After Diocese of Kalyan was established, Fr. Thomas Thalachira came to Nerul by October 1988 with the intention of a Parish formation. He stayed in a rented flat at NL-5, Sector 30/10 along with Assistant Vicar, Fr. John Madukoly, MST. Fr. Thomas Thalachira offered the first Holy Qurbana in Syro-Malabar rite there.
In the absence of a Church, Sunday Qurbana was arranged in St. Augustine’s School for the initial nine years and, on other days, it was held at the residence of Mr. Chacko Grigory in F-Type, Sector-3, Nerul for almost two years and later shifted to the rented flats in N-6, Sector-9 and sector-15. Around 90 families were identified.
The Parish Council held on 5th September, 1989 proposed and adopted the name St. Little Theresa of Lisieux (Little Flower) as our heavenly patroness. Under the graceful guidance of Bishop Mar. Paul Chittilalppilly, the Parish strived to secure a plot for a Church. Mr. K.J. Baby, a member who also a CIDCO official, helped to secure land from CIDCO in 1989. By the grace of God, we got the allotment of the plot admeasuring 1500 sq.mtrs and Agreement was signed on 12th October 1992. On 25th October 1992, the foundation stone was laid for the Church by Mar Paul Chittilappilly while Fr. Varghese Nadakkal was our Parish Priest. It should be noted that this was the First Church sanctioned by Diocese of Kalyan. Soon after, he was transferred and Fr. Lonappan Arangassery took charge of the Parish. On 18th June 1993, Fr. Thomas Narikulam succeeded Fr. Thomas Kochuparambil who served the Parish for a short period. A Church Construction Committee was formulated on 29th May 1994 with Fr. Thomas Narikulam as President and seven Executive Committee members. Later on, the Committee’s strength was expanded to 25. On 19th April 1998, Mar. Thomas Elevanal consecrated the Little Flower Church and opened its doors to the believers.
On 3rd November, 1997 Apostolic Oblates started a Convent in Nerul. Fr. Zacharias Neelankavil, took charge as Parish Priest in June 1998, soon after the transfer of Fr Thomas Narikulam. Fr. Thomas Thaikkoottathil was appointed as parish priest in September 1999. The Feast of St Sebastian was kicked off in 2002 after obtaining the backing of the AGM. Fr. Shaji Parikkappillil, who took over in June 2004. By the grace of God, we have started St Jude Centre with strength of about 60 families for the people of Sanpada on 5th June, 2005 and the first Qurbana was offered by Fr. Shaji. In June, 2007, Fr. Mathew Adampakkallel came to steer the Parish. At that time, about 450 families and 22 Family Units were there.
A graceful PIETA and statue of CHRIST THE KING have been installed and blessed on 1st October, 2005. The Holy Relic of St Little Theresa of Lisieux was installed at Relic Sanctuary in our Church by Bishop of Kalyan Mar. Thomas Elavanal on 14th April, 2011, which was received from the Pilgrims Capital of Lisieux, France.
On 28th May, 2009 Fr. Kuriakose Kalaparambath was appointed as Parish Priest of Little Flower Church. Fr. Biju Kollamkunnel took charge as parish priest on June, 2013. At present, we are having a total strength of more than 500 Families and 25 Family Units. Since 2010 Assistant Parish Priests who served here were Fr. Jinto Edattukunnel (Jan. 2010-Jan. 2011), Fr. Joby Aithamattathil (Feb. 2011-May 2011), Fr. Jefrin Pallithara (Jun. 2011-Jan. 2012), Fr. Bibin Cheenothuvattukulam, Fr. Soji Pezhathingal, Fr. Franklin Cheravathoor and currently Fr. Rapahel Ainickal. Fr. Shibu Pulickal took charge as the parish priest from 09th February 2017.
DETAILS
Forane: Navi Mumbai
Status: Forane Parish
Parish Priest: Fr. Shibu Pulickal
Establishment of Parish Community: 1988
Official Erection as a Parish: 01/10/2005
Date of the Consecration of the Church: 19/04/1998
Area of the Church Property: 1500 sq. ft.
No. of Familys: 470
No. of Family Units: 25
Address: Plot No. 7, Sector 20, Nerul (W), Navi Mumbai 400706
Phone No.: 022-27723274/ 2628
How to reach:
QURBANA SCHEDULE
Holy Qurbana: Sun. 8.00 am, 11.30 am and 6.30 pm at Little Flower Church, Nerul & Sun. 8.00 am at Sanpada Centre
Weekdays Qurbana: 7.00 am & 6.30 pm at Little Flower Church, Nerul Name of the Religious Cong regation & Province:Apostolic Oblates
Type of the Institutions at parish territory : Pro Sanctity Residence for Girls & Working Women & Pro Sanctity Day Care (Run by Apostolic Oblates)
MORE DETAILS
Email id: [email protected]
Website: www.littleflowerchurchnerul.org