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CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS IN THE KNANAYA CATHOLIC PARISHES IN CHICAGO
1980 December Some members of the Kottayam diocese living in Chicago and surrounding areas requested to the Bishop of Kottayam for a priest from Kottayam diocese to serve the community here.
1981 March 18 Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry wrote to His Eminence John Cardinal Cody, Archbishop of Chicago asking his help to make provisions for appointing a priest for the Knanaya Catholic Ministry in Chicago.
1981 April 2 Letter from the Very Rev. John R. Keating, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago to Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry asking for the name of the priest to be sent to Chicago.
1981 May 9 Letter from Bishop Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry proposing the name of Fr. Jacob Chollampel and requesting to appoint him as part-time associate pastor in a parish of the Archdiocese.
1982 February 16 Letter from the Chancellor Rev. John R. Keating that “it is our judgment that the creation of such a special ministry would not be appropriate at the present time.”
1982 (Date unknown) Get together of the Knanaya Catholics in Chicago on fortnight on Saturdays after the 5:30 p.m. Mass at the parish hall of St. Alphonsus Church. Whenever a Syro-Malabar priest is available Holy Mass was arranged in the basement chapel of St. Alphonsus Church.
1982 November 3 Bishop Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry’s letter to the then new Archbishop of Chicago Most Rev. Joseph L. Bernardin to reconsider the request for starting the new ministry.
1983 September 7 Rev. Richard J. Feller, the pastor of Church of St. Ita wrote to the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago expressing his willingness to provide residence for Fr. Jacob Chollampel in his parish.
1983 September 27 Rev. John C. Hergenrother, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago held a meeting with two representatives each from four associations: (1) Kerala Catholic Fellowship, (2) Knanaya Association of North America, (3) Knanaya Catholic Congress, and (4) Knanaya Association of Chicago. Agreement was reached to avail the service of Fr. Jacob Chollampel to serve all Kerala Catholics in Chicago.
1983 October 7 Rev. John C. Hergenrother, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago wrote to Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry welcoming the service of Fr. Jacob Chollampel.
1983 October 28 Fr. Jacob Chollampel reached Chicago and started his special ministry to the Kerala Catholics while living in Church of St. Ita.
1984 October Non-Knanaya Catholics and Syro-Malabarians started writing to Kerala Catholic Bishop’s Conference and Syro-Malabar Bishop’s Conference asking for separate ministry for Non-Knanaya Catholics in Chicago.
1984 December 3 and 4 The Syro-Malabar Bishop’s Conference authorized His Excellency Mar Joseph Pallikaparambil to correspond with the Archbishop of Chicago “to get a priest for the Syro-Malabar Rite appointed for the special ministry to the non-Knanaya Syro-Malabarians in Chicago in addition to Rev. Fr. Jacob Chollampel who is already appointed for the ministry to the Knanaya Community.”
1985 April 15 Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry wrote to Joseph Cardinal Bernardin proposing to send Rev. Fr. Cyriac Manthuruthil to continue the special ministry of Knanaya Catholics in Chicago in the place of Rev. Fr. Jacob Chollampel who is asked to return to Kottayam.
1985 August 31 Rev. Robert L. Kealy, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago wrote to Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry that clarification is to be made on membership issue of Knanaya Ministry before Fr. Cyriac Manthuruthy could come and take over the ministry.
1985 September - December Fr. Jacob Chollampel returned to India and the community kept waiting for the arrival of Fr. Cyriac Manthuruthil.
1985 December 3 Fr. Anthony Kurialacherry, Spiritual Director of Syro-Malabar Catholic Community of Chicago has agreed at the request of the Knanaya Community members to continue with the Syro-Malabar Mass at St. Benedict’s Church, Chicago on every Saturday evening. Fr. C.T. Vayalil from the Archdiocese of Changanacherry who serves as a chaplain in a hospital in Chicago also agreed to help with the ministry.
1987 January 23 Letter from Rev. Robert L. Kealy assigns Fr. Zacharias Elapunkal, the director of the Syro-Malabar Ministry to coordinate the services of all the Syro-Malabar priests who might celebrate the liturgy for the Knanaya Syro-Malabar Ministry.
