History of St. Thomas Syro Malabar Forane Church,
Brisbane South
Guided by Grace: The Legacy of St. Thomas Syro Malabar Forane Church, Brisbane South
Origins and Founding
The Syro Malabar Church, deeply rooted in the legacy of St. Thomas the Apostle, holds a significant place in Christian history. St. Thomas, one of Jesus Christ's twelve disciples, embarked on a journey to India after the Pentecost. He established seven and a half ecclesial communities in the Malabar region, which is present-day Kerala. His evangelistic mission abruptly ended when he was martyred in AD 72 near Mylapore. The martyrdom of St. Thomas is commemorated annually on July 3rd, marking a day of obligation for the Syro Malabar Church worldwide.
Migration to Australia
As conditions in Australia improved, many Syro Malabar Christians from India were drawn to the country by the prospect of better opportunities. The welcoming nature of the Australian people and the Queensland government's encouragement of professional migration led to a significant increase in the Catholic population in Queensland, especially around Brisbane.
A Journey of Faith Through the Years
The history of St. Thomas the Apostle Syro Malabar Forane Church is a testament to the faith and perseverance of its members, reflecting their commitment to preserving their heritage and fostering a vibrant community in their new homeland.
Early Community Formation (2004-2009)
The early 2000s marked the beginning of organized Syro Malabar Catholic life in Brisbane. In 2004, Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy M.C.B.S., then Parish Priest of St. James and St. John's Catholic Church in Clifton, began serving the Malayalee Catholic community by organizing regular Malayalam Masses at St. Ignatius Church in Toowong. His efforts included monthly Masses, prayer meetings, and home visits, which were vital for the spiritual nourishment of the growing community. By 2007, the increasing number of Malayalee Catholics necessitated the establishment of two pastoral areas—North and South Brisbane—to better serve the congregation.
Growth and Establishment (2009-2010)
The community's growth was marked by several milestones. By 2009, the community had expanded to over 200 families. To address the needs of this growing congregation, the Syro Malabar community in Brisbane was divided into two groups: St. Thomas Catholic Community (South) and St.Alphonsa Catholic Community (North). In 2009, the South Brisbane group celebrated its first Good Friday at Mary Immaculate Church and its first Easter service in 2010 at St. John Fisher Church. Catechism classes, initially held in private homes, were officially established as St. Thomas Sunday School at St. James Church in Coorparoo. Fr. Antony Vadakara CMI played a crucial role during this period by facilitating the use of St. John Fisher Church for both catechism and Syro Malabar Masses. His initiative led to the first Malayalam Mass at Tarragindi Church, which was pivotal in formally establishing the St. Thomas Catholic Community. In June 2010, a dedicated committee was formed to organize community activities, leading to the first Feast of St. Thomas on July 3, 2010. This event, celebrated by Fr. Vadakara, marked a significant milestone in the community's history.
Leadership and Milestones (2010-2012)
Following the formation of a new committee in August 2010, which oversaw catechism classes, a second Executive Committee was elected in August 2011. This committee organized numerous community events and regular Malayalam Masses. By June 2012, a new committee was in place, which welcomed Cardinal Mar George Alenchery during his historic visit to Australia. Later, under Fr. Joseph Thottumkara's guidance, liturgical services and faith formation were conducted at St. Joachim Church in Holland Park.
Advocacy and Formal Recognition (2012-2013)
During Cardinal Alenchery's visit, the community formally requested an appointed chaplain from the Archbishop of Brisbane. The Archbishop assured that a chaplain would be appointed within a year. Additionally, an agreement was signed with the Archdiocese of Brisbane to use facilities at Holland Park-Mount Gravatt Parish for three years, officially recognising the St. Thomas Catholic Community.
Eparchy and Parish Formation (2013-2015)
The establishment of the Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, Melbourne, in December 2013 marked a significant milestone. Bishop Bosco Puthur was appointed as its first bishop. In August 2014, Fr. Peter Kavumpuram was named chaplain for Brisbane's Syro Malabar communities. By May 2015, the St. Thomas Catholic Community formally became a parish, with Fr. Peter Kavumpuram serving as its first Parish Vicar.
Property Acquisition and Renovation (2017-2018)
Faced with space constraints at St. Joachim Church, the parish sought a new location. In September 2017, a property at 108-112 Middle Road, Hillcrest, was purchased for $2.25 million. This site, which included a Lutheran church, a house, and a childcare center, was transformed into the current church, faith formation center, and presbytery. The blessing ceremony of the new facilities was held on November 4, 2018, officiated by Bishop Puthur.
Leadership and Development (2015-2023)
Following Fr. Peter Kavumpuram's departure in April 2016 due to health issues, Fr. Varghese Vavolil served as vicar from June 2016 to April 2019. He was succeeded by Fr. Abraham Kazhunnadiyil, who led the parish until February 2023. Fr. Abraham Nadukunnel then took over as vicar in February 2023.
Forane Church Status and Recent Developments (2024)
In January 2024, the parish was elevated to the status of the first Forane church in Queensland and was renamed St. Thomas the Apostle Syro Malabar Forane Church, Brisbane South.
