St. Alphonsa Syro Malabar Catholic Church Edmonton is a Canadian nonprofit religious organization serving the Syro-Malabar Catholic community in Edmonton, Alberta. It holds the distinction of being the first Syro Malabar Mission established in Canada under the St. Thomas Diocese of Chicago. The church operates under the jurisdiction of the Syro-Malabar Apostolic Exarchate of Mississauga, which oversees Syro-Malabar faithful in Canada.

History and Patronage

The church is named after St. Alphonsa, the first native woman saint of India, who was a simple clarist nun living in the Franciscan Clarist convent at Bharananganam, Kerala. St. Alphonsa is venerated for her humble and devoted life, serving as the patroness of this congregation.

Mission and Community

St. Alphonsa Syro Malabar Catholic Church Edmonton primarily serves the spiritual needs of the Syro-Malabar Catholic faithful in the region, providing Holy Qurbana (Mass) in multiple languages including English. It fosters cultural and religious activities that preserve and promote the Syro-Malabar liturgical tradition and heritage among the Indian diaspora in Canada.

Organizational Status

The church is registered as a charitable organization in Canada with the Business Registration Number 839660834RR0001. It complies with the Canada Revenue Agency’s regulations for registered charities, enabling it to provide tax receipts for donations and to operate fundraising initiatives while focusing on its religious and community mission.

Services and Activities

The church offers several scheduled Mass services throughout the week and on Sundays, accommodating the needs of its congregation. Besides liturgical services, it likely organizes community events, religious education, and cultural programs to engage members and support their faith journey.

By bridging cultural and spiritual connections for Syro-Malabar Catholics in Edmonton, St. Alphonsa Syro Malabar Catholic Church stands as a vital institution preserving the rich liturgical traditions of the Syro-Malabar rite within the Canadian multicultural mosaic.[1][2][5]