St. Paul, Minnesota – On July 27, 2024, the historic St. Vincent de Paul Church was rededicated as St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Church of Minnesota in a solemn ceremony led by Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago. This rededication marks a significant chapter in the history of the St. Alphonsa Catholic communities, merging their rich legacies to support and sustain the faith, religious culture, and traditions of the Syro-Malabar faithful who migrated to Minnesota.

St. Vincent de Paul Church: A Historic Pillar

Founded in 1887, St. Vincent de Paul Church has been a spiritual center for generations of Catholics in St. Paul. Originally serving the Frogtown neighborhood's growing Catholic population, particularly German and Irish immigrants, the church began in a modest wooden structure. The current Gothic Revival building, designed by George J. Ries and completed in 1907, features intricate stained-glass windows, a grand altar, and an impressive steeple that has become a local landmark.

Over the decades, St. Vincent de Paul Church has been a cornerstone of the community, providing not only a place of worship but also a hub for social and educational activities. The parish school, established in 1891, educated generations of children until its closure in the late 20th century. Reflecting the spirit of its patron saint, the church has actively engaged in social and charitable initiatives, aiding the poor and marginalized.

St. Alphonsa Catholic Community: Growth and Dedication

The Syro-Malabar Catholic community began migrating to Minnesota in the early 1960s, with pioneers including Mrs. Pennamma and Mr. Babu Cherucheril. In 1963, Bishop Antony Padiyara from India, who would later become the first Major Archbishop and Cardinal of the Syro-Malabar Church, visited Minnesota, fostering relationships that facilitated the arrival of more Syro-Malabar priests.

The first Syro-Malabar Catholic priest, Fr. Thomas Chathaparampil, arrived in 1969, and with his help, two religious sisters from India began their service at St. Therese Parish in Deephaven in 1970. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission of Minnesota was established in 1995 under Rev. Fr. Xavier Thelakkatt at St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Richfield. The mission evolved over the years, culminating in its renaming to ‘St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Minnesota’ in 2009 by Rev. Fr. Joseph Arackal. The late Rev. Fr. George Thoomkuzhy served as mission director for five years, and Fr. Antony Skaria has been the mission director since 2014.

The Rededication Ceremony

The rededication ceremony was a grand and solemn affair, attended by Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Bishop Emeritus Jacob Angadiath, Chorbishop Sharbel Maroun of Minneapolis, along with many priests, nuns, and numerous faithful, all participating in the traditional Kerala liturgy. The event featured a Holy Qurbana in Malayalam, with beautiful songs and liturgy that reflected the rich cultural heritage of the Syro-Malabar community. The ceremony also included the celebration of the Feast of St. Alphonsa, the patron saint, as well as first communion and confirmation rites for the children.

This rededication signifies a new era for St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Church of Minnesota, now elevated to the status of a parish within the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago, with Rev. Fr. Antony Skaria appointed as the first Vicar. The church will continue to nurture faith, ethnic culture, and religious traditions, engaging with the community and honoring its dual heritage while embracing its future as a vibrant center for the Syro-Malabar faithful in Minnesota.