Our Parish Priest

Rev Fr Paul Olickal - Parish Priest

Rev Fr Paul Vettikattu CST - Parish Priest (July 2012 - Nov 2023)

                             

Rev Fr Paul Vettikattu, our Parish Priest, hails from Thodupuzha, Kerala and belongs to the CST congregation. Fr Paul was ordained priest in December 2004 and was serving as Principal of St John Paul Memorial Arts and Science College in Kattappana, Kerala when he got the special call to come to Bristol, and we are reminded of the calling of Saul to his ministry. Different scenarios and different calls, but the zeal, humility and simplicity of St Paul truly shines in Fr Paul.  

It was during the Dukhrana Thirunal celebrations on July 3rd 2012 that Fr Paul arrived in our community. In October 2012, he took charge as parish priest of St Joseph’s Church, Fishponds as well as the priest-in-charge of STSMCC, taking over the responsibility from Rev Fr Joy Vayalil CST who had formed our community, through his unique vision, great wisdom, and leadership from 2009, to be one of the most motivated, vibrant and active Syro-Malabar communities in the UK. Ever since his first day, the wellbeing and progress of STSMCC has been the foremost thought and vision for Fr Paul. By God’s grace, his efforts have been fruitful and his zealous actions and fervent prayers in the past years has contributed immensely in developing STSMCC to what it is today.  

We are truly blessed to have a priest who personifies faith in action and encourages us to live by the Word of God and align ourselves with the activities of the Catholic Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain. It is through his constant guidance and sincere efforts that we are today a thriving parish community, with great dreams and aspirations, and bonded together in faith. Fr Paul was instrumental in our Church building project from its very concept, and has been the driving force through planning to execution. He is our Dreamweaver!