Our Journey of Faith
Building a Home, Not Just a House
Our Lady of Walsingham Syro-Malabar Church, Cambridge
The Catholic Church is a communion of twenty-three individual Churches, comprising the Latin Catholic Church and twenty-two Eastern (Oriental) Catholic Churches. Among these, the Syro-Malabar Church is the second largest, with the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church being the largest among the Eastern Churches.
The origins of the Syro-Malabar Church are traditionally traced to St Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have arrived at Muziris (present-day Pattanam, Kerala, India) in AD 52. The early Christian community that developed there—known as the St Thomas Christians or Nazranis—formed a distinct identity, rooted in Indian culture, Christian faith, and the East-Syrian liturgical tradition. This heritage is often expressed in the phrase:
“Nazranis are Indian in culture, Christian in faith, and Syrian in liturgy.”
Our Journey in Cambridge
The Syro-Malabar Catholic community in Cambridge began to take shape in the early 2000s, when many families migrated to the United Kingdom, particularly to work at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and nearby care homes. During this period, the community gathered at St Philip Howard Catholic Church, Cherry Hinton, where they received generous support and pastoral guidance from Rev. Fr. Monsignor Eugene Harkness.
Responding to the growing desire to worship in their own liturgical tradition, the first Syro-Malabar Holy Qurbana in Cambridge was celebrated in 2004, through the initiative of Rev. Fr. Mathew George Vandanamkunnel and committed members of the community. He served as the spiritual leader until February 2015, nurturing a young but vibrant community of around 70 families.
Growth and Development
As the community expanded, structured faith formation became a priority. Family prayer units were established to foster spiritual growth and unity. Monthly gatherings strengthened both faith and community bonds.
In 2014, Rev. Fr. Philip John Panthamackal was appointed to serve the Syro-Malabar community in Cambridge. Under his leadership, catechism classes were formally organised from Year 1 to Year 10, with around 110 children participating annually. The parish continues to be supported by dedicated catechism teachers and volunteers.
The establishment of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain in 2016, under the leadership of Bishop Mar Joseph Srampickal, marked a significant milestone, bringing renewed structure and growth to the community.
Our Mission Today
On 29 November 2018, the community was officially declared as the Our Lady of Walsingham Mission, Cambridge by Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church. The mission forms part of the Cambridge region within the Eparchy of Great Britain.
Today, the parish serves around 150 families and continues to flourish as a vibrant faith community. Regular Holy Qurbana is celebrated throughout the week, including Sundays and feast days. Since 2021, English-language Qurbana has also been introduced for children on selected Sundays.
The mission actively participates in various eparchial forums, including the Women’s Forum, Men’s Forum, Mission League, and SMYM (Syro-Malabar Youth Movement), fostering spiritual growth, leadership, and community service.
Our Identity
As a Syro-Malabar Catholic community, we remain deeply rooted in the East-Syrian liturgical tradition while embracing our Indian cultural heritage. We are united in our mission to live and share the Gospel, nurture faith across generations, and serve both the Church and wider society.
Timeline of Growth
Journey of Faith and Community in Cambridge
From humble beginnings to a vibrant parish mission, our timeline reflects the steady growth, spiritual enrichment, and community building of the Syro-Malabar faithful in Cambridge.
The Syro-Malabar Church is the second-largest Oriental Catholic Church, with its origins tracing back to St. Thomas the Apostle, who arrived in India in AD 52. Our community is part of this rich tradition.
2004
Qurbana Begins
Holy Qurbana in the Syro-Malabar tradition began through the efforts of Rev. Fr. Mathew George and the community members.
2014
Strengthening the Parish
Rev. Fr. Philip John was appointed as the Parish Priest, further strengthening catechism and parish life.
2016
New Eparchy
The Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain was established with Bishop Mar Joseph Srampickal as the first bishop.
2018
Mission Status
On 29th November 2018, the Cambridge community was officially declared Our Lady of Walsingham Mission by Cardinal George Alencherry.
2021
English Qurbana Introduced
We began celebrating English Holy Qurbana for children every 3rd and 4th Sunday to encourage youth participation.
2023
Syro Malabar Church
The Right Reverend Peter Collins, Bishop of East Anglia, issued a decree officially establishing St. Philip Howard Catholic Church in Cambridge as a diocesan parish for the Syro-Malabar Rite.
2026
Church Consecration
On 6 April 2026, the Parish Church of St Philip Howard in Cambridge was solemnly consecrated and blessed following the completion of a major redevelopment project.
MY LORD . MY GOD