The Archdiocese of Liverpool has celebrated St Elizabeth of Hungary Church and Parish Centre in Litherland becoming the new home forthe Knanaya Catholic community. The event, held on Saturday 20September, marked what Archbishop John Sherrington described as “a significant and joyful new chapter for our Knanaya Catholic community.”

The day began with the blessing of the church and parish centre, led by a distinguished group of bishops and clergy: Mar Mathew Moolakkatt, Archbishop of Kottayam; Archbishop John Sherrington; and Mar Joseph Pandarasseril, Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam were amongst the celebrants.

Following the blessing at 10am, Holy Mass was celebrated at10:30am in the Syro-Malabar rite and Malayalam language. Around 500Knanaya Catholic faithful and members of the local community attended this wonderful service. The liturgy was a powerful expression of the community’s heritage and faith.

The celebration concluded with a meeting and a shared lunch, giving parishioners and guests the opportunity to mark this milestone together.

The Knanaya Catholic faithful in the UK migrated from India and are originally from the Archdiocese of Kottayam, Kerala. In the UK, they are part of the Syro Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain.

“There are 15 Knanaya Catholic Missions in the UK,” Deacon Anil Lukose explained. “St. Pius X Knanaya Catholic Mission is for the Knanaya Catholic faithful living in Liverpool and the surrounding areas. The Archdiocese of Liverpool granted St. Elizabeth of Hungary church on lease to St. Pius X Knanaya Catholic Mission. This will be the first Knanaya Catholic church in the UK, and even the first one in Europe.”

The Knanaya Catholic community has now taken a long-term lease of St Elizabeth’s, ensuring a dedicated space for worship and fellowship in the years to come.