Vicar

Rev. Fr. James Nirappel hails from Malome under the Archdiocese of Tellicherry in Kerala, India. He was ordained a priest on January 4, 1990, and his patron saint is St. Jacob, whose feast is celebrated on July 25. After years of service in India, Fr. James transitioned to overseas ministry under the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago from 2005. He has gracefully imprinted his footprints across the parishes of Maryland, California (Orange County),  Arizona & Texas.  Faithfully serving St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Church in Garland, Texas, Fr. James Nirappel begins his service as vicar at St. Alphonsa Syro Malabar church Los Angeles, CA  & St. Chavara Bakersfield in July 1st 2025.

The Office of Fr. James can be reached at:

• Phone: 661-213-9177

• Email: vicar@stchavarabakersfield.org

With a passion for pastoral care and a heart for service, Fr. James now begins his new mission in California, continuing to inspire and lead with humility, compassion, and unwavering faith.