Syro Malabar Community in Springfield
Since the 1970s, Brisbane has seen a significant number of Malayalee Catholic families migrating from India and various other parts of the world, including Catholics from different rites, such as the Syro-Malabar rite. These families integrated into their local suburban parishes. As Malayalee priests of Syro-Malabar heritage arrived in Brisbane, they began celebrating Holy Mass in the Syro-Malabar Liturgy on a voluntary basis, in response to mutual demand, as an expression of love and fellowship. This led to the formation of organised prayer communities in various local areas.
In 2013, as the number of Malayalee Catholic families grew in Springfield, Devasia Joseph and Sunil Kunnath initiated regular gatherings for the Holy Rosary and other prayers in the Syro-Malabar tradition. Subsequently, Devasia Joseph approached Fr. Mauro Conte, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Southern Cross Parish in Springfield, to request a venue for their gatherings and to start Sunday Catechism classes for the children. Fr. Conte wholeheartedly supported the community and offered the Springfield Catholic church as their meeting place.
In April 2015, with the establishment of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy in Melbourne, Bishop Bosco Puthur appointed Fr. Peter Kavumbaram as the Chaplain for Queensland. Fr. Peter then reached out to the Springfield community and invited us to join the Syro-Malabar Eparchy, leading to the formation of St Joseph's Syro-Malabar Community in Springfield.
The Syro-Malabar Community in Springfield is a thriving community, growing in both numbers and unity of faith. Our main highlights are:
Around 350 people attending Malayalam Holy Mass in Springfield on every Sunday
225 Children attending Sunday Catechism classes
6 Family prayer groups with over 250 registered families
The Syro-Malabar Youth Movement (SMYM) actively participating in monthly gatherings and various activities for young people
The Mathruvedhi (Mothers organisation) bringing mothers together for prayers and to engage in charitable, social and church related activities.
Our Parish Council Members
Trustees: Giss P Cherian & Regi
Pralel Kallara
Youth trustee: Felix Prakash
Parish secretary: Sunil Kunnath
Parish safety officers: Sunil Kunnath & Rexy Jason : Email: pso.springfield@syromalabar.org.au
Accountant: Livin Leon
Family unit leaders: Johnson Daniel, Merlin Sanio, Shiji Anil, Boby Joseph, Deepa Suji, Sam Chacko, Geo Baby, Sandhya Regi, Mannya Sandeep, Anila Sijo, Biju Francis, Shijan Joseph, Jerin Chethukunnel & Paul Antony.
Mathruvedhi mother's group leaders: Gexy Prakash, Sticksy Biju, Bindhu Benny & Jubin Jose
