History

2010 - 2011: Leadership of Rev. Fr. Paul Kottackal

• In 2010, Rev. Fr. Paul Kottackal took over the spiritual leadership of the mission, guiding the community through a period of growth and deeper faith formation.

• During his tenure, the mission was renamed to St. Chavara Syro-Malabar Mission, honoring St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, an Indian saint known for his contributions to faith, education, and social reform.

• As the number of Syro-Malabar families increased, efforts were made to gain formal recognition under the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago.

2011 - 2016: Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Vadana

• In 2011, Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Vadana was appointed as the mission’s spiritual leader, continuing to foster the community’s faith and growth until 2016.

• In 2012, regular services began in a rental church hall at St. John's Lutheran Church, located at 4500 Buena Vista Road, Bakersfield, California. This provided a dedicated worship space for the growing community.

• Regular liturgical celebrations, catechism classes, and cultural events strengthened the faith and traditions of the parishioners.

2017 - 2021: Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Kumbakeel

• In 2017, Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Kumbakeel was appointed as the mission leader, leading the community until 2021.

• Under his leadership, the mission continued to grow in faith and community engagement, with an increased focus on youth programs, catechism, and liturgical celebrations.

• The faithful remained actively involved in strengthening Syro-Malabar traditions while integrating with the broader Catholic community in Central Valley.

2021 - Present:  Rev. Fr. Dr. Sebastian Valiyaparampil & Parish Elevation

• In 2021, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Valiyaparampil took over as the priest of St. Chavara Syro-Malabar Mission, providing strong pastoral leadership and continuing the mission’s spiritual and communal growth.

• Community outreach, youth programs, and faith formation initiatives became central to parish life.

• On October 26, 2024, Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt, St. Thomas Syro Malabar Diocese of Chicago, consecrated the faithful of St. Chavara Mission joyfully moved into their new home of worship.

• On the same day, the mission was elevated to the 52nd quasi-parish of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Sebastian Valiyaparampil was appointed as the first Vicar of the newly established parish, recognizing its growth and significance within the Syro-Malabar Church in the United States.

• This historic milestone in the community's journey was the result of years of dedication, prayers, and efforts from the community to establish a permanent place of worship for the growing Syro-Malabar Catholic faithful in Central Valley (Kern County), California.