It was precisely the urge in each individual to keep his/her identity as well as dependency in the Almighty, people form associations of same culture and religions. It was for these reasons Kerala Catholic Association (KCA) was formed here.
From the humble beginning of conducting Malayalam Syro-Malabar Qurbana once in a month, it soon started to conduct liturgical services on special occasions such as Christmas and Holy Week. We are very much indebted to many priests of this period such as Rev. Fr. T.O. Jacob, Fr. Primus Alapatt CMI, Fr. Joseph Pulickan, Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Nagaroor, Rev. Fr. Andrew Athapilly CMI, Rev. Fr. George Vadekkethala etc. This arrangement continued till 24th Aug 1988, when Diocese of Kalyan was inaugurated.
Immediately after this, a Syro-Malabar centre came into being in Powai, with Rev. Fr. Raphael Moyalan CMI as the first Parish Priest, followed by Rev. Fr. Antony Kakkanattu V.C, Rev. Fr. Jose Vallavankottu and Msgr. Thomas Thalachira. Rev. Fr. Joseph Odanatt and Rev. Fr. Xavier Kanattu also served as Asst. Priest during Fr. Thomas Thalachira’s period as Parish Priest. Since 31st January 1998 Rev. Fr. (Dr) Antony Kollannur served the Powai centre till 3rd Feb 2003. Rev. Fr. Benny Thanninilkumthadathil served as Asst. Priest from 26th Jan 2001 to 04th Feb 2002. It was during this time our effort to find a plot to construct a church bore fruit. As a matter of record, foundation stone was laid on 14th April 2000 and the first Holy Qurbana was celebrated on 15th August 2000. After 5 years of dedicated service of Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Antony Kollannur, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Francis Eluvathingal was appointed as the vicar of the centre on 3rd Feb 2003. Rev. Fr. Shaibu Paul Malethadathil served as assistant priest during this period.
The parish is blessed with the presence of Sisters from the very beginning. Holy Family sisters started their house on 8th June 1989 and later shifted to Ulhasnagar and the Daughters of St. Mary Leuca (DML) started their house in the parish on 15th march 1993 and continue since then. We are thankful to all the sisters of the Holy family congregation and that of the congregation of the daughters of St. Mary of Leuca, as well as SABS Sisters.
The origin and growth of the St. Joseph, the worker welfare centre is always linked to St. Joseph’s church, Powai. It can be seen as the manifestation of the desire of the Syro-Malabar community in Powai to reach out to the weaker and marginalized sections of the Society.
It was during the time of Rev. Fr. Davis Chiramel as Parish Priest, a long cherished dream come true. On 20th Dec. 2004 the parish church was renovated and was consecrated by His Beatitude late Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil along with our Bishop Mar Thomas Elavanal. Rev. Fr. Sebastian Mudakkalil also served us as Asst. Priest during this period. On 27th Feb 2005 the first pastoral visit was conducted. On 19th March 2006, Mar Thomas Elavanal elevated Powai as a full-fledged Parish.
After 3 years of service, on 1/06/2008 Rev. Fr. Davis Pulikotil was transferred and on 5th June 2008 Rev. Fr. Dr. Baburaj Kakkassery took charge as the parish priest. The priest residence was constructed at the basement of the church and on 25th April 2010, the same was blessed by Bishop Mar Thomas Elavanal and Rev. Fr. Martin Velliyamkandathil was the acting parish priest. Rev. Fr. Shibu Pulickal was the acting parish priest for a short period. On 1st Nov 2010 Rev. Fr. Justin Kallely took charge as the Parish Priest after which Rev. Fr. Sebastian Mudakkalil took the charge as the parish priest. Fr. Joju Arackal took charge as the parish priest from 09th February 2017.
DETAILS
Forane: Powai
Status: Forane Parish
Parish Priest: Fr. Joju Arackal
Establishment of Parish Community: 1988
Official Erection as a Parish: 19/03/2006
Date of the Consecration of the Church: 20/12/2004
Area of the Church Property: 12000 sq. feet
No. of Familys: 180
No. of Family Units: 11
Address: Leo Hill, IIT Market,IIT P.O., Powai, Mumbai 400 076.
Phone No.: 022-25773815
How to reach:
QURBANA SCHEDULE
Holy Qurbana: Sun. 8.00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, Powai & Sun. 10.15 am at Holy Trinity Church, Powai
Weekdays Qurbana: 6.00 pm at St. Joseph’s Church, Powai
Name of the Religious Congregation & Province: DML
Type of the Institutions at parish territory: Tailoring Centre (Karunya Trust)Nursery (DML)
MORE DETAILS
Email id: [email protected]
Website: www.stjosephpowai.com