St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Cathedral Church
| Patron | St. Mary |
| Established | 1981 |
| Phone | |
| Address | Bhau Patil Road, Range Hills Post,
Kirkee, Pune, Maharashtra – 411 020 |
| Vicar | Fr. Mathew Varikkattu |
| History | The exodus of Malayalee’s to different parts of the country and abroad has been a common features from the beginning of 20th century. The malankarites are observed to be firm believer in their liturgy and religious customs, and practice rituals rigorously wherever they settle. Soon, Pune too turned as hub and home for many malankarites, who had come to this land, in search of employment and prosperity. In Pune, Kirkee too had a significant growth of Malankara catholic population.
In the eighties a few enterprising malankarites took the initiative and formed a Malankara Catholic Association (MCA) with the blessing of Late Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios. On request from MCA members residing in and around Kirkee area, the celebration of Holy Qurbono in the Malankara rite was permitted by the then parish priest late Rev George D’Souza at St Ignatious Church, Kirkee for every 3rd Sunday of the month, since April 1981. With the appointment of Rev Fr. Antony Valiyavilayil OIC, as the first chaplain for the Malankara community by His Excellency Rt Rev Valerian D’Souza, the community witness and organized itself to celebrate the Holy Qurbono and liturgical services in Malankara rite more regularly. As a result of this, the community acquired a temporary shed behind Khadki railway station. In this shed the Qurbono was celebrated on every Wednesdays in addition to 3rd Sunday at St. Ignatius Church, Kirkee. In the early eighties a plot of land was purchased in Gurav Pimple for the use of the community. A temporary structure was built in the year 1993 and used as chapel. In September 1987, Rev Fr Antony Valiyavilayil OIC proceeded to Rome for higher studies and in his place Rev Fr. Ignatious Thangalathil OIC, was appointment as the Chaplin. Under his leadership a small place was purchased in Brahamanagri building at Bhau Patil road, to be used as the place of worship. On 2nd February 1988, His Excellency Rt. Rev. Valerian D’Souza, Bishop of Pune blessed this place. It was named as St Mary Malankara Catholic Center, Kirkee. Subsequently, the Malankara community moved to this place for its regular Sunday Holy Qurbono celebration and other spiritual activities. The community was blessed to have Rev Fr. Antony Valiayavilayil OIC as the vicar for the second term on his return after completing higher studies. He took the initiative with the help of parishioners to find an alternate location as the existing facility was insufficient for all the activities of the community. The purchase of current plot in the name of Malankara Catholic Hierarchy was a dream come true for the Malankara Community of Khadki, Pune. It was decided to construct a church and community hall. The foundation stone was laid blessed by His Grace Cyril Mar Baselios and was laid by Rt. Rev Msgr. Eberhard Muehibacher, Episcopal vicar, Diocese of Rottenberg (Germany) on 22nd February 1996. The church and the community hall was completed in August 2000. The church was elevated as cathedral of St. Ephreme, Exarchate of Khadki, Pune on 30 May 2015. The Exarchate office and Bishops residence is located in the same campus.
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