Our history

Canadian Catholic Congress of Kerala inherits its rich history from Syro-Malabar Church in Kerala, India dating back to its formation in 1918, previously known as 'Keraleeya Catholica Mahajanasabha, and later on known as All Kerala Catholic Congress (AKCC) ' The organization was conceived with the noble vision of fostering overall progress within the Syro-Malabar Catholic community and championing the protection of essential civil and fundamental rights.

The idea behind AKCC received significant support from senior clergies of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, based in Mannanam, and Nidhiry Mani Kathanar. To materialize this vision, a meeting was organized in Alappuzha in 1907, bringing together members of the Syrian Christian community. These annual meetings led to the decision, during the eleventh gathering at Athirampuzha in 1917, to establish a community welfare organization

Canadian History

The delegates of the Global Catholic Congress in Kerala officially re-elected Mr. Jolly Joseph as the Vice-President-Canada of the Catholic Congress Global Committee in April 2021 for the term 2021-2024. This Global Committee consists of representatives from over 40 countries across the globe. After being appointed to this position, in consultation with Bishop Jose Kalluvellil, Mr. Joseph proactively undertook the task of founding Catholic Congress Canada. As a result, Bishop Kalluvelil appointed Fr. Tomy Chittinappilly as the Director of Catholic Congress Canada.

The inaugural meeting of Catholic Congress Canada took place on July 4, 2021. This meeting gathered representatives from various parishes and missions within the Eparchy of Mississauga to select the office bearers for the term 2021-2024. The election was conducted in the presence of Mar Remigious Inchiyaaniyil, the Bishop Delegate for the Global Catholic Congress, Bishop Jose Kalluvellil of the Eparchy of Mississauga, Catholic Congress Global President Advocate Biju Parayanilam, Fr. Tomy Chittinappilly, and election committee observers from Kerala. During this assembly, a democratic election was held, resulting in Mr. Jolly's election as the President of Catholic Congress Canada. Thomas Varughese was elected as General Secretary, Roy Chacko as Treasurer, Jijo Alappat and Shirley Dominic were chosen as Vice Presidents, and Smitha Jai, Joseph Akkarapattiakal, and Denny Joseph were elected as secretaries. The founding executive committee was given the mandate to establish Catholic congress local branches in major parishes and mission across Canada.

Mr. Jolly Joseph has been re-elected as the Global Vice President for the term 2024-2027 by the Catholic Congress Global Committee in Kerala in June 2024 and continued as the President of Canadian Kerala Catholic Congress.