History

Migration and the Changing Face of the Church

The twentieth century can rightly be described as a century of migration. Large-scale movement of people—East to West, North to South, and vice versa—reshaped societies, cultures, and institutions across the world. What began as the globalization of goods and economies gradually evolved into the globalization of people, creating a new social and cultural landscape comparable to a collage of civilizations. This global phenomenon deeply affected Christianity, particularly the Catholic Church, as communities of the faithful moved far beyond their traditional homelands.

Key Milestones

20th Century

The Century of Migration

Global migration reshaped societies and influenced political, religious, and cultural life worldwide, impacting the Catholic Church in new ways.

20th Century

Second Half of the 20th Century

Early Migration Phase

Many Syro-Malabar faithful migrated to other parts of India and to Gulf countries in search of better opportunities for families.

Second Half of the 20th Century

Last Quarter of the 20th Century

Global Expansion

A continuous flow of Syro-Malabar faithful moved from India to Europe, America, and Australia, leading to communities scattered and often isolated across Europe.

Last Quarter of the 20th Century

Before 2016

Pastoral Concern of the Holy See

The Congregation for the Oriental Churches clarified the role of Apostolic Visitors where Eastern faithful do not have their own hierarchy, emphasizing pastoral care, consultation with local bishops, and reporting to the Congregation

Before 2016

28 July 2016

Appointment of the Apostolic Visitor

During the Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis nominated Stephen Chirappanath (Titular Bishop of Slebte) as Apostolic Visitor for the Syro-Malabar faithful in Europe, due to concern for communities lacking a leader for their spiritual needs.

28 July 2016

01 November 2016

Episcopal Ordination and Commissioning

Stephen Chirappanath was ordained bishop at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Rome). Immediately after, the commissioning of the office of the Apostolic Visitor took place.

01 November 2016

2016–Present

Pastoral Coordination in Europe

The Apostolic Visitation provides structured pastoral leadership, strengthens unity among communities, supports missions and formation, and helps preserve Syro-Malabar liturgical and spiritual heritage in collaboration with local dioceses.

2016–Present

Role of the Apostolic Visitor

Instructions from the Congregation for the Oriental Churches clearly speak about the role of the Apostolic Visitor:

“In territories where the Eastern faithful do not possess their own hierarchy, the Holy See shows its solicitude towards them through Visitors and delegates… As a rule, he verifies the state and needs of the faithful, encouraging them, meeting with the local bishops, and making a report with proposals to the Congregation for the Eastern Churches.”

Appointment

On 28 July 2016 during the Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis nominated Stephen Chirappanath, Titular Bishop of Slebte, as Apostolic Visitor for the Syro-Malabar faithful residing in Europe. In the letter of appointment, the Pope clearly stated that the Apostolic Visitor is appointed because of his concern for the needs of the flock of the Syro-Malabar faithful, a great number of whom, living in the European region, lack a leader for their spiritual necessities.

“We wish that you should advise the Syro-Malabar clergy and people living in Europe of this Our decree, and we urge these same persons that they, fulfilling the will of Christ with a sincere heart, should consider you as a father to be loved and a guardian to be honoured.” Pope Francis

Episcopal Ordination

The Apostolic Visitor Stephen Chirappanath was ordained bishop on 1 November 2016 at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. His Beatitude George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly (Syro-Malabar), was the Principal Consecrator. His Eminence Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, and Mar Pauly Kannookadan, Bishop of Irinjalakuda (Syro-Malabar), were Principal Co-Consecrators.

Immediately after the episcopal ordination, the ceremony of commissioning of the office of the Apostolic Visitor took place, officiated by His Eminence Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches.

Significance

The establishment of the Apostolic Visitation marked a historic milestone for the Syro-Malabar Church in Europe. It provides structured pastoral leadership and coordination, strengthens unity among scattered communities, and supports the preservation of the Syro-Malabar liturgical and spiritual heritage in collaboration with local dioceses.

Structured pastoral leadership and coordination across Europe
Support for priests, missions, and formation initiatives
Unity among communities while respecting diocesan collaboration
Promotion of Syro-Malabar liturgy, spirituality, and faith formation

Apostolic Visitor • Bishop • Coat of Arms • NB Documents • Circulars