Immaculate Conception Church, Dombivli

The origin and growth of the Syro-Malabar Catholic community at Dombivli–Thakurli can be traced back to the 1960s, when a few migrant Catholic families settled in the township. One of the initial initiatives of the emerging parish was the purchase of a flat at Ambika Palace (Flat No. D-10), near Dombivli Station.

Two priests with jurisdiction extending from Thane to Titwala and Karjat were appointed to serve the faithful. One among them was Rev. Fr. George Edakkalathur, the first Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Church, Dombivli. The Dombivli Parish officially began functioning on 6 September 1988 from Ambika Palace.

In the initial years, Holy Qurbana was celebrated at Jondhale School and Don Bosco School, which generously permitted the parish to conduct Qurbana on Sundays and Saturdays respectively. With the establishment of the convent, daily Holy Qurbana became possible in the school hall.

The most pressing need was an independent Prayer and Community Centre. This dream began to take shape with the purchase of land at MIDC, and the foundation stone was laid by Bishop Mar Paul Chittilappilly on 30 March 1990.

With pride and gratitude, we remember our first Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. George Edakkalathur, whose dedicated leadership inspired the parishioners and enabled the completion of the Prayer and Community Centre.

The Parish Centre, named Amalalayam, was solemnly blessed on 8 December 1991 by Bishop Mar Paul Chittilappilly.

A long-cherished dream was fulfilled with the establishment of St. Therese Convent, run by the C.M.C. Sisters of the Nirmala Province, on 17 January 1991.

The convent began with Sr. Philiphine (Superior), Sr. Probus, and Sr. Vinaya, laying a strong foundation for future educational and pastoral initiatives at Dombivli.

By the early 2000s, the parish had grown to nearly 500 families, necessitating larger venues for major celebrations like Christmas and Easter, which were held at Bharat Natya Mandir and other halls.

In 2006, land in Dombivli West was initially identified. Subsequently, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Paul Olikkal, the present land at Dawdi Village, Dombivli East, was finalized and registered in May 2007.

The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Mar Thomas Elavanal on 8 December 2008. On 2 October 2009, the statue of Lourdes Matha was solemnly installed. The church was consecrated on 8 December 2009.

We remember Rev. Fr. Paul Olikkal, