The Syro-Malabar Catholic community in Louisville gathered on July 27 at Holy Family Church to celebrate its annual feast, an event marked by traditional Indian food, music, and dance. More than 200 people attended the celebration, which began with a solemn Mass known as the “Holy Qurbana” in the Syro-Malabar Rite.

Franciscan Father George Munjanattu, who serves as pastor of both Holy Family and the Divine Mercy Syro-Malabar Mission, explained that hosting an annual feast is a tradition rooted in Kerala, India. “In our tradition in Kerala, each church has its own annual feast. Usually that feast is celebrated under the name of that parish,” he said.

The event drew not only Catholics but also non-Catholics from various backgrounds. “Even Hindu, nonreligious people also come because they like the celebration, and some of our American friends come,” said Father Munjanattu.

The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is one of 22 Eastern Catholic churches in full communion with Rome and traces its origins to St. Thomas the Apostle’s mission work in first-century Kerala. Globally, more than five million people belong to this tradition.

While Syro-Malabar Catholics have been present in the United States since the 1950s, their presence in Louisville dates back just over ten years. The Divine Mercy Syro-Malabar Mission started with five to ten families meeting at the Cathedral of the Assumption before moving to Holy Family Church in 2017.

Julie Thomas was among those original families. She recalled how early members would host priests traveling from Chicago for monthly services until local Indian priests such as Father Munjanattu arrived to provide regular liturgies. Now, about 100 people attend Sunday Masses twice a month at Holy Family Church; there are more than 25 registered families.

“It took a while for the community to build. Now it’s flourishing,” said Thomas.

Father Munjanattu noted that although they share communion with Rome, their church maintains distinct traditions: “own history, liturgy and spiritual tradition.” He added that their liturgy includes much singing and prayers unique to their rite: “It’s a very vibrant liturgy.”

Services are conducted in Malayalam—the language spoken by most older adults within these families—while younger generations learn both through participation and catechism classes held before Masses. More than 35 children attend these sessions each week.

Thomas helps teach these classes alongside other parents: “I tell the parents they have to teach the kids their prayers.” She emphasized her desire for her children to understand their heritage: “I wanted the kids to know our culture” and “carry on our tradition.”

Community support extends beyond worship; members often gather after services for fellowship or help one another during times of need. The priests serving this mission play an important role in fostering unity within the group.

“When you have good priests that are so humble, so down to earth, taking care of us...you will see them (the priests) cleaning the floors after the event,” said Thomas.

Although members meet only twice monthly for Qurbana at Holy Family Church (3 p.m., second and fourth Sundays), many remain active participants in other parishes throughout Louisville. Father Munjanattu described strong ties between his congregation and Holy Family parishioners: “Holy Family parishioners love our community...they come here; our community also helps with our fish fries [and] picnics.”

“We help each other and we love each other,” he added.