The church in the name of Bl. Kuriakose Elias Chavara in Dighi is the reality of a dream of Syrian Christians migrated to Pune for their livelihood. In March 1983, 18 families residing at Kalas, Vishranthwadi, Dighi joined together and Dighi centre started working under the leadership of Rev.Fr. GabaniusPetta, CMI. Later on members started attending prayer meetings conducted with the help of Deacons of Carmel VidyaBhavan and Holy Qurbana in Latin rite arranged at the residence of Shri T D Kuriakku.
During these days on request of Bishop of Pune Rt. Rev. Valarian D’Souza, Fr. George Kavukattu, MST & Fr. Lonappan Aaraghassery, MST were appointed on 9th June 1984 by Syro Malabar Bishop’s Conference (SMBC) for the spiritual upliftment of the faithful, residing in and around Pune. With the efforts of Fr. Lonapan and 18 families from Dighi, Syro Malabar rite Qurbana started on Saturdays in the month of June itself at Mar Gregorios Memorial Orthodox Church, Kalas.
The first Pothuyogam convened on 24th Nov.1984 unanimously decided to purchase a plot for construction of a Prayer hall. Accordingly a plot of 4000 Sq.ft. was purchased with the help of Syro Malabar Bishops Conference, where the existing church is built. The foundation stone was laid by Rev. Fr. Mathew Vellanikal on 20th Dec.1987. Even though the building was not completed, on 4th Sept.1988, Holy Qurbana started here by Rev.Fr. Mathew Muthassery.
The construction of the present presbytery was completed in 1992 at the time of Rev. Fr. Jose Kalarikal MST. Dighi church got its name Bl. Kuriakose Elias Chavara church on a proposal by the Pothuyogam held on 6th Dec.1992 under the leadership of Rev. Fr. George Kavukattu and approved by Mar Paul Chittilapilly in March 1993 in the Same year with the initiative of Rev. Jose Thannippara MST and the assistance of the Diocese an adjacent plot admeasuring 6000 Sq.ft. could be purchased. The Madbaha of the church was remodelled by Rev.Fr. Jose Valiamangalam in the year 1994 and on 7th Feb. 1995 the church was consecrated by Mar Paul Chittilapilly.
Rev.Fr. Jose Thekkumatam, VC took over as vicar in June 1997 andextension of church building was completed. On 6th January 2000, under the leadership of Rev.Fr. Julius Aarackal, CMI, relic of Bl. Kuriakose Elias Chavara was brought in Solemn Procession from Carmel Church Vadagaonsery and kept in Dighi Church.
Rev. Fr. Mathew Adampakallel took the charge of the church in October 2000. Rev.Fr. Shiju Vattampurath OSH, took charge of the church in May 2008. With the various fund raising programmes organized under the leadership of Fr. Shiju, the parish could acquire a plot of 36000 Sq.ft. in Dhanori on 28th Feb.2011.The Silver Jubilee of the parish church was inaugurated on 15th January 2012 by Mar Thomas Elavanal. After Fr. Shiju, Fr. Jitto Thengumpally took charge as the parish priest. After his transfer today the parish is continuing its progressive journey under the able leadership of Rev. Fr. Binoy Kannanaickal.
DETAILS
Forane: Pune
Status: Parish
Parish Priest: Fr. Paul (Jitto) Thengumpallil
Establishment of parish Community: 1987
Official Erection as a Parish: 12/07/2009
Date of the Consecration of the Church: 7/02/1995
Area of the Church Property: 10000 sq. ft. in Kalas,36000 sq. ft. in Dhanori
No. of Familys: 110
No. of Family Units: 6
Address: Jadhav Vasti, Kalas, Dighi, Pune 411015
Phone No.: 020-27151566
How to reach:
QURBANA SCHEDULE
Holy Qurbana: Sun. 8.15 am at Bl. Kuriakose Elias Chavara Church, Dighi
Weekdays Qurbana: 7.00 pm (Mon. & Sat. 6.30 pm) at Bl. Kuriakose
Elias Chavara Church, Dighi
Name of the Religious Congregation & Province: Nil
Type of the Institutions at parish territory: Chavara Nursery School
MORE DETAILS
Email id: [email protected]
Website: Nil