. The Garland church became too small. In 2008, under Chorepiscopo Geevarghese Mannikarottu, a 5 1/2-acre plot was purchased in Mesquite. A building was reconstructed into a magnificent church. It could accommodate over 300 people. On May 7, 2011, the new Saint Mary Syro-Malankara Catholic Church was inaugurated. His Excellency Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius officiated.
Since June 26, 2011, Rev. Fr. Joseph Nedumankuzhiyil has been the vicar. He came from St. John Chrysostom Malankara Catholic Church in New York. Under his guidance, the mission continues to spread faith. It serves as a witness to the community and the country.
Saint Mary Syro-Malankara Catholic Church has Morning Prayers at 9:30 AM. The Holy Qurbono follows at 10:00 AM. Catechism is at 11:30 AM. Sunday Mass is at 10:00 am. There is also a Holy Mass on Fridays at 7 PM and Saturdays at 9 AM.
The church takes pride in its brotherliness. Members share their faith. They involve themselves in church activities. The community has great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. They celebrate their church feast with the Nativity of Our Blessed Virgin Mary.
Malankara Catholic Charity Foundation of Dallas is a related non-profit organization. It focuses on charitable and developmental activities. The organization aims to increase projects each year. They rely on the commitment of the people for collections.
Saint Mary Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is more than a building. It is a vibrant community. It is a testament to faith and dedication. It is a place where everyone is welcome. It is a place where faith grows.