Trustees and Community Activities (2015-2024)
The church's administration has been overseen by trustees including Joly Poulose, Sibi Joseph, Rejy Joseph, Thomas Kachappilly, Jose Thomas, Baji Ittera, Antony Paulose, Joshy Joseph, Baby Joseph, Francis Joseph, Brijesh Mathai, Jogy John, Ivan Jolly, Mathew Punnollil and George Sebastian, with trainee youth trustees Nivin George and Sharon Biju. Formal Parish Pastoral Council secretaries Sony V Kurian , Tom Joseph and Jestine Joseph and Eparchial Pastoral Council Members James Mathew, Jimmy Arikkatt, Dr Linson John Alappat and Tom Joseph also played a vital role in the growth of this community. The church supports approximately 400 registered families, with more than 500 students in catechism classes and 100 students in Malayalam language classes. It also nurtures various faith-based organizations, including the Altar Servers, Catholic Congress, Church Choir, Evangelization Ministry, Holy Communion Ministers, Mathruvedi, Nurses Ministry, SMYM, and Teens Choir.
The history of St. Thomas the Apostle Syro Malabar Forane Church is a testament to the faith and perseverance of its members, reflecting their commitment to preserving their heritage and fostering a vibrant community in their new homeland.
Former Parish Priests
Fr. Peter Kavumpuram MST was a pioneering Syro-Malabar Catholic priest and missionary of the Missionary Society of St Thomas the Apostle (MST), best known for his foundational role in establishing the Syro-Malabar Catholic community in Melbourne, Australia. He was appointed the first full-time Chaplain for the Syro-Malabar faithful in Melbourne on February 3, 2011, marking a significant milestone for the community.
Upon his arrival, Fr. Peter’s dedicated pastoral care brought new direction and unity to the Syro-Malabar Catholics in Melbourne. He was instrumental in organizing the community, establishing new Mass centers in the North, West, and South East suburbs, and overseeing the purchase of a chaplain’s residence at Taylors Lakes, which was blessed in May 2011. Under his leadership, the community was restructured into three regions in 2012 to provide regular Sunday Qurbana (Holy Mass) and catechism for children, fostering spiritual growth and engagement among families.
Fr. Peter’s vision and commitment laid the groundwork for the future establishment of the Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle of Melbourne by Pope Francis in 2014, a testament to the vibrant and organized community he helped build. After his years of service in Melbourne, Fr. Peter continued his pastoral mission in various regions, including Brisbane and later in Maharashtra, India.
Fr. Peter Kavumpuram MST is remembered for his missionary zeal, pastoral leadership, and his unwavering dedication to the spiritual and communal life of Syro-Malabar Catholics in Australia and India. He passed away on September 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and community-building
Fr. Varghese Vavolil is a devoted Syro-Malabar Catholic priest widely respected for his leadership and service within the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle, Australia. From April 2021 to February 2025, he served as the Cathedral Vicar of St. Alphonsa Cathedral Parish, Melbourne North. During his tenure, Fr. Varghese played a central role in nurturing the spiritual and pastoral life of one of Australia’s largest Syro-Malabar communities, overseeing liturgical celebrations, faith formation programs, and a wide range of parish activities.
In addition to his parish ministry, Fr. Varghese has contributed significantly to the broader community as Director and Deputy Chair of the Syro-Malabar Cultural Centre in Melbourne, supporting both the cultural and faith dimensions of parish life. His previous service as vicar of St. Thomas Parish, Brisbane South, further highlights his extensive pastoral experience and steadfast commitment to the Syro-Malabar faithful across Australia.
Fr. Varghese Vavolil is known for his pastoral zeal, collaborative leadership, and unwavering dedication to fostering vibrant, faith-filled communities.
Fr. Abraham Kazhunnadiyil is a Syro-Malabar Catholic priest known for his dedicated pastoral service across several Syro-Malabar communities in Australia. He currently serves as the Parish Priest of St. Euphrasia Syro-Malabar Parish, Adelaide North, where he leads a vibrant and growing parish community, fostering Christian love, fellowship, and faith among parish families.
Previously, Fr. Abraham served as Parish Priest at St. Joseph’s Syro-Malabar Parish, Springfield, from 2019 to 2022, and has also been a spiritual guide and visiting priest for communities such as St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Mission, Sunshine Coast. Throughout his ministry, he has been recognized for his compassionate leadership, commitment to faith formation, and his ability to unite and inspire parishioners.
Fr. Abraham Kazhunnadiyil continues to play a vital role in strengthening the Syro-Malabar Catholic presence in Australia, guiding communities in their spiritual journey and supporting the growth of faith-filled, supportive parish life
FAQ
When was the South Brisbane Syro-Malabar community established?
The South Brisbane group celebrated its first Good Friday at Mary Immaculate Church in 2009 and its first Easter service in 2010 at St. John Fisher Church. Initially, catechism and Masses were held in private homes until St. Thomas Sunday School was formally established at St. James Church in Coorparoo.
How was the parish formed under the Eparchy?
The Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, Melbourne, was established in December 2013. Bishop Bosco Puthur was appointed its first bishop. Fr. Peter Kavumpuram was named chaplain in 2014, and by May 2015, the St. Thomas Catholic Community became a parish, with Fr. Kavumpuram as its first Parish Vicar.
When did the church become a Forane parish?
In January 2024, the parish was elevated to the status of the first Forane church in Queensland and was renamed St. Thomas the Apostle Syro Malabar Forane Church, Brisbane South.
What is the mission of the Forane Church?
The mission of St. Thomas the Apostle Syro Malabar Forane Church is to preserve the heritage of the Syro-Malabar Catholic community while fostering a vibrant, faith-filled environment for all generations in Queensland.