About the Syro Malabar USA Convention 2026
What is the Syro Malabar USA Convention?
The Syro Malabar USA Convention 2026 is a historic, faith-filled gathering celebrating 25 years of spiritual growth and community unity. Hosted in the heart of downtown Chicago at the renowned McCormick Place, this milestone event brings together Syro Malabar Catholics from across the United States for four days of prayer, cultural celebration, youth fellowship, and spiritual renewal.
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This Silver Jubilee convention commemorates the 25th anniversary of the St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago — the first diocese of its kind outside India — and honors the legacy of its founding shepherd, Bishop Emeritus Mar Jacob Angadiath. Now under the inspiring leadership of His Excellency Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt, the diocese continues to flourish. Bishop Joy invites every family, youth, and elder to come celebrate this rare moment of unity, mission, and renewal.
History
Founded on March 13, 2001, the St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago was established to care for the growing Syro Malabar faithful in the United States. Over the past 25 years, it has grown into a vibrant and faithful community of:
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52 parishes
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35 missions
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More than 87,000 Syro Malabar Catholics nationwide
The diocese stands as a beacon of Eastern Catholic tradition, rooted in the liturgical richness of the Syro Malabar rite and empowered by the missionary spirit of St. Thomas the Apostle.
From humble beginnings, the diocese has risen — building churches, empowering youth, nurturing families, and preserving a distinct spiritual heritage.
A Message from Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt
“As we celebrate 25 years of grace, we look back with gratitude and forward with great hope. This Jubilee is not only a moment to remember the blessings of the past, but also to renew our commitment to our mission as Syro Malabar Catholics in the U.S.
I warmly invite each one of you — families, youth, clergy, and friends — to come together in Chicago for this blessed convention. Let this be a time of spiritual growth, community joy, and cultural pride.”