The Apostolic Exarchate of Mississauga was erected for the Syro-Malabar Catholics in Canada on August 06, 2015, by His Holiness Pope Francis and Very Reverend Dr. Jose Kalluvelil was appointed as its first Bishop Exarch and the Titular Bishop of Tabalta. On December 22, 2018, the Exarchate of Mississauga was elevated to the status of Eparchy by the Holy Father Pope Francis.
The Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Mississauga has 15 parishes and 35 mission centers across Canada and follows the Syro-Malabar rite, under the spiritual guidance of His Excellency Bishop Mar Jose Kalluvelil.
St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is one among the parishes, located in greater Vancouver BC. Started in the year 1997 as a small prayer group with just a few families, it has grown substantially to be called as a community today. Fr. Babu, Fr. Jijimon, Fr. Ajin George and Fr. Regi Mathew contributed significantly to this community, at its initial stage. With more than 350 Catholic families belonging to this community, it has grown stronger and much more vibrant. The community now gathers regularly on every Sunday of the month to celebrate Holy Qurbana (Malayalam Holy Mass) at St. Bernadette Parish, Surrey.
St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Church was formally instituted by Bishop Mar Jose Kalluvelil and Vancouver Archbishop Michael Miller on Aug 7, 2016.
Fr. Jimmy Puttananickal was the first official parish priest of St. Alphonsa church, followed by Fr. Thomas Kalariparambil. Fr. Sajy Thomas Chakkittamuriyil is the current parish priest.