Much before the erection of the Diocese of Kalyan there were Syro- Malabar Christians in Ambernath. For the pious Christians there was not even a Christian symbol to relate with their faith until British people built a Cross at WIMCO Naka in 1947. Pillar Fathers from Goa were the first missionary priests who came to Ambernath in 1951 to look after the religious and spiritual needs of the Catholic community. Kerala Catholic Association formerly known as Kerala Catholic Union organized Holy Qurbana and retreats in Malayalam on special occasions.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Kalapura was appointed by Mar Paul Chittilapilly to look after the Syro-Malabar community in Ambernath after the erection of Kalyan Diocese in 1988. He began celebrating Holy Qurbana in Syro-Malabar rite in Fatima Church since we did not have a place of our own. The patron of Syro-Malabar community was St. Thomas, the Apostle. Rev. Fr. George Porathur was followed by Fr. T. Kalapura. He stayed in Ulhasnagar and extended his services to Ambernarth also. He purchased a piece of land for the Ambernath church. During 1992-93, Rev. Fr. Francis John rented a room for the community and later purchased an office room and started the activities from there. In 1995-96, Rev. Fr. Emmanual Varickamakal was appointed as Parish Priest for Ambernath and Ulhasnagar. We could use Fatima school premises for Sunday school and for other faith-formation related programme for many years. At this juncture, Sr. Marykutty Michael was appointed as Head Teacher for Sunday school and Animator of Mathrusangam. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel served Ambernath parish up to 2001-02 and then Rev. Fr. George Cheerankuzhy. He under took various fund – raising programme for the church construction.
Rev. Fr. Biju Mannamcheril was appointed as the first Parish Priest in Ambernath on 3rd Feb 2003. Under his able, committed leadership and vision, the foundation stone for the church was laid on 31st January 2005 by Bishop Mar Thomas Elavanal. The newly built church was blessed by Mar Thomas Elavanal on 22nd January 2006.
Along with the blessing of the church, the change of the name of the church from St. Thomas Syro-Malabar church into Sacred Heart Syro Malabar Church was declared by Mar Thomas Elavanal. He also inaugurated St. Thomas Charitable Medical Centre, which is still helping many poor and sick people from far and near, through its free medical clinic. Dr. Selvin D’Souza and a few dedicated parishioners are rendering their voluntary services since its beginning. Another milestone in the history of this parish was the blessing of the Grotto of Maria Rosa Mystica on 15th August 2006 by Bishop Mar Thomas Elavanal and the beginning of a special devotion and the Novena to Maria Rosa Mystica. Rev. Fr. Shiju Avannoor OSH took over the charge from Rev. Fr. Biju Mannamcheril in 2007 as parish priest. He continued with the remaining works of the church and supported all the socio-charitable works. During this period Syro-Malabar community centre of Ambernath got erected as a parish on 2nd November 2008. Ambernath Mathrusangam was selected as the best unit of the Diocese. A Host-making unit was also started under the banner of Mathrusangam.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Chalissery was appointed as parish priest in 2009. He cleared some of the problems regarding the approach road to the church and undertook a survey and completed the compound wall. During his period, this parish was gifted with Sacred Heart Convent belonging to Vimala Province, Kanjirapally and three Sisters to serve the parish community in various capacities. Rev. Fr. Zacharias Neelankavil was the parish priest. At present, Rev. Fr. Joemon Kurisingal is the parish priest. Under his leadership and able guidance, parish activities and all the associations are functioning effectively.
DETAILS
Forane: Kalyan
Status: Parish
Parish Priest: Fr. Zacharias Neelakankavil
Establishment of Parish Community: 24-08-1988
Official Erection as a Parish: 02-11-2008
Date of the Consecration of the Church: 22-01-2006
Area of the Church Property: 22604.95 Sq.ft
No. of Family’s: 155
No. of Family Units: 09
Address: Near Fr. Agnel School, St. Thomas Nagar, Khojgaon, Ambarnath (W) 421505
Phone No.: 0251-2685565
How to reach:
QURBANA SCHEDULE
Holy Qurbana:
Weekdays Qurbana:
Name of the Religious Congregation & Province: Sacred Heart Congregation, Vimala Province, Kanjirappally
Type of the Institutions at Parish territory :
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