1987 December 7 Cardinal Joseph Bernardin wrote to Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry expressing his willingness to accept the service of Fr. Cyriac Manthuruthil for the Knanaya Syro-Malabar Ministry in Chicago.
1988 May 24 Fr. Cyriac Manthuruthil left India to Chicago to serve the Knanaya Syro-Malabar Ministry.
1988 May 31 Archdiocese of Chicago appointed Fr. Cyriac Manthuruthil as director of Knanaya Catholic Mission while residing as St. Ferdinand’s Church in Chicago.
1988 July 23 Inauguration of a new “Knanaya Catholic Mission” at St. Henry’s at 6:30 P.M. Mass is offered at St. Henry’s Church every other Saturday night at 6:30 P.M. Chancellor Rev. Robert L. Kealy delivered a message during the mass.
1989 April 15 Final liturgy of the Knanaya Catholic Mission at St. Henry’s Church and the beginning of the liturgy at IHM Church.
1991 October 26 Agreement signed for the use of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church by Rev. Fr. Norbert Zawistanowicz, pastor of IHM Church and Rev. Fr. Cyriac Manthuruthil, Knanaya Mission Director.
1995 August 16 Archdiocese of Chicago appointed Fr. Simon Edathiparambil as the director of Knanaya Catholic Mission replacing Fr. Cyriac Manthuruthil. The residence of Fr. Edathiparambil is at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.
1995 December 30 Agreement renewed between Rev. James F. Blazek, pastor of IHM church and Mission Director Rev. Fr. Simon Edathiparambil for the use of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for the Knanaya Community.
1999 June 25 Archdiocese of Chicago appointed Fr. Philip Thodukayil as the director of Knanaya Catholic Mission with his residence at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.
2000 February 5 Fr. Philip Thodukayil started Saturday evening mass at 6:00 P.M. on every first Saturdays of the month at St. Isidore’s Church in Bloomingdale.
2001 January 14 Fr. Philip Thodukayil started Sunday morning mass at 10:00 A.M. at KCS Community Center followed by Religious Education Classes at the center.
2001 July 1 Inauguration of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago and consecration of its bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath at Hyatt Hotel in Chicago.
2002 February 16 Fr. Philip Thodukayil started Saturday evening mass at 6:00 P.M. on every third Saturdays of the month at our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Darien.
2003 October 29 Mar Jacob Angadiath officially recognized the Knanaya Catholic Mission of Chicago, along with nine other Knanaya Catholic Missions in the USA as a mission of the St. Thomas Diocese of Chicago. He also confirmed the appointment of Rev. Fr. Philip Thodukayil as the director of this mission. According to Mar Jacob Angadiath, “The Knanaya Catholic Mission of Chicago will consist of all the Knanaya Catholics living in the states of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.”
2004 July 1 Mar Jacob Angadiath relieved Rev. Fr. Philip Thodukayil from his service as director of Knanaya Catholic Mission of Chicago and appointed Fr. Abraham Mutholath, the vicar general, also as the director of the mission.
2004 July 1 Fr. Abraham Mutholath selected Mathachan Chemmachel, John Elackatt, Johny Thekkeparambil, Kurian Nellamattam, and Anil Edukkuthara as the “trustees” and George Thottappuram as secretary and PRO of the mission.
2004 August 7 Last Mass at St. Isidore’s Church in Bloomingdale.
2004 August 8 First Solemn Feast Celebration of the mission at IHM Church in honor of Pope St. Pius X. Bishop Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry sent a particle of the scull cap worn by St. Pius X and personally gifted to Bishop Mar Mathew Makil as relics. Bishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt was the main celebrant. Peter and Salykutty Kulanagara were the sponsors (prasudenties).
2004 August 21 Last Mass at our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Darien.
2004 September 4 Mass started at St. Peter’s Church in North Lake on every Saturday at 5:00 P.M. followed by novena of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
2004 September 11 Starting of Religious Education School at North Lake. Classes are held from 3:45 P.M. to 4:45 P.M. every Saturday.
2004 September 12 Starting of Religious Education School at IHM School. Classes are held from 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. every Sunday.
2004 December 3 – 5 First Pre-marriage Course offered by Knanaya Catholic Mission.
2005 March 5 First Religious Education Festival at Thaft High School.
2005 May 12 - 15 Feast of St. Michael sponsored by parishioners from Neendoor residing in Chicago area. Co-adjutor Bishop of the Archeparchy of Kottayam Mar Mathew Moolakkatt was the main celebrant.
2005 May 22 His Excellency Mar Mathew Moolakkatt requested the Knanaya Catholics in Chicago to establish our own church during his homily at IHM Church. The planning to have our own church started with this.
2005 May 31 Agreement signed by Rev. Thomas H. Cargo, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Addison and Mission Director Rev. Abraham Mutholath for the use of St. Joseph School for Religious Education and hall for Mass on Saturdays with effect from June 18, 2005.
2005 June 18 Mass for Chicago Suburb is moved from St. Peter's Church in North Lake to the hall of St. Joseph's Church in Addison. Fr. Abraham Mutholath celebrated the first mass here for the mission.
2005 July 1 Saji Pootrhukayil, Sunny Thekkepparambil, James Manjankal, and Baby Karikkal took charge as kaikkararans (trustees) of the mission.
2005 August 18 – 21 Solemn Feast Celebration of St. Stephen sponsored by Mathew and Alphonsa Poothura and family at Community Center, Thaft High School, and IHM Church.
2005 September 23 Mission started beginning of two-year Theology Course for lay people to learn more on the Church, Bible, and Spirituality. This helped for church awareness and development of dedicated volunteers.
2005 September 24 First Sal Solo Devotional Music Program for Knanaya youngsters held at OLV gymnasium.
2005 October 2 Started publishing Sunday Bulletin for the mission in the website and printed copies in the churches during weekend Masses.
2005 December 4 Celebrated the Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee of our Mission Director Rev. Fr. Abraham Mutholath at OLV Church. Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath was the chief guest.
2006 February 11 Starting of Legion of Mary unit in the mission.
2006 March 4 Religious Education Festival at Thaft High School. First presentation of Knanaya Kudiyetta Ballet with original songs published by the mission.
2006 March 18 Beginning of Senior Citizen’s Ministry in the mission.
2006 April 18 First Meeting of Better Family Movement of the Knanaya Catholic Mission.
2006 April 28 Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath established seven regions in St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago. One of these regions is for all Knanaya Catholics in the diocese. “The formal Knanaya Catholic missions and the faithful of the Knanaya community living in other places where no formal missions are established will make one region.” Vicar General Rev. Fr. Abraham Mutholath is appointed as the director of this region.
2006 April 30 Mar Jacob Angadiath officially declared the establishment of Knanaya Catholic Region at OLV Church Chicago and appointed Vicar General Rev. Fr. Abraham Mutholath as Region Director.
2006 May 25 – 28 First Solemn feast celebration of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at Community Center, OLV Church, Thaft High School Auditorium, and St. Joseph’s Church Addison. Archbishop Emeritus Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry and Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath were main celebrants.
2006 May 25 Mar Jacob Angadiath announced that the patron saint of the proposed new church would be the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the name of the parish would be “Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Parish.”
2006 June 24 Fr. Abraham Mutholath revealed the location of the church to be bought during the Music Concert by Rev. Fr. Paul Poovathumkal at Thaft High School Auditorium.
2006 July 1 Matchan Chemmachel took charge as program coordinator and Roy Kannothara, Joy Nediyakalayil, Jose Pinarkayil, and Alex Kannachamparambil took charge as trustees (Kaikkarans) of the mission.
2006 July 9 Started full pages multicolor printing of the Parish Bulletin.
2006 July 15 Originally planned date of inaugurating former St. James Church in Maywood as Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Church for Knanaya Catholics in Chicago. Instead, a concelebrated Mass was offered at Addison School Hall by Archbishop Mar Kuriakose Kunnachererry, Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt, and Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath.
2006 July 16 Originally planned Parish Inauguration Banquet at Crown Jewel Banquet Hall in Des Plaines. During this banquet, Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath announced his decision to purchase St. James Church in Maywood for Knanaya Catholic Mission. The decision to purchase the church was suspended because of the objection from many members of the community. At the request of the bishop, more than 400 families signed in favor of purchasing the church.
2006 September 1, Friday First Mass at St. James Church in Maywood for Knanaya Catholic Mission at 7:00 P.M..
2006 September 2, Saturday First administration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Chrismation, and Holy Communion) at St. James Church in May for Knanaya Catholic Mission.
2006 September 3, Sunday Inauguration of Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Church in Maywood at 10:00 A.M. by Vicar General Rev. Fr. Abraham Mutholath and parish council members.
2006 September 14 – 16 Pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico by 51 parishioners to ask for the intercession of Our Blessed Mother for our church and to purchase statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe from there and get it blessed in the Basilica.
2006 September 22 Purchase of Church property from the Archdiocese of Chicago.
2006 September 24 Blessing of new interior architectural work of Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Church and declaration of Knanaya Catholic Mission as Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Parish and appointment of Mission Director Rev. Fr. Abraham Mutholath as pastor or vicar of the parish by His Excellency Mar Jacob Angadiath. Installation of the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Church by Mar Jacob Angadiath. His Excellency Bishop Thomas Paprocki inaugurated the meeting and City Mayor of Maywood was another chief guest.
2006 October 1 Starting or prayer group in our parish. The group meets every Sunday after Holy Mass.
2006 October 20 Starting Holy Mass on Friday evenings at 7:00 and Saturday mornings at 10:00. Adoration is held on every First Friday’s of the month after Holy Mass. Novena of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is held every Saturday after the Holy Mass.
2006 October 29 Inauguration of Religious Stall of the parish by Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath.
2006 November 10 Starting of novena to St. Michael once month in our church.
2006 December 8 First Feast celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe in our parish church.
2006 December 25 Vicar Fr. Abraham Mutholath sent a circular announcing the formation of St. Mary’s Unit for those Knanaya Catholics who attend OLV church for their pastoral needs with effect from January 1, 2007.
2006 December 26 – 29 First Youth Retreat of the Parish at Bishop Lane Retreat Center in Rockford. It was an “amazing experience” for the participants and they began to involve actively in the parish.
2007 January 14 Starting of separate English Mass in the Syro-Malabar rite for youngsters at Maywood Church.
2007 March 10 Combined Religious Education Festival of Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s Religious Education Schools at Thaft High School auditorium. Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath was the chief guest.
2007 April 22 First Meeting of St. Vincent de Paul Society in our parish.
2007 April 27 Fundraising drama “Velicham Tharatha Deepangal” organized by Women Ministry for the building fund of Youth Center.
2007 April 29 First Meeting of Senior Citizens’ Ministry at Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Church. First Holy Communion and Chrismation of St. Mary’s Unit at St. John’s Church in Niles.
2007 May 6 First Holy Communion and Chrismation of Sacred Heart Religious Education Schools at the parish church.
2007 May 31 Purchase of Rectory from the Archdiocese of Chicago.
2007 June 1 Dedication of Knanaya Catholic Parish Cemetery at Queen of Heaven Cemetery by Bishops Mar Jacob Angadiath, Bishop of Miao Mar George Pallipparambil, and Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Paprocki, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
2007 June 1 – 3 Solemn Feast Celebration of Little Flower at our parish church in Maywood sponsored by Nediyakalayil family. Bishops Mar Jacob Angadiath and Bishop of Miao Mar George Pallipparambil were main celebrants.
2007 June 3 Our parish became the sponsor of the Catholic Diocese of Miao in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India. The pastor Fr. Abraham Mutholath handed over two checks of 10,001 each for the construction of Sacred Heart Church and Sts. Peter and Paul Church in the Diocese of Maio to Mar George Pallipparambil. The fund for Sacred Heart Church was raised from a second collection today and the fund for Sts. Peter and Paul Church is personal contribution of our Vicar Rev. Fr. Abraham Mutholath.
2007 June 6 The first burial in the Knanaya Catholic Cemetery. Mr. Lukose Koduvathara who died on June 2nd was buried here today.
2007 June 7 The first funeral service in our parish church. Mr. Abraham Pinarkayil who died on June 4th had his funeral service in this church and was buried in Mary Hill Cemetery.
2007 July 1 Kannachamparambil Alex took charge as program coordinator and Aikkarapparambil Thomas, Chemmachel Mathachan, Karickal Baby, Varakalayil Joy, Vettathukandathil Sunil (St. Mary’s Unit) took charge as the trustees (kaikkarans) of the parish.
2007 July 2 Cardinal Varkey Vithayayil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church visited our parish and offered Holy Mass along with Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath. Cardinal blessed the foundation stone for the proposed Youth Center of our parish.
2007 July 4 – 7 Second Youth Retreat of the parish at Bishop Lane Retreat Center in Rockford. Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath also was present for this retreat to guide our youth.
2007 September 20 – 23 Retreat by Bro. Benny Punnathura and other members of Shalom TV Team.
2007 September 28 First Meeting of Knanaya Region held in our parish. Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath, Vicar General and Region Director Rev. Fr. Abraham Mutholath, Priests and lay representatives from Knanaya Missions in the U.S. participated in it.
2007 October 7 First visit of Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt in our church.
2007 October 31 Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago terminated their Early Childhood Development Program at Sacred Heart Church school building.
2007 November 18 Inauguration of the Silver Jubilee Year of Knanaya Catholic Mission of Chicago by lighting 24 candles at Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Church by Vicar Fr. Abraham Mutholath and parish council members.
Parish Pilgrimage to the Diocese of Miao for the inauguration of Sacred Heart Church in Miao sponsored by our parish and SS. Peter and Paul Church in Miao sponsored by our vicar Fr. Abraham Mutholath.
2008 January 19 Rev. Fr. Abraham Mutholath blessed Sacred Heart Church in the Diocese of Miao sponsored by Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Parish in Chicago. Thirty members from Chicago Knanaya Catholic Parish participated in the function.
2008 January 20 Rev. Fr. Abraham Mutholath blessed Saints Peter and Paul Church in the Diocese of Miao sponsored by Fr. Abraham Mutholath. Thirty members from Chicago Knanaya Catholic Parish participated in the function.
2008 January 23 Holy Mass at the tomb of Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta by Vicar Fr. Abraham Mutholath and 29 other participants from Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Parish.
2008 March 1 Religious Education Festival of Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s Religious Education Schools at Mather High School auditorium. Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath was the chief guest.
Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath inaugurated Sacred Heart Productions, the media unit of the parish.
2008 April 5 Agreement signed by Fr. Abraham Mutholath, pastor and Ms. Rose Hilson, CEO of God Loves Little Children Inc., for lease of Sacred Heart Church School facility for the use of Early Childhood Development Program of God Loves Little Children Inc.
2008 May 3 First Holy Communion and Chrismation at Sacred Heart Church.
2008 May 4 First Holy Communion and Chirsmation of St. Mary’s Unit at OLV Church. ----- 2009 June 7 Pothuyogam of the Knanaya Catholic Parish held at O.L.V. church presided by Fr. Abraham Mutholath after Holy Mass at 5:30 P.M. decided to purchase a property with building at 2002 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights for St. Mary's Parish Unit and applied to Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath for permission. 2009 August 16 Pothu yogam of Knanaya Catholic Parish held at O.L.V. Church presided by Fr. Abraham Mutholath decided to buy a Jewish Synagogue and its property at 7800 W. Lyons St., Morton Grove for St. Mary's Parish Unit instead of the property and building at Arlington Heights and applied to Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath for permission.
2010 July 15 Consecration of St. Mary's Knanaya Catholic Church in Morton Grove by His Excellency Mar Jacob Angadiath. His Grace Mar Mathew Moolakkatt officiated the First Holy Mass in this church. Bishop Mar Joseph Pandarasseril did the homily during the consecration ceremony. Erection of St. Mary's Knanaya Catholic Parish and appointment of Rev. Fr. Abraham Mutholath as its first pastor by His Excellency Mar Jacob Angadiath.
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HEART & ST. MARY'S KNANAYA CATHOLIC PARISHES, CHICAGO
