Parish history
The parish of Pappankalan was established in the year 1995 by Most. Rev. Alan de Lastic, keeping in mind the development of the upcoming Papankalan project. But the history of this parish goes back to early 1960’s. The Archdiocese was bifurcated from Delhi-Shimla Archdiocese to Shimla Chandigarh Diocese and Delhi Archdiocese in the year 1959 and Most. Rev. Joseph Alexander Fernandes was the first Archbishop of Delhi and Most. Rev. Angelo Fernandes was appointed the Coadjutor Archbishop of Delhi. Najafgarh which was established in 1957 was the only parish existed during the time of bifurcation at West Delhi or Outer Delhi. Fr. I dos Santos a zealous pastor then Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral catered to the spiritual care of Catholics residing at Delhi Cantonment and other parts of West Delhi, by establishing Mass centers and providing faith formation classes to the children. To take care of the pastoral needs of growing catholic community, Archbishop Joseph Alexander appointed Fr. Victor D’Souza, priest in charge of West Delhi. Fr. Victor through his relentless efforts brought the community together established various Mass Centers which eventually became full pledged parishes. The first Parish to be established was St. Paul’s Church, Delhi Cantonment in the Year 1971and Fr. Victor D’Souza was appointed Parish Priest by Most. Rev. Anglo Fernandes and its jurisdiction spreading throughout West Delhi, and subsequently the parishes of St. Francis de Sales (Mahima) Church, Janakpuri in 1976, St. Mark’s Church, Punjabi bagh in 1978, Church of Our Lady of Graces, Vikaspuri in 1985 and from Vikaspuri St. John de Britto Church, Harinagar-Mayapuri was established in 1991 and the last in the serious is the Catholic Church, Papankalan in 1995 which was eventually named St. John the Evangelist Church Palam, the name of this village is more popular in the history of aviation field, as the Airport in Delhi was known as Palam International Airport before being rechristened with today’s name.
The small community at Palam actively participated in the Church activities and kept their faith alive some of the places where they joined for Eucharistic Celebrations before the formation of the parish are:
1. 26 GH Cantonment Barrack
2. Military Hospital
3. Mount St. Mary’s School
4. Loreto Convent
5. St. Paul’s Church, Delhi Cantonment
6. Mr. L Bara’s House, Rajnagar
7. Mr. P A Giri’s House, Sagarpur.
Once the Parish was established and till the new church was built Masses were held at:
1. FCC Provincial House, Rajnagar
2. Holy Family Convent, Mahavir Enclave
3. Health Center, Palam on important occasions
4. The present Church land before the construction work began
The Parish shares its boundaries with Delhi Cant, Dwaraka, Vikaspuri and Janakpuri.
The Parish has the following Associations:
1. Parish Pastoral Council
2. Catholic Association
3. Youth Group
4. Mahila Mandal
5. Altar Servers
6. Choir
Besides these associations we have:
1. Liturgy Animation Team
2. Parish BEC Animation Team
3. Faith Formation Team
We are in the process of forming the following associations:
1. Vincent de Paul Society
2. Legion of Mary
3. Krus Vir
We are blessed with three religious communities in the Parish:
1. Saint Joseph of Saint Mark (SJSN)
2. Silesians of Don Bosco (SDB)
3. Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco (FMA)
Besides these three congregations we have the three communities of Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) and a community of Holy Family sisters (CHF) of Syro Malbar Rite. We acknowledge gratefully their generous contribution to the growth of this parish in all possible ways: providing space for the celebration of the sacraments, pastoral care to the families by their visit and help in faith formation classes. In fact it is the Provincial House of FCC sisters was the first Church for this parish. Though now they belong to Syro Malabar Eparchy of Faridabad, they continue to support the parish, especially in the area of Faith Formation.