Diocese History 

The establishment of the St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago by His Holiness Pope John Paul II on March 13, 2001, marked a significant milestone for the Syro-Malabar Catholic community in the United States. Mar Jacob Angadiath was appointed as its first bishop, and the diocese was formally inaugurated on July 1, 2001, during a ceremony that also included Mar Jacob Angadiath's Episcopal Ordination. This foundational event was further strengthened by the appointment of Mar Joy Alappatt as the Auxiliary Bishop of the diocese by Pope Francis on July 24, 2014, reflecting the Vatican's ongoing support and recognition of the growing Syro-Malabar Catholic community in the U.S.

The Syro-Malabar Church, tracing its origins back to St. Thomas the Apostle and representing the second largest of the Eastern Catholic Churches, has a storied history of migration and community establishment. Initially, faithful Christians migrated within India, establishing new dioceses and expanding their presence. This migration extended internationally, notably to Europe and the United States, in search of better opportunities. The establishment of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago was a response to the spiritual needs of the Syro-Malabar faithful in the U.S., providing them with a sense of belonging and community. With the diocese now boasting a considerable number of parishes, missions, and a large faithful community, it stands as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. On July 3, 2022, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt as the bishop of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago.