Eparchy of Palai Through the Decades

1950 July 25

Erection of the Diocese of Palai as a suffragon of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam with five foranes of Palai, Anakallu (Bharananganam), Muttuchira, Kuravilangadu and Ramapuram by Pope Pius XII, bifurcating the Diocese of Changanacherry through the Papal Bull ‘Quo Ecclesiarum’ and the election of Mar Sebastian Vayalil as the first Bishop.

1950 August 07

Inauguration of St. Thomas College, Palai

1950 November 09

Episcopal ordination of Mar Sebastian Vayalil by His Eminence Eugene Cardinal Tisserant in Rome.

1951 January 04

Installation of Mar Sebastian Vayalil at St. Thomas Cathedral, Palai by Archbishop Leo Peter Kierkels, Apostolic Internuncio. Residence of the Bishop, curia office and other offices started functioning at the presbytery of the Cathedral.

1951 July 03

Starting of the Good Shepherd Minor Seminary at St. Joseph’s Mission Home Palai, functioning at that time in the presbytery of the Lalam Puthenpally.

1952 September 08

Laying of the foundation stone of Palai Town Chapel.

1953 February 20

Inauguration of the St. Thomas Press, Palai

1953 November 30

Cardinal Eugene Tisserant, Secretary, Congregation for the Oriental Churches, arrives at Palai. The Cardinal brings with him a relic of St. Thomas, the Apostle from Ortona, Italy, which is now kept in the Cathedral for veneration.

1953 December 01

Cardinal Tisserant lays the foundation stone for the new Cathedral; inaugurates the new main building of St. Thomas College, Tisserant Block

1953 December 02

Inauguration of the Diocesan Tribunal for the Canonization of Sr. Alphonsa of Bharananganam in the presence of Cardinal Tisserant.

1954 July 03

Good Shepherd Minor Seminary is transferred to Kumannoor from Lalam Puthenpally Presbytery.

1956 August 15

The fixing of the territorial boundaries of Changa­nacherry Archdiocese and the Diocese of Palai.

1956 August 22

Diocese of Changanacherry is raised to the status of an Archdiocese. Diocese of Palai becomes its suffragon.

1956 October 07

Inauguration and blessing of the Good Shepherd Minor Seminary at Parumalakunnu, Pala (Nirmalagiri).

1957 April 13

Opening of the tomb of Sr. Alphonsa

1957 September 08

Raising of the parish of Aruvithura to the status of a Forane.

1957 November 04

Inauguration of the Teachers’ Training College, Palai.

1959 August 15

Blessing and inauguration of the Bishop’s House.

1960 March 30

Mar Sebastian Vayalil makes his first Ad Limina visit to Rome

1960 December 21

Silver Jubilee celebration of the Priestly Ordination of Mar Sebastian Vayalil.

1962 October 07

Bishop Mar Sebastian Vayalil goes to Rome to participate in the Second Vatican Council. Bishop Vayalil is appointed as a member of its Preparatory Commission for Education and Seminaries.

1964 July 08

Starting of Alphonsa College for Women, Palai.

1965 November 6, 17 & December 18

Bishop Mar Sebastian Vayalil, during the fourth session of Vatican II, addresses the public through Vatican Radio on 06, 17 November and 18 December 1965.

1967 June 21

Erection of the first Presbyteral Council and Pastoral Council of the diocese of Palai.

1968 February 22

Foundation of the Missionary Society of St. Thomas the Apostle (MST) by Bishop Mar Sebastian Vayalil, as the first indigenous missionary society for the diocesan priests. Visit of Cardinal Fürstenberg, Prefect, Congregation for the Oriental Churches to Palai. Inauguration of the weekly, Deepanalam, by Cardinal Fürstenberg.  On the same day, he laid the foundation stone for Alphonsa College, Palai and for the Generalate of MST at Melampara. 

1968 July 03

Association of the Diocesan Clergy of Palai (ADCP) Trust started.

1971 October 03

Silver Jubilee celebration of Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) and laying of the foundation stone of Mathru Bhavan, Bharananganam.

1973 March 01

Rev. Fr. Joseph Pallikaparampil appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop.

1973 August 15

Episcopal Ordination of Mar Joseph Pallika­parampil at St. Thomas College ground, Pala.

1973 December 21

Nomination of Msgr. Kurian Vanchipurackal as one of the members of the Commission for the Revision of Eastern Code of Canon Law.

1975 July 25

Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Eparchy of Palai.

1975 November 09

Silver Jubilee of the Episcopal consecration of Bishop Mar Sebastian Vayalil.

1977 December 07

Blessing of the Jubilee Town Chapel, Pala.

1980 December 31

Wladyslaw Cardinal Rubin, the Prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches visits the Eparchy of Palai.

1981 January 01

Blessing of the newly built St. Thomas Cathedral by Cardinal Rubin.

1981 February 06

Retirement of Bishop Mar Sebastian Vayalil and the appointment of Mar Joseph Pallikaparampil as the successor.

1981 March 25

Installation of Mar Joseph Pallikaparampil as the Bishop of Palai at the Cathedral.

1982 December 01

The annual Diocesan Bible Convention started.

1983 February 17

Inauguration of the celebrations of the Second Centenary of the Episcopal Ordination of Archbishop Kariattil Joseph at Ramapuram.

1983 October 27

Solemn celebration of the Second Centenary of the Episcopal Ordination of Archbishop Kariattil Joseph at Ramapuram. Gyani Zail Singh, Hon’ble President of India inaugurated the function.

1983 November 23

Silver Jubilee celebration of the Priestly Ordination of Bishop Mar Joseph Pallikaparampil

1984 February 11

Raising of the parishes of Cherpumkal, Elanji and Thudanangandu to the Forane status.

1985 August 15

Inauguration of Bishop Vayalil Library, Pala

1985 November 09

Servant of God Sr. Alphonsa is declared Venerable.

1985 December 21

Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Priestly Ordination of  Bishop Mar Sebastian Vayalil at the Cathedral.

1986 February 08

Beatification of the Venerable Sr. Alphonsa by Pope John Paul II at Kottayam.

1986 September 04

250th birthday celebration of Paremmakkal Thomas Governador at Ramapuram.

1986 October 16

The blessing and inauguration of the Pastoral Institute at Arunapuram by Bishop Mar Sebastian Vayalil.

1986 November 21

Demise of Bishop Mar Sebastian Vayalil.

1987 January 02

Third centenary death anniversary of Bishop Parampil Chandy.

1987 August 11

Inauguration of the Diocesan Tribunal for the Canonization of Rev. Fr. Augustine Thevar­parampil (Kunjachan) at Ramapuram in the presence of Simon Cardinal Lourdusamy, Prefect, Congregation for the Oriental Churches.

1988 August 15

Conclusion of the Diocesan level celebration of the Marian Jubilee year.

1989 February 04-06

Cardinal Francis Arinse, the Prefect of the Pontifical Council for Inter religious Dialogue visits Palai.

1989 April 12

Inauguration of the Diocesan Tribunal for the canonization of Rev. Fr. Mathew Kadalikattil.

1996 February 02

Blessing and inauguration of the Shalom Pastoral Centre, Pala.

1998 February 19

Inauguration of the Civil Service Institute, Pala.

1998 April 15

Silver Jubilee of the Episcopal ordination of Bishop Mar Joseph Pallikaparampil.

1999 November 22-25

The first Eparchial Assembly at the Pastoral Institute.

2000 December 27-2001 January 04

Golden Jubilee celebrations of the erection of the diocese. The celebrations started with the diocesan Bible Convention on 27 December. On 31 December, at the conclusion of the convention, a ralley with the participation of thousands of faithful, proclaiming the Christian faith was conducted. On 01 January 2001, the priestly ordinations; on 02 January 2001 the  vestition and first profession of the religious sisters and on 03 January 2001 the Infants’ meet. The Golden Jubilee celebrations came to a close on 04 January 2001 with a solemn Concelebrated Holy Qurbana  and a public meeting.

2001 January 06

Starting of the Golden Jubilee Memorial Museum, Pala.

2002 May 01-02

His Grace Lorenzo Baldisseri, the Apostolic Nuncio, visited  the Eparchy especially to attend  the Millennial Celebrations of St. Thomas Cathedral, Palai and visited the Tombs of Blessed Alphonsa, Servant of God Thevar­parampil Kunja­chan and Servant of God Fr. Mathew Kadalikattil.

2002 October 29

Inauguration of the St. Joseph’s College of Engineering and Technology Pala, Choondacherry.

2004 March 18

Retirement of Mar Joseph Pallikaparampil and the appointment of Rev. Fr. Joseph Kallarangatt, as the successor.

2004 May 02

Episcopal Ordination of Mar Joseph Kallarangatt at St. Thomas College ground.

2004 June 22

Servant of God Kunjachan was declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II.

2005 July 03

Raising of the parishes of Kothanalloor, Moolamattam, Poonjar and Teekoy to the Forane status.

2005 November 18-19

Visit of His Eminence José da Cruz Policarpo, Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon; inauguration of the Mar Sleeva College of Nursing, blessing of the foundation stone for the Mar Sleeva Hospital Cherpumkal and the inauguration of the Eparchial Library, Arunapuram.

2006 January 28

Birth centenary celebrations of late Bishop Mar Sebastian Vayalil.

2006 April 30

The Beatification of Venerable Fr. Augustine Thevarparampil (Kunjachan) at Ramapuram by Major Archbishop Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil.

2007 January 02

Silver Jubilee of the Priestly Ordination of Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt.

2007 February 08

Blessing of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel, adjacent to the Jubilee Town Chapel, Pala.

2007 June 19

The taking up of the new missionary venture of the diocese, i.e., Palai mission in the eparchy of Adilabad. Rev. Frs. Mathew Puthiyidath, Isaac Kurichiel, George Vayaliparampil and Mathew Pullukalayil were the pioneer missionaries of Adilabad.

2008 August 09

The new building of the Mar Sleeva College of Nursing was blessed and inaugurated at Cherpunkal.

2008 October 12

Canonization of Blessed Alphonsa by Pope Benedict XVI, in Rome.

2008 November 09

Thanksgiving celebration of the canonization of St. Alphonsa at Bharananganam; the public meeting presided over by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and inaugurated by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India.

2008 November 23

Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee celebration of H.E. Mar Joseph Pallikaparampil.

2009 March 09

Blessing and inauguration of the Chapel and Hostel of Mar Sleeva College of Nursing, Cherpunkal.

2009 August 04

Presbyterium at Ramapuram Forane Church in connection with the celebration of Priestly Year.

2009 August 23

Releasing of the commemorative coins of St. Alphonsa at Bharananganam on the occasion of her Birth Centenary by Pranab Mukherji, Hon’ble Finance Minister of India.

2009 December 15

Joint meeting of both Eparchial and Religious Priests at Pastoral Institute, Pala in connection with the priestly year.

2010 January 17

Blessing of the Memorial (Maha Samadhi Mandapam) in honour of the Archdeacons at Pakalomattam and the consecration of the Tharavad Palli.

2010 February 13

Visit of Claudio Cardinal Humes, Prefect of the Congregation for Clergy, Rome, to Ramapuram, Bharananganam and Bishop’s House, Palai.

2010 March 08

Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt elected as the Chairman of CBCI Theology Commission.

2010 July 16

Inauguration of the Special Eparchial Tribunal, constituted for the canonical inquiry into the alleged miracle through the intercession of Bl. Kuriakose Elias Chavara in view of his canonization.

2010 August 04

Eparchial conclusion of the Priestly year celebrations at Bharananganam  presided over by Mar Bosco Puthur, the Curia Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Church.

2010 August 12

Grand finale of the Birth Centenary celebration of St. Alphonsa, inaugurated by Her Excellency Smt. Prathibha Devi Singh Patil, the Honourable President of India and presided over by His Excellency Sri. R.S. Gavai, the Governor of Kerala.

2010 September 15

Solemn reception to His Beatitude Ignace Youssiff III Younan, the Patriarch of the Syrian Catholic Church at Bharananganam and Bishop’s House, Palai.

2011 February 13

Laying of the foundation stone of Mar Sleeva Super Speciality Hospital, Cherpumkal by His Excellency Mar Joseph Kallarangatt and Mar Joseph Pallikaparampil and the inauguration of the construction works by Sri. Vayalar Ravi, the Honourable Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs and Civil Aviation.

2011 March 28-April 11

The first Ad Limina Apostolorum visit of Mar Joseph Kallarangatt

2011 June 27

Official Reception in the Bishop’s House to Mar Geroge Alencherry, the new Major Archbishop.

2011 August 28

Reception in the Bishop’s House to Archbishop Salvatore Pennachio, Apostolic Nuntio to India.

2011 September 09

Thanksgiving celebration in the Cathedral in connection with the elevation of the Servant of God Mathew Kadalikkattil to the status of Venerable.

2011 September 10

275th birthday celebrations of Paremakkal Guvernador at Ramapuram.

2011 November 21

25th death anniversary of late Bishop Mar Sebastian Vayalil.

2011 December 27

Children’s meet at Bharananganam in connection with the Syro Malabar Mission Year celebrations.

2012 April 30

Grand Missionary meet at Ramapuram participated by thousands of missionary priests and sisters from the diocese together with the entire presbyterium of the diocese. The great event was blessed with the gracious presence of Major Archbishop Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Archbishop Salvatore Pennachio, the Apostolic Nuntio to India, Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, Telesphore Cardinal Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi and bishops from the diocese.

2012 August 24

Appointment of Mar Jacob Muricken as the Auxiliary Bishop of Palai.

2012 October 01

Consecration of Mar Jacob Muricken as the Auxiliary Bishop of Palai at St. Thomas Cathedral, Pala.

2012 October 04-26

Bishop Kallarangatt attended Special Synod for New Evangelisation at Rome. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him a member of the Special Commission for Resolving Theological Disputes during the Synod.

2012 October 11-12

Inauguration of Year of Faith at Cathedral by Bishop Jacob Muricken.

2013 March 13

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Head of the Catholic Church who chose Francis as his papal name.

2013 April 13

Official Reception to Moron Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop of Syro Malankara Church in the Bishop's House and the inauguration of XI Presbyteral and Pastoral Council.

2013 May 06-17

Grand Mission Programme at Parish level in connection with Year of Faith.

2013 June 03

Blessing of Mount Nebo Theological Centre at Vagamon by Mar Joseph Kallarangatt.

2013 July 07

Mar Joseph Kallarangatt received in audience by Pope Francis in Vatican.

2013 September

Appointment of Msgr. Paul Pallath as Relator in the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

2013 September 09-30

Mar Jacob Muricken attended the special course for the newly appointed Bishops at the Vatican and visited Rome and other European Countries.  On September 19, 2013 he was received in audience by Pope Francis at the Vatican.

2013 October 29

Blessing of Alphonsian Pastoral Institute and Inauguration and Blessing of Mar Sleeva Clarist Adoration Monastery (Poor Clares) at Pala by Syro Malabar Major Archbishop Mar George Cardinal Alencherry. 

2013 December 13-16

2nd  Eparchial Assembly was held at Pastoral Institute, Arunapuram, Pala.

2014 February 05-12

The 31st Plenary Assembly of Catholic Bishop's Conference of India (CBCI) was hosted by the Eparchy from 5 to 12 February, 2014 at Alphonsian Pastoral Institute, Arunapuram, Palai. The theme of this biennial assembly was "Renewed Church for a Renewed Society - Responding to the Call of Second Vatican Council". The week long event was officially inaugurated by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Salvatore Penacchio with Holy Mass followed by the Public Meeting on Wednesday, 5 February. A Civic Reception for the assembling ecclesiastical dignitaries was also given at St. Thomas College Ground, Arunapuram on Saturday, 8 February. On Sunday 9 February the participating Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops also visited parishes like Pala Cathedral, Aruvithura, Cherpunkal, Kuravilangadu, Muttuchira and Ramapuram, and other centres such as Mannanam and Vadavathoor Seminary.  Also the Eparchy hosted an Evening Fellowship - Agape on Monday 10 February at the Bishop's House to honour the Episcopal Dignitaries and Invited Guests and 150 people representing a cross section of the disadvantaged. On Tuesday 11 February, the ecclesiastical dignataries made pilgrimage to the Tomb of Saint Alphonsa at Bharananganam and celebrated Holy Mass at the Shrine.

2014 April 05

Diocesan level DCMS mega gathering at Mount Nebo Theological Centre, Vagamon.

2014 July 03

Official inauguration of Alphonsian Academy of Religious Sciences (a theology formation centre for laity) at Alphonsian Pastoral Institute, Arunapuram.

2014 November 23

Canonization of Blessed Chavara Kuriakose Elias and Euphrasia by Pope Francis in Rome.

2014 December 12

Diocesan level inauguration of the 'Year of Consecrated life' at Alphonsian Pastoral Institute, Arunapuram.

2015 February 19-March 28

 Conducted Second Grand Mission Programme of the Eparchy (family renewal retreat) in all parishes.

2015 May 24

Inauguration of Karshaka Bank (Farmers Empowerment Programme) of the eparchy at the auditorium of St George's Church, Lalam New, Pala.

2015 July 14

Presbyterium cum Mother Superiors of the women congregations at SJCET, Choondacherry.

2015 September 06

AKCC Mega Lay Gathering at St. Thomas HSS Ground addressed by H.E. George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop, Syro-Malabar Church.

2015 October 04-25

Mar Joseph Kallarangatt attended Bishop's Synod on Family at Rome as the delegate of Syro-Malabar Synod.

2015 December 13

Eparchial Inauguration of Great Jubily Year of Mercy and the solemn ceremony of opening of the Door of Mercy by Mar Joseph Kallarangatt in the presence of Mar Jacob Muricken and Mar Joseph Pallikaparampil in St. Thomas Cathedral Palai, St. Alphonsa Shrine Chapel, Bharanan­ganam, Blessed Kunjachan's Tomb Church, Ramapuram, St. Mary's Forane Church, Kuravilangad, St. George Church, Aruvithura and Holy Cross Forane Church, Cherpunkal.

2016 February-March

Conducted IIIrd Grand Mission Programme of the eparchy.

2016 March 04

The abduction of Rev Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil SDB in Yemen, Southern port city of Aden.

2016 July 28

Appointment of Mar Joseph Srampickal as the first Bishop of Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain

2016 August 25-28

 Syro-Malabar Major Archiepicopal Assembly at Kodakara, Irinjalakuda.

2016 September 05-11

Mar Joseph Kallarangatt attended Synod of Ukraine Church and presented a paper on Syro-Malabar Church as the delegate of Major Archbishop Mar George Cardinal Alencherry.

2016 October 09

Consecration of Mar Joseph Srampickal as Bishop of Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain at Preston.

2016 November 19-20

Eparchial Conclusion of Great Jubilee Year of Mercy and the solemn ceremony of closing the Door of Mercy in St. alphonsa Shrine Chapel, Bharananganam, Holy Cross Forane Church, Cherpunkal, St. George Forane Church, Aruvithura, Blesssed Kunjachan's Tomb Church, Ramapuram, St. Thomas Cathedral, Palai and Marth Mariam Forane Church, Kuravilangad.

2016 November 28

Mar Joseph Kallarangatt attended the meeting of FABC as one of the delegates of Syro-Malabar Church in Sri Lanka.

2017 December 17

Announcement of the erection of four new Foranes namely, Kadanad, Kaduthuruthy, Koottickal and Pravithanam during the Presbyterium.

2017 January 06

Newly erected four Foranes namely, Kadanad, Kaduthuruthy, Koottickal and Pravithanam came into effect.

2017 January 15

Official Eparchial reception to Mar Joseph Srampickal, Bishop of Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain at St. Thomas Cathedral, Palai.

2017 March 27-31

Mar Joseph Kallarangatt attended a special meeting in order to discuss on Syro-Malabar Migrants at Vatican along with Major Archbishop Mar George Cardinal Alencherry.

2017 June 20

Official Inauguration and Joint Meeting of XII Pastoral Council and Presbyteral Council by Major Archbishop Mar George Cardinal Alencherry.

2017 August 04-06

His Excellency Mar Joseph Kallarangatt visited Sangli Mission from 4-6 August 2017.

2017 October 01

Reception to Rev. Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil SDB who was released from Yemen captivity, in the Palai Bishop's House and Ramapuram.

2018 January 15

His Beatitude Louis Raphael Sako I, Patriacrch of Chaldean Church visited the Eparchy.

2018 January 21

His Beatitude George Cardinal Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of Syro Malabar Church has conferred the title of Major Archiepiscopal Marth Mariam Archdeacon Pilgrim Centre to Marth Mariam Forane Church, Kuravilangad (Prot. No. 0078/2018 dated 14.01.2018).

2018 April 18

Mar Joseph Kallarangatt was received in audience by Pope Francis in Vatican and presented his new book 'Windows to Heaven'.

2018 August 11

The taking up of the missionary apostolate of pastoral care and works of evangelization at Central Gujarat entrusted to the Eparchy of Palai by the Eparchy of Shamshabad. Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Maleparambil, Rev. Fr. Jacob Vellamaruthunkal and Rev. Fr. George Kavumpuram are the pioneers of the mission.

2018 September

H.E.Mar Joseph Kallarangatt Visited Cardinal Manuel José Clemente Patriarch of Lisbon.

2019 January 27

His Beatitude George Cardinal Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of Syro Malabar Church decreed that the title of Archpriest be conferred on the Vicar of Major Archiepiscopal Marth Mariam Archdeacon Pilgrim Centre, Kuravilangad w.e.f. 27 January 2019 (Prot. No. 0213/2019 dated 26.01.2019).

2019 April 24

Officially signed the contract concerning the missionary apostolate of Pastoral care and works of evangelization between the eparchy of Palai and the  eparchy of Shamshabad in the districts of Ahemedbad, Kheda, Mahisagar, Anand, Panchmahal, Dahod, Vadodara (Baroda), Chhota Udaipur, Bharuch of Gujarat State of India at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad.

2019 May 02-04

Mar Joseph Kallarangatt attended in the Syriac Theological Symposium at Holy Spirit University, Beirut, Lebanon and presented a paper on ‘The Christological and Trinitarian Syriac Hymns and the Uniqueness of the East Syriac Chanting in the Context of the Syro-Malabar Liturgy.

2019 August 05

A joint meeting of the Pastoral and Presbyteral councils was held in connection with the 70th year (Sapthathy) of the Eparchy. H.G. Mar Joseph Perumthottam, Archbishop of Changanacherry was the chief guest of the gathering.

2019 September 01

Nazrani Maha Sangamam was conducted in Major Archepiscopal Marth Mariam Archdeacon Pilgrim Church, Kuravilangad. Heads and Bishops of the different Churches of Mar Thoma Nazranis were present in the meeting.

2019 September 14

Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai, Cherpunkal was blessed by His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop  in the presence of  bishops Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Mar Mathew Arackal, Mar John Nellikunnel, Mar Joseph Pallikaparampil, Mar Joseph Kunnath, Mar Jose Pulickal and Mar Jacob Muricken.

2019 October 02-15

Ad Limina Apostolorum visit of Syro Malabar Bishops in Vatican. Mar Joseph Kallarangatt and Mar Jacob Muricken attended.

2019 October 29

An extra ordinary Mission Seminar in connection with Mission Month – October was inaugurated by His Beatitude Moron Mor Baselios Cardianl Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malankara Church. The seminar was led by Mar Prince Panengadan, Bishop of Adilabad and attended by the priests, the religious and representatives from the parishes.

2019 December 14

The Eparchy organized a large scale ‘Farmers Rally’ and Get-together (Karshaka Maha Sangamam). A mega signature campaign was also made in view of handing over mass petition to the Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala.

2020 July 08

House of Wisdom of East Syriac (Bes Hekamsa D Suriyaya Madnhaya) was inaugurated.

2020 July 10

A meeting of Pastoral Council was conducted via Zoom Conference due to Covid-19.

2020 July 31

A meeting of Presbyteral Council was conducted via Zoom Conference due to    Covid-19.

2020 August 20

Conducted Annual Retreat of Priests via Zoom due to Covid19.

2020 December 01

Promulgation of Revised Niyamavaly of the Eparchy.

2020 December 08

With the Apostolic Letter “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from 08 December 2020 to 08 December 2021.

2020 December 27

Pope Francis announced the year of “Amoris Laetitia Family” from 2021 March 19 to 2022 June 26.

2021 January 01

Publication of the Book “Krupayude Naal Vazhikal” the history book of the Eparchy.

2021 January 04

Announced Koodalloor, Thidanad and Kakkoor of the Eparchy as Pilgrim Churches in the Year of St. Joseph.

2021 February 26

Reception of newly elected members of Municipality and Block Panchayat within the Eparchy.

2021 March 02

Reception of newly elected members of Grama Panchayat.

2021 October 15

Officially announced in the meeting held at Bishop’s House Palai that the Congregation for the Causes of Saints gave its nihil obstat for the Eparchial Phase of the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Fr. Bruno Kaniyarakath CMI and Sr. Collett FCC by the letters N. 3535 1/20 and N. 35361/20 of 02 September 2021 respectively from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Vatican.

2021 October 19

Eparchial Level Inauguration of the preparation for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, in Rome in October 2023, entitled “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.”

2021 November 09

Inauguration of XIII Presbyteral Council by H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, The Supreme Head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India.

2021 November 11

Started the Eparchial Phase of the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Sr. Mary Coletta FCC of Infant Jesus through the letter (Prot. No. 3342021) of Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt during the celebration of Holy Qurbana at Sacred Heart Church, Maniamkunnu.

2021 November 28

Official Inauguration of the celebration of Unified form of Holy Qurbana of Syro Malabar Church at St. Thomas Cathedral Palai.

2021 December 15

Started the Eparchial Phase of the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Fr. Bruno Kaniarakath CMI, through the letter (Prot. No. 3502021) of Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt during the celebration of Holy Qurbana at St. Anne’s Monastery, Kurianad.

2021 December 18

Inauguration of XIII Pastoral Council by H.G. Archbishop Joseph Augustine Charanakunnel,Archbishop Emeritus of Arch Diocese of Raipur.

2022 June 20

Conducted Eparchial PreSynodal Meeting at SJCET Choondacherry in view of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, in Rome in October 2023, entitled “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.”

2022 July 30

Conducted the First Pravasi Sangamam “Koinonia” held at SJCET Choondacherry organized by the Pravasi Apostolate of the Eparchy.

2022 August 15

Opening celebrations of the Episcopal Golden Jubilee of Mar Joseph Pallickaparampil, Bishop Emeritus of Eparchy of Palai.

2022 August 25

Appointment of Fr. Joseph Kollamparampil, Syncellus of the Eparchy of the entire Gujarat Region of the Eparchy of Shamshabad and the Coordinator of St. Thomas Sabarmathi Mission of the Eparchy of Palai, as one of the Auxiliary Bishops of the Eparchy of Shamshabad.

2022 August 25

Accepted the resignation of Mar Jacob Muricken from the office of the Auxiliary Bishop of Palai by Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of the SyroMalabar Church and it was declared in the Second Session of the XXX Synod of the SyroMalabar Church.

2022 August 26

After serving 10 years as Auxiliary Bishop and ProtoSyncellus of the Eparchy of Palai, Mar Jacob Muricken moved to Mar Thoma Sleeha Dayara, Nallathanny near Peruvanthanam as an extraordinary resident member in order to lead a contemplative ascetic life in a place exactly apt for prayer and a place of silence, solitude and natural tranquillity.

2022 October 09

Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Joseph Kollamparampil as one of the auxiliary bishops of the Eparchy of Shamshabad.

2022 December 15

The meeting of the all priests serving in the Eparchy of Palai is conducted at Alphonsian Pastoral Institute, Pala.

2023 March 21

Presbyteral council of the Eparchy was convened at Alphonsian Pastoral Institute, Pala.

2023 March 21

The consecration of Holy Myron is celebrated at St Thomas Cathedral Pala.

2023 March 27

The official inauguration and the taking of oath of the various committees for the canonization of Servants of God Fr Bruno Kaniyarakath CMI and Sr Mary Collett FCC of Infant Jesus at Bishop’s House, Palai.

2023 April 14

The Blessing of the new building of the Monastery of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration by His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry.

2023 May 13

His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathew III, the Catholicos of Malankara Orthodox Syrian church visited the Tomb of St Alphonsa at Bharananganam.

2023 May 26

Inauguration of Santhom Farmers Producer Company by Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt at Steel India campus, Mundupalam.

2023 June 03

Inauguration of service centre of Mar Sleeva Medicity at Aruvithura Shopping Complex.

2023 June 09

Feast of Mar Aprem was celebrated at Beth Aprem Nasrani Dayara, Kappumthala. A Syriac symposium was conducted in connection with it.

2023 August 04

The third Priests’ Home of the Eparchy named Casa del Clero was inaugurated and blessed by Mar Joseph Pallickaparampil in presense of Mar Joseph Kallarangatt at the campus of Mar Sleeva Medicity, Palai.

2023 August 15

The Episcopal Golden Jubilee celebrations of Mar Joseph Pallikaparampil. The programme was started by the solemn concelebration of Holy Qurbana presided by Mar George Cardinal Alencherry. The public meeting was presided over by Moron Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis and Inaugurated by Mar George Cardinal Alencherry. 35 bishops participatedin the function.

2023 September 26

Grand Eucharistic Mission (GEM 2023), an intensive evangelization program of one week to propagate the Eucharistic spirituality started.

2023 November 21

Third Eparchial Assembly was inaugurated on 21 November by Major Archbishop Mar George Cardinal Alencherry and concluded on 23 November.

2024 February 13

Reception to newly elected Major Archbishop of Syro Malabar Church Mar Raphael Thattil at St Alphonsa Shrine Bharananganam. Major Archbishop presided over the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration. There was a public meeting immediately after the holy Qurbana

2024 March 22

The foundation stone of Mar Sleeva Cancer Care and Research Centre was laid by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil.

2024 May 01

Intensive Home Mission in connection with the Platinum Jubilee of the Eparchy was started.

2024 May 17

Moron Mor Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the Catholicos of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church visited Major Archiepiscopal Marth Mariam Archdeacon Pilgrim Centre, Kuravilangad.

2024 May 18

Reception to Rt. Rev. Dr Joseph Augustine Chraranamkunnel, Archbishop Emeritus of Raipur at Bishop’s House on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee of Priestly Ordination

2024 June 06

Regional Bishop’s Conference at Alphonsian Pastoral Institute, Arunapuram

2024 June 09

Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt’s visit to Rome

2024 July 11

Consecration of the renovated Madbaha of St Alphonsa shrine chapel, Bharananganam

2026 July 13

concluding celebrations of the platinum jubilee of SMYM – KCYM of the eparchy of Palai

2024 July 14

concluding celebrations of the Ruby Jubilee of ADAART

2024 July 15

Annual retreat for the eparchial priests conducted at Alphonsian Pastoral Institute, Arunapuram. His Excellency Vincent Mar Paulose, the Bishop of the Malankara Catholic Eparchy of Marthandom guided the retreat sessions.

2024 July 20

Reception at Bishop’s House to Mr George Kurian, Honorable Minister of state for Fisheries, Animal, Diary and Minority portfolios of the third Modi Government of India

2024 July 26

Formal inauguration of the Platinum Jubilee Year of the eparchy of Palai at St Alphonsa Shrine, Bharananganam by His Beatitude Mar Raphel Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church. Along with this, a reception in the eparchial level was organized to His Beatitude Mar Raphel Thattil, the newly enthroned Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church.

2024 August 03

Nation Seminar on the Alphonsian Spirituality at St Alphonsa Shrine, Bharananganam

2024 August 10

Blessing of the renovated presbytery of St Mary’s Forane Church, Bharananganam

2024 August 11

Consecration of the renovated church of St Antony’s Parish, Paduva

2024 August 13

Blessing of Mar Sleeva Medicity Pala Assumption Medical Centre at Melukavumattom

2024 August 15

Blessing of Eparchial Media Commission Studio

2024 August 15

Blessing of the renovated altar of St Mary’s Church, Marangoly

2024 August 16

Inauguration of the Platinum Jubilee year of St Thomas College, Pala

2024 August 29

Fifth Syro Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Assembly at Alphonsian Pastoral institute and St Thomas College Pala. Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli inaugurated the assembly. 50 Bishops, 108 Priests, 5 Deacons, 2 Religious Brothers, 37 Religious Sisters, 99 lay men and 47 lay women, all together 348 members participated in the assembly.

2024 August 30

Apostolic Nuncio to India, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli visited Cathedral of the eparchy and St Alphonsa Shrine and parish church at Bharananganam.

2024 September 11

Sacristans’ and sweepers meet at Lalam old in connection with the Pl;atinum Jubilee

2024 November 15

CCI (Catholic Council of India) is held at Pastoral Institute of the Eparchy of Palai. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath and Archbishop Peter Machado are present in the meeting

2024 November 17

Kraisthava Maha Sammelamanam at Ramapuram is inaugurated by His Grace Mar Thomas Tharayil, the metropolitan of Changanacherry. Moron Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis delivered the key note address.

2024 December 22

The convention of the Youth of the eparchy was held at the grounds of St Thomas College Pala in connection with the Platinum Jubilee of the eparchy. The meeting was inaugurated by His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, Major archbishop emeritus.

2025 May 10

The meeting of the missionaries from the eparchy was held at St Augustine’s Forane Church, Pravithanam. The Holy Qurbana was celebrated by Mar Joseph Kallarangatt. The meeting was presided over by Mar Andrews Thazhath, CBCI President and Archbishop of Trichur and inaugurated by Mr George Kurian, Minister of State, Govt of India. 25 bishops, 400 priests and 1800 religious sisters were present in the meeting.

2025 June 09

New three foranes ( Protopresbyterate) were created in the eparchy. They are Kadaplamat tom, Kozhuvanal and Koothattukulam

2025 July 14

Santhom Food Processing Unit under the Palai Social Welfare Society is inaugurated by Mr P. Prasad, Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Govt. of Kerala in Presence of Mar Joseph Kallarangatt

2025 July 26

Conclusion of Platinum Jubilee Celebration conducted at St Thomas Cathedral, Palai. Holy Qurbana was presided over by Mar Thomas Tharayil and the homily was given by Moron Mor Baslios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos. The Public meeting was inaugurated by Mar Raphael Thattil and presided over by Mar George Cardinal Alencherry in presence of Moron Mor Baselios Joseph Catholicos, Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church, Mr Roshy Augustine, Minister of Water Resources, Government of Kerala Dr Sashi Tharoor MP, Mr Jose K Mani MP, Mr Francis George MP, Mr Sunny Joseph MLA, Mr Mani C. Kappen MLA, Mar Andrews Thazhath, Mar Awgin Kuriakose, Metropolitan of the Church of the East, His Grace Dr. Kuriakose Mar Severios Metropolitan, His Grace Dr. Cyril Mar Baselios, Metropolitan of the Malabar Independent Syrian Church, His Grace Mar Joseph Pamplany, His Grace Dr. Joshua Mar Nicodimos, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Nilackal Ranni of Orthodox Syrian Church, Mar Jose Pulickal and other bishops in Kerala

2025 July 30

A grant prayer gathering and Rosary Procession at Bharananganam for the immediate release of two Nuns who were arrested at Chhattisgarh on false accusation of human trafficking and forced religious conversion. More 5000 people were gathered with a short notice of 4 hours.