Chicago: The Syro-Malabar Catholic community across the United States is preparing for a historic gathering as the Diocese of Chicago celebrates its 25th anniversary along with the Silver Jubilee of the Episcopal Consecration of its founding bishop, Mar Jacob Angadiath. The grand event will take place from July 9 to 12, 2026, at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, one of the largest and most modern venues in the country.
The announcement of the Jubilee Convention has created a wave of excitement among Syro-Malabar faithful in North America and beyond. Fr. Thomas Kadukapilli, the main convener of the convention, announced that registration for the event has officially begun. He noted that the celebration is expected to draw nearly six thousand participants, including priests, religious, lay leaders, and families from various parishes and missions under the diocese.
The Diocese of Chicago, officially known as the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago, was established by Pope John Paul II on March 13, 2001. It marked a historic step in recognizing the growing presence of Syro-Malabar Catholics in the United States. Mar Jacob Angadiath was appointed the first bishop, and under his leadership, the diocese flourished with parishes and missions across multiple states. From modest beginnings, the diocese now includes fifty-two parishes and thirty-three missions, serving a large and vibrant Catholic population.
The upcoming Jubilee Convention will be a multifaceted celebration designed to engage all sections of the community. The event will include special sessions and gatherings for adults, youth, college and high school students, and children. It will combine faith formation, cultural showcases, and community-building initiatives that reflect the deep spiritual and cultural heritage of the Syro-Malabar Church. The event is expected to highlight the journey of the diocese over the past twenty-five years while also envisioning its mission for the future.
Under the leadership of Bishop Mar Joy Alappat, the current head of the Diocese of Chicago, numerous committees have been formed to organize the event at the diocesan level. Fr. John Meleppuram and Fr. Thomas Mulavanal serve as the Jubilee General Conveners, coordinating planning efforts across parishes and missions. The convention’s organizational structure also includes Fr. Thomas Kadukapilli as the main convener, with Fr. Joel Pius and Fr. Eugene Joseph serving as joint conveners. Fr. Melvin Paul has been appointed as the youth convener to lead youth-oriented sessions and activities.
A strong core committee is managing the logistical and administrative aspects of the convention. Joseph Chamakkala serves as the Jubilee Chairman, while Andrew P. Thomas oversees finances. Johny Vadakkumcheri is in charge of facilities, and Beena Vallikkalam serves as the Convention Secretary. The program division is led by BG C. Mani, and public relations and communications are handled by Saji Varghese. Together, the committees are working to ensure a spiritually enriching and well-organized celebration.
The Jubilee Convention is envisioned not just as a commemoration of the past but also as a renewal of faith and unity among Syro-Malabar Catholics in North America. It will offer a platform to honor the contributions of Mar Jacob Angadiath, who played a pivotal role in shaping the diocese’s identity and growth. The celebration will also serve as a moment of reflection and thanksgiving for the diocese’s journey, emphasizing its mission of evangelization, community service, and cultural preservation.
Organizers have invited faithful from around the world to participate in this landmark event. Further details, including schedules and accommodation options, will be announced in the coming months. Those interested in attending can register through the official website: https://register.syroconvention.org/syro-convention-2026.
The 2026 Chicago Jubilee is expected to stand as a milestone in the history of the Syro-Malabar Church in the United States as an expression of faith, unity, and gratitude for twenty-five years of grace and mission.