A
Brief History of Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Okhla
Okhla
is one of the biggest Syro-Malabar Communities in Delhi with more
than 3500 faithful. This mass centre has had the privilege of having
Syro-Malabar Mass from early nineties thanks to the initiatives
Fr. Sebastian Vadakumpadan. Following him, many priests served the
community such as Fr. Ephrem Narikulam, Fr. Varghese Pottackal,
Fr. Jose Cholikara, Fr. Benny Maranparampil and Fr. Seby Vadakumpadan.
When Fr. Seby left for Brazil for mission work in February 2005,
Fr. Kuruvila Marottickal took over from him as priest in charge.The
Mass Centre was raised to a Personal Parish on June 15, 2005 by
His Grace Archbishop Vincent Concessao and Fr. Kuruvila
Marottickal was appointed Parish Priest. Then Fr.Varghese
Manickathan, and Fr. Dominic Kachappilly served as assistant parish
priests and presently Fr.Vakkachan Kumpail serves
the office of assistant parish priest.
In 1995 a small plot of land was bought and a priest’s residence
was built here. Thereafter the priests in charge of the community
have been staying in this house. In 2004 Fr. Seby started catechism
classes for children on Sundays before Mass. There are more than
120 students at present and ten teachers dedicating their service.
Another major activity is well functioning family units. There are
at present ten family units covering the whole parish area. The
Church committee is elected from family units.The development follows.......
DIOCESAN
SYNOD in the Archdiocese of Delhi DELHI SYRO-MALABAR MISSION TURN ROUND
The DIOCESAN SYNOD conducted by Archdiocese of Delhi on 12-15th
October, 2002 was a historical turn round for Delhi Syro-Malabar
Mission. The then facilities availed by different Catholic Rites
and Oriental Churches in Delhi were debated in details by about
290 delegates in various workshops especially by INTER RITUAL COLLABORATION;
WORKSHOP NO. 11A, B & C and Shri Johnson Oommen have participated
in the debate on behalf of Okhla parish. On the basis of debate
and its recommendations and suggestions, H.E. Archbishop Vincent
Concessao, Archdiocese of Delhi announced the formation of Personal
Parishes and thus today’s 23 personal parishes of Syro-Malabar
Mission including Our Lady of Fatima, Okhla Parish have been established
under the banner of DELHI SYRO-MALABAR MISSION with the dynamic
pastoral and spiritual guidance of Rev.Fr. Jose Edassery.
Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Syro-Malabar Catholic Parish, Okhla.
9A, DDA Flats, Sarai Juliana, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-25, India.
Ph.: 011-26922806.
Fr. Kuruvila Marottickal Ph:.09810911566, Fr.Paul Kadalikkattil Ph:.09990991933.