History

The Malankara Catholic Association (MCA) was founded during a historic meeting held on March 2, 1996, at Shanthi Nilayam, Thiruvalla. The assembly was presided over by the late Major Archbishop Cyril Baselios Catholicos. During this landmark session, an ad-hoc committee was formed to lead the association’s initial steps. Rev. Fr. Varghese Mavelil was appointed as the first Clergy Advisor, with Chevalier Varghese Karippayil serving as President and Adv. V.V. Shaji as General Secretary. The visionary leadership of this committee laid a strong foundation for the organization. Through their tireless efforts, formal elections were completed across the then-four dioceses (Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvalla, Bathery, and Marthandam), successfully integrating the association into the mainstream of the Church.

On January 26, 1999, the organization reached its full constitutional form, uniting lay members from within India and abroad, from the unit level to the sabhathalam. This movement, envisioned by Venerable Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios and blessed by Benedict Mar Gregorios, was formally realized within the Church through the guidance of Major Archbishop Cyril Baselios Catholicos.