“What is that building?” someone asks. That is Saint Pius X Catholic Center. It stands as a testament to faith. It is a vibrant hub for the Knanaya Catholic community in Los Angeles.
Let’s step back to the 1970s. Syro-Malabar Catholics began migrating to Los Angeles. They formed the Kerala Catholic Association in 1978. Abraham Niravath, Jacob Mutholath and Paulose Thekkedath led the association. They held Syro-Malabar Qurbana at St. John Eudes Church. Visiting priests helped with religious services.
In November 1992 the Knanaya Catholics established their own group. It was called the Knanaya Catholic Congress of Southern California or KCCSC. They held separate Holy Mass at St. John Eudes parish hall.
December 8, 2000, marked a turning point. Fr. Abraham Mutholath returned to Los Angeles. He took charge of the pastoral needs of the Knanaya Catholics.
On August 5, 2001, the community decided to request a Knanaya mission. They wanted Mar Jacob Angadiath to establish it. Fr. Abraham Mutholath suggested St. Pope Pius X as the patron saint.
Mar Jacob Angadiath appointed Fr. Abraham Mutholath as Vicar General. This happened on October 3, 2001. On March 17, 2002, the St. Pius X Knanaya Mission was officially established. Fr. Abraham Mutholath became its Mission Director.
The first parish executive members included James Chettiath and Salim Kuzhiparambil. Thomas Pachikkara and Anil Mattappallikkunnel were also among them.
Since 2000 Knanaya Catholic religious sisters have served the mission. The first Visitation Convent in the USA opened in Los Angeles on July 22, 2000. St. Joseph’s Convent was established in West Covina on May 31, 2002.
In 2005 Fr. Thomas Mulavanal became director of the mission. He started three Sunday services and religious education classes. The annual feast of St. Pope Pius X began in 2006.
The community desired a church. They initiated fundraising programs. On July 29, 2010, their dream came true. They purchased a church in Montebello.
On July 31, 2010, St. Pius X Church was consecrated. Mar Jacob Angadiath consecrated it. He elevated the mission to a parish. Fr. Thomas Mulavanal became the first pastor.
In 2014 Fr. Thomas Mulavanal became the Vicar General. Fr. Siju Mudakkodil became the pastor. In 2023 Fr. Benoy Naramangalathu took charge as the pastor.
Saint Pius X Catholic Center continues to serve its community. It enriches the spiritual lives of around 80 Catholic families in Southern California. The parish celebrated its tenth anniversary in September 2019.
Saint Pius X Catholic Center stands as a beacon of faith. It preserves the traditions of the Knanaya Catholic community. It offers a welcoming spiritual home for all.