Our History

Our History: St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Bristol
Our Origins: The Journey of Faith
Throughout the history of the faithful, we witness how God leads His chosen people through migration, guiding their paths in extraordinary and mysterious ways. Our own journey to the United Kingdom reflects God’s providence and purpose. Like the great migrations of the past, our community’s story stands as a testimony to the Lord’s faithful guidance.
In the early 2000s, a significant recruitment drive in the UK healthcare sector led to an influx of skilled professionals from across the globe, particularly from Kerala, India. The city of Bristol, with its strategic location and welcoming spirit, became home to many of these healthcare workers. Among them were Christian families, deeply rooted in their faith and committed to preserving their spiritual traditions. These families began to gather regularly for prayer, laying the foundation for a vibrant community.
The Early Years at St. Nicholas of Tolentino (2001–2006)
In September 2001, the first Syro-Malabar Holy Qurbana in Bristol was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Joseph Narikuzhi at St. Nicholas of Tolentino Church, marking the official formation of what was then known as the St. Thomas Catholic Community. We remain eternally grateful to Rev. Fr. Richard McKay for his warm, fatherly welcome and his heartfelt support for our migrant community.
As the community expanded, monthly Holy Qurbana celebrations were held by various visiting priests. A working committee was formed in October 2002 to coordinate community life, and our annual 10-day Rosary devotion began that same month. From January 2003, Rev. Fr. Sunny Paul MSFS, then the parish priest of Holy Ghost Church in Yeovil, graciously assumed the responsibility of celebrating our monthly Qurbana. Regular catechism classes were inaugurated in March 2004.
In October 2004, Rev. Fr. George Valliamthadathil MSFS was appointed as the Director of the Syro-Malabar Mission under the Clifton Diocese. Based at St. Nicholas of Tolentino Church, he provided the community with a renewed sense of identity. We are deeply thankful to Bishop Declan Lang of the Clifton Diocese for this pivotal appointment. Under Fr. George Valliamthadathil’s guidance, several key initiatives were introduced:
• March 2005: Full Holy Week observances in the Syro-Malabar rite.
• April 2005: Introduction of Malayalam classes within the catechism curriculum.
• July 2–3, 2005: First celebration of St. Thomas Day (Dukhrana), now an annual tradition.
• August 2006: First Children’s Summer Camp, which has since become a regular annual event.
Fr. George Valliamthadathil faithfully served the community until October 2006, leaving a lasting impact through his dedicated spiritual leadership.
Relocation and Growth (2006–2009)
In October 2006, the community relocated to St. Joseph’s Church in Fishponds. Pastoral care was provided by several visiting Syro-Malabar priests, including Fr. Anil Paul SVD, Fr. John Kudiyirippil MST, Fr. Thomas Parayadyil MST, Fr. Roji Narithookkil, and Fr. George Cheeramkuzhi. We especially remember the formative contributions of Fr. Jiji Alakkalam.
During this period, we marked several milestones:
• June 2008: The youth group, STYL (St. Thomas Youth League), was formed.
• August 2008: The women’s group, CLASS (Catholic Ladies Association for Support and Service), was launched with the motto: Sharing the grace of Mary.
• November 2008: Our official website was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Eric Foxwell, then Vicar of St. Joseph’s Church.
In July 2009, Dukhrana Thirunal was celebrated at Clifton Cathedral, followed by a festive Perunal with cultural events at the Clifton Downs. The Women’s Forum also developed a Malayalam Alphabet poster that year to aid our children in learning the language. We remain deeply thankful to Rev. Fr. Eric Foxwell for his generous support and the provision of facilities at St. Joseph’s.
A Period of Consolidation (2009–2012)
In September 2009, Rev. Fr. Joy Vayalil CST became the resident priest at St. Joseph’s. His vision, wisdom, and multifaceted talents helped define the identity of the STSMCC. Highlights under his leadership included:
• The establishment of Family Units (October 2009).
• Regular Qurbana celebrated three Sundays a month.
• The first Youth Camp (April 2010).
• The celebration of Vidyarambham on Pentecost (May 2010).
