About Our Diocese

Our Roots in the Apostolic Tradition

The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is one of the 22 Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Pope in Rome, tracing its origin directly to St. Thomas the Apostle, who brought the Gospel to India in 52 AD. Known historically as the St. Thomas Christians, this ancient Church has preserved a rich liturgical, spiritual, and theological tradition rooted in the East-Syrian heritage, while expressing its faith in the local languages and cultural contexts of its people.

Establishment of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

To respond to the growing number of Syro-Malabar Catholic families who migrated to the United States, Pope John Paul II formally established the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago on March 13, 2001 — the first Syro-Malabar ecclesiastical structure outside of India.

• The newly formed diocese encompassed the entire United States, reflecting both the breadth of our community and a commitment to unified pastoral care across the country.

• Mar Jacob Angadiath was ordained the first Bishop of the Diocese on July 1, 2001, at the inauguration in Chicago.

Under Bishop Angadiath’s leadership, the Diocese flourished, organizing parishes and missions, strengthening formation programs, and nurturing faith communities rooted in the Syro-Malabar tradition.

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed Mar Joy Alappatt as Auxiliary Bishop, and in 2022 he succeeded Bishop Angadiath as the second Bishop of the Eparchy.

Who We Are Today

The St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago is a vibrant Church community serving Syro-Malabar Catholics throughout the United States:

• Approximately 85,000 faithful participate in sacramental life and parish ministries.

• The Diocese encompasses 50 parishes and 34 missions, supported by 68 dedicated priests.

• A strong focus on religious education includes nearly 9,500 Sunday School students and 2,450 catechists who contribute to spiritual growth and formation across age groups.

This growth reflects the deep faith of families and individuals who have made this Church their spiritual home, as well as the Diocese’s ongoing commitment to liturgical life, catechesis, youth and family ministries, and cultural heritage.

Our Mission and Vision

Rooted in St. Thomas’s missionary zeal and guided by centuries of Eastern Catholic tradition, our Diocese exists to:

• Proclaim the Gospel through the Syro-Malabar liturgical and spiritual tradition

• Cultivate vibrant parish life throughout the United States

• Support families, youth, and faith formation

• Promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life

• Serve our communities with compassion and witness the joy of our faith

We stand as a living bridge between India's ancient Christian heritage and America's diverse cultural landscape, seeking to bear witness to the love of Christ in every community we serve.