St Thomas Parish Community
The saying goes that if you go to the moon, there you will find also people from the Indian state of Kerala! This state is one of the most religiously diverse states in India having quite a concentration of Christians besides Hindus and Muslims. In Malta there are at least 3,000 Keralans working mainly in health care and construction sector nearly. They are nearly all Christians.
Six years ago a Catholic parish, part of their Syro-Malabar rite, was formed to cater for their spiritual needs. Their services are held in their native language of Malayalam. It is formed approximately of nearly 1,300 parish members, mainly youths and young couples. They now have also a resident priest.
On Sunday they celebrate three masses rotating in different locations such as Maida Parish Church, Paola, Birkirkara, Mellieħa, Buġibba, Fgura, Mosta, Ħamrun and even Gozo. They celebrate also a daily mass, also rotating in different locations. These are occasions to colorfully celebrate their identity and legacy through prayer, songs and rituals.
Parish Priest Fr Matthew Varuvelil said that “as a foreign community here in Malta they feel very well welcomed and accepted. The Maltese local Church offers us tremendous support and cooperation.”
For more information visit their FB page: Saint Thomas Parish Community Malta