In 2011, we joyfully celebrated our 10th anniversary. Notable events included a commemorative documentary produced by Rev. Fr. Joy Vayalil, the first Bristol Bible Kalotsavam (a pioneering celebration of faith and art in Europe), and the publication of the Syro-Malabar Holy Qurbana Book (with translation and transliteration), which was reprinted in 2014 and 2016.
A Guiding Light: Strengthening the Mission (2012–2021)
Fr. Paul Vettikattu CST took charge in October 2012 and became a pillar of strength for our community. His zeal and pastoral care enabled the STSMCC to flourish through key milestones:
• June 2013: Diocese-wide family meet.
• October 2014: Charity registration of the STSMCC.
• 2015: Launch of the Church Project, supported by dedicated prayer and adoration.
• 2018: Publication of Lakhu Mara, a children’s prayer book, by the Eparchy.
In July 2018, the STSMCC was elevated to Mission status, covering Bristol, Bath, Trowbridge, and Weston-Super-Mare.
In November 2018, the community acquired Bridge House Farm at Siston Common, Bristol, for £725,000. This achievement was made possible by the commitment of fewer than 100 families and the dedicated leadership of the executive committee under Fr. Paul Vettikattu. Following the blessing of the foundation stone by His Beatitude Mar George Alencherry in December 2018, the community worked tirelessly through planning applications and appeals.
Throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the STSMCC stood firm, maintaining connection through online Holy Qurbana, catechism, and family unit meetings via YouTube and Zoom. The youth e-magazine, Horizon, was launched in December 2020.
Becoming a Parish (2021–2025)
Our 20th-anniversary celebrations began in September 2021, featuring a special Holy Qurbana by Rev. Fr. Sunny Pauland a charitable House Building Project in Kerala as an act of thanksgiving. In July 2022, during the Dukhrana celebrations, the STSMCC was officially erected as a parish by Mar Joseph Srampickal. In October 2022, over 100 members participated in the parish pilgrimage to Fatima.
Due to post-COVID challenges and financial uncertainties, the Siston Common project was eventually discontinued. Following the transfer of Fr. Paul Vettikattu to Bridgewater, and a brief tenure by Fr. Binoy Mandapathil CRM, Fr. Paul Olickal was appointed as the first official Vicar of the STSMCC by Bishop Mar Joseph Srampickal.
Fr. Paul Olickal’s dynamic leadership revitalised our dream of a permanent place of worship. Under his guidance, the community unanimously decided to acquire the Edengrove Church. Purchased for £185,000, Edengrove Church became our new home—a symbol of unity, faith, and answered prayers. During this time, the Weston-super-Mare units became a separate Mission under the direction of Fr. Jain.
A New Era of Faith (2025–Present)
On September 18, 2025, the parish celebrated the first anniversary of the consecration of our church. To mark this occasion, the "Marian Garden" was developed in the back garden—a project close to the hearts of Fr. Paul Olickal and the Parish Council.
Following his graceful and dedicated service, Fr. Paul Olickal returned to his home diocese of Kalyan. The parish community organised a heartfelt farewell on January 31, 2026, and he officially left the Vicar’s office on February 4, 2026. We remain grateful for his sincere, impartial service and his democratic leadership.
On February 4, 2026, we welcomed our new Shepherd, Rev. Fr. Christo Neriaparambil, who transferred from Swansea. Fr. Christo Neriaparambil also serves as the Youth Coordinator for the Bristol-Cardiff region of the Eparchy of Great Britain.
Looking Ahead
Today, the STSMCC stands as a vibrant, witnessing community, joyfully celebrating the Syro-Malabar liturgical calendar. Now among the largest parishes in the Eparchy of Great Britain, we are home to many registered families, with 19 family units in Bristol and 5 in Bath.
Under the prayerful guidance of our Bishop, Mar Joseph Srampickal, and the spiritual leadership of our Vicar, Fr. Christo Neriaparambil, our parish continues to grow in faith, unity, and service. We remain committed to passing the flame of faith to the next generation—strong, unwavering, and ever burning brightly.