Our Humble Origin - A Brief History of St. Alphonsa Catholic Community in Minnesota
The Syro-Malabar Catholics began migrating to Minnesota in the early 1960s. Among the earliest settlers from the Syro-Malabar community were Mrs. Pennamma and Mr. Babu Cherucheril. In 1963, a young bishop from India visited Minnesota in search of the tomb of Msgr. Joseph Corrigan of St. Mark’s Parish, who had sponsored his seminary studies in India. Bishop Antony Padiyara, who later became the first Major Archbishop and Cardinal of the Syro-Malabar Church, formed a friendship with Msgr. George Keeffe and Fr. Albert Byrne of Holy Spirit Parish, which facilitated the arrival of more Syro-Malabar priests to the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis.
The first Syro-Malabar Catholic priest from Kerala, Fr. Thomas Chathaparampil, arrived in 1969 and served as an associate pastor in the Diocese of Minneapolis and St. Paul. With his assistance, two religious sisters from India, Sr. Jancy Nedumkallel and Sr. Tresa Margret of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, began their service at St. Therese Parish in Deephaven in 1970. Since then, numerous Syro-Malabar priests and sisters have served in the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis.
Notable among them was Fr. Mathew Vattakuzhy, who later became the bishop of Kanjirappilly; Fr. Zacharias Elapunkal (Fr. Zac); Fr. Jacob Nedumkallel; Fr. Joseph Arackal; and Fr. George Kolath. The sudden death of Fr. Zacharias Elapunkal on July 20, 1990, had a profound impact on the Syro-Malabar community.
The Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission of Minnesota was formally established under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Xavier Thelakkatt in July 1994 at St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Richfield. The inaugural Holy Mass was celebrated during the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle by Bishop Mar Dominic Kokkatt and Rev. Fr. Xavier Thelakkatt. Starting in 1995, Rev. Fr. Xavier gathered the Minnesota Syro-Malabar Catholic community monthly for Qurbana.
In 1996, His Excellency Mar Gregory Karotemprel, CMI, visited Minnesota during his pastoral visit to the USA and Canada, celebrating Holy Mass and engaging with the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis. He appointed Rev. Fr. Xavier Thelakkatt as the chaplain of the Syro-Malabar community. Bishop Jacob Manathodath also visited the Twin Cities in September 1996 to celebrate the Eucharist with the Syro-Malabar faithful. In 1997, His Beatitude Major Archbishop and Cardinal Mar Antony Padiyara visited and celebrated Holy Mass with the community. The following year, in 1998, His Beatitude Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil also visited and offered blessings. In 1999, Bishop Mathew Moolakkat, auxiliary bishop of Kottayam, extended his prayers and support during his visit. In May 2000, Bishop Sebastian Vadakel of Ujjain visited the cities.
In July 2001, the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago was established, with Mar Jacob Angadiath as its first bishop. Our mission then became part of this diocese. In 2002, Rev. Fr. Joseph Arackal V.C. was appointed as the mission director. He renamed our mission to ‘St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Minnesota’ in 2009 and began weekly Holy Masses for the community. In 2010, Rev. Fr. George Thoomkuzhy became the Mission Director and initiated faith formation classes for children, supported by sisters from the Franciscan Clarist Congregation. He also started fundraising for a future church building.
In 2012, His Beatitude Major Archbishop and Cardinal Mar George Alencherry visited our community, offering blessings and prayers. Since 1995, Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath and Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt began annual visits to the community, providing spiritual support, with numerous bishops and congregational leaders from India extending their blessings.
In 2014, Rev. Fr. Antony Skaria CFIC was appointed as the mission director. In 2017, he advocated for a permanent church building, forming a Church Acquisition Committee. Fundraising efforts included monthly pledges, galas, and Christmas carols. During the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2022), community activities were limited, with Holy Mass celebrated on special occasions.
In 2022, our community renewed its efforts and secured a new church building. On May 29, with assistance from Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Rev. Fr. John Ubel of the Cathedral of St. Paul, we signed a purchase agreement for The Church of St. Vincent de Paul in St. Paul, MN. After renovations, Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt will rededicate our new church and elevate St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Church of Minnesota to parish status on Saturday, July 27, 2024, appointing Rev. Fr. Antony Skaria as the first Vicar.
Honoring the Heritage of Our Historic Church
Welcome to our cherished historic church, a place where time-honored traditions and community spirit converge. With its storied past and architectural grandeur, this sacred space stands as a testament to generations of faith, resilience, and dedication.
Our church has witnessed countless moments of joy, reflection, and solace. It has been a cornerstone of the community, offering a sanctuary for worship, a venue for celebration, and a refuge in times of need. The walls of this venerable structure echo with the hymns, prayers, and voices of those who have walked through its doors, each leaving an indelible mark on its history.
As we embark on a new chapter, we are committed to preserving the essence of this historic landmark. We invite you to join us in celebrating its rich heritage and the vibrant future that lies ahead. We will continue to honor the traditions that have shaped its past while embracing tomorrow's opportunities.
We are grateful for the stewardship of all who have contributed to the preservation and continuation of this beloved church. Your support and participation are invaluable as we strive to maintain this sacred space as a beacon of hope and community for generations to come.
History of the St. Vincent de Paul Church
In 1888, the local Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society established a small mission chapel near the intersection of Blair and Virginia in St. Paul, Minnesota. This marked the inception of St. Vincent's Parish in the history of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
The 125 predominantly Irish families who attended St. Vincent's Chapel formed the core of what would later become a vibrant hub in St. Paul's "Frogtown" area. Initially served by priests from St. Luke's Parish, St. Vincent's Parish began in the same year that Pope Leo XIII elevated the diocese to metropolitan status, appointing John Ireland as its first archbishop.
St. Vincent's Parish story is one of growth through dedication and sacrifice. Father Raleigh from nearby St. Joseph's Parish celebrated the first Mass in the newly built chapel.
Every Sunday, Reverend (later Bishop) John J. Lawler officiated Mass at St. Vincent's Chapel, establishing himself as its first pastor, despite his tenure lasting only a year.
By October 1889, the first St. Vincent's Rectory was completed and ready for habitation. Archbishop Ireland appointed Reverend Laurence Cosgrove, a young Irish priest, as St. Vincent's inaugural resident pastor. Over his twenty-year tenure, Father Cosgrove oversaw significant material and spiritual expansion within the parish.
Father Cosgrove gained renown for his zeal, energy, and vision. Alongside his duties at St. Vincent's, he served as chaplain at Calvary Cemetery, for the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the State Order of Foresters. Additionally, he was the founding pastor of St. Andrew's Parish, a mission of St. Vincent's, in 1889. Father Cosgrove, known for his literary talents, authored "A Popular History of St. Vincent's Church," capturing its development in eloquent prose during his rare moments of repose.
In May 1898, Archbishop Ireland formally dedicated the newly constructed St. Vincent de Paul Church, noting the parish's rapid growth from its modest beginnings.
Ground was broken for St. Vincent's School on November 1, 1900, with the school opening its doors in July 1901, staffed initially by four Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
The dedication of St. Vincent's School on September 8, 1902, marked the completion of an imposing structure with eight classrooms capable of seating 500 students, set amidst spacious grounds that included playgrounds and ornamental features.
Father Cosgrove's legacy laid the foundation upon which St. Vincent's Parish flourished. He was succeeded by Reverend William Walsh, followed in 1912 by Reverend Timothy E. Crowley, who oversaw renovations to the rectory and school after a destructive fire.
In 1922, Reverend Martin I. J. Griffin assumed leadership at St. Vincent's Parish, bringing extensive experience and personal qualities to his role. Under his guidance, the parish expanded, boasting 815 families and significant improvements to its facilities.
Father Griffin's tenure included notable renovations to the church and school, enhancing both the physical and spiritual infrastructure of St. Vincent's.
Following Father Griffin's departure in 1940, Reverend Peter F. Meade and later Reverend Thomas G. Exley and Reverend Charles H. Morgan each contributed to the parish's growth through various improvements and community initiatives.
Father Morgan's compassionate leadership and attention to detail left a lasting impact, particularly with the installation of new church furnishings and renovations to the school.
Upon Father Morgan's passing in 1963, Reverend Michael P. Fay assumed pastoral duties, ushering in a new era amidst the societal changes of the 1960s.
During Father Fay's tenure, the parish continued its tradition of community involvement and improvement projects, exemplified by the refurbishment of the church's exterior.
Father William Gamber succeeded Father Fay in 1975, overseeing additional renovations and repairs within the parish.
In June 1979, the appointment of Reverend Bernard C. Klein marked a departure from the parish's longstanding tradition of Irish pastors, as St. Vincent's continued to evolve under new leadership.
[Historical information from 1979 to 2024 is currently being compiled.]
The Syro-Malabar community acquired the church in June 2024