THE HISTORY OF KCCSC
History of the Syro-Malabar Knanaya Catholic Congress of Southern
California (KCCSC)
(Formerly: Knanaya Catholic Congress
of Los Angeles - KCCLA)
Migration of Knanaya Families (1975–1980s):
The migration of Knanaya families to Los Angeles
began in 1975, led by pioneers such as Abraham Niravath and Molly,
followed by others including Annie and Sunny Abraham (1976), Jacob and
Valsa Mutholath (1977), and Sophie and Thomas Pachikara (1978). Over
time, more families joined, such as Cyriac and Alice Poovathunkal
(1978), Lucy and Thomas Parathara (1978), Kuriakose and Lisbeth
Chazhikatt (1978), Dr. Philip and Elizabeth Chatham (1979), and James
and Annamma Chettiath (1980). By the early 1980s, the Knanaya community
in Los Angeles had grown significantly, as they encouraged relatives and
friends to settle in the region.
Early Community Organizations (1970s–1983):
During the late 1970s, Knanaya families actively
participated in the Kerala Association of Los Angeles (KALA),
celebrating cultural events like Onam, Christmas parties, and family
picnics. As the number of Malayalee Catholics increased, the Kerala
Catholic Association of Los Angeles (KCALA) was established in 1983, led
by President Abraham Niravath. The other officers were as follows:
These officers played key roles in the effective
functioning and organization of the association, contributing to its
mission of serving the Malayalee Catholic community in Los Angeles.
Besides family picnics, the organization arranged
Syro-Malabar Qurbana, retreats, and festive celebrations such as
Christmas and New Year parties at St. John Eudes Church in Chatsworth,
with spiritual guidance from priests including Fr. James Thottappally,
Fr. Paul Alangattukaran (CMI), Fr. Abraham Mutholath, Fr. George
Punchakunnal, and Fr. Jose Kuruvila (OIC). A notable highlight was the
visit of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios on November 13, 1983.
Formation of KCCLA (1992):
In 1992, the Knanaya Catholic Congress of North
America (KCCNA) requested the formation of a Knanaya Catholic unit in
Los Angeles. On August 29, 1992, a meeting of 51 Knanaya families was
held under the leadership of Fr. Abraham Mutholath at the residence of
Thomas Parayankala. Despite some opposition, the majority supported the
establishment of the Knanaya Catholic Congress of Los Angeles (KCCLA).
The first executive committee included President Thomas Paremkala, Vice
President Jacob Mutholath, Secretary Cyriac Chettiath, Joint Secretary
Alice Poovathunkal, Treasurer Thomas Pachikara, and KCCNA Representative
Cyriac Poovathunkal. The association selected an Adviser Committee of
nine including Fr. Abraham Mutholath.
The formation of KCCLA prompted a few members of
the Kerala Catholic Association, including some Knanaya members, to
withdraw from the original association. They went on to establish a new,
separate organization named Kerala Catholic Association of Los Angeles,
which held activities, including Qurbana and other community events.
Support for Syro-Malabar Mission in the USA
(1996–2002):
On August 30, 1996, His Excellency
Bishop Karottembrayil, Apostolic Delegate for the Syro-Malabar Church in
North America, met with KCCLA members to discuss the establishment of
Syro-Malabar parishes in the USA. KCCLA leaders, including President
James Chettiath, Secretary Annie Thekkekarote, and Treasurer Jacob
Mutholath, pledged their support.
The letter
submitted to Mar Karottemrayil on August 30, 1996 is available by
clicking here.
After the creation of the Syro-Malabar Catholic
Diocese of Chicago in 2001, KCCLA petitioned Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath
to establish a Knanaya Catholic Mission in Los Angeles. Fr. Abraham
Mutholath proposed the name "St. Pius X Knanaya Catholic Mission, Los
Angeles." On March 17, 2002, Bishop Angadiath canonically established
the mission, appointing Fr. Abraham Mutholath as its first Mission
Director.
Transition to KCCSC and Growth (2003–Present):
In 2003, KCCLA renamed itself Knanaya Catholic
Congress of Southern California (KCCSC) as the community expanded. KCCSC
members began hosting a wide range of religious and cultural activities,
including Christmas and Easter celebrations, family picnics, family
camps, and the vibrant Knanaya Night in collaboration with St. Pius X
Knanaya Catholic Parish.
Today, the organization, now known as the Knanaya Catholic Congress of Southern California (KCCSC), continues to thrive as a center for preserving Knanaya heritage and fostering faith and unity within the community.