We were delighted to welcome Mar Joseph Srampickal, Syro Malabar Bishop of Great Britain, when he and Fr Francois visited Salesian Provincial House today, to meet Fr Gerry O'Briody SDB, our Provincial.

Bishop Joseph's seat is at St Alphonsa Cathedral, Preston, (formerly St Ignatius' church), where there is a community of 120 families, and his Eparchy covers the 160 thriving Syro Malabar Mass centres throughout England, Wales and Scotland. The Eparchy of Great Britain was established in July 2016 by Pope Francis, and 12,000 people attended Bishop Joseph's ordination at Preston North End's Deepdale Stadium in October.

The Syro Malabar Church is one of the 22 Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with Rome, and follows the East-Syrian liturgy which dates back to the 3rd century. The Church traces its origins to the mission of St Thomas the Apostle.

Pictured above, left to right, are: Fr Gerry SDB, Bishop Joseph, Frs Michael and Kieran SDB, and Fr Francois.

Find out more about the Syro Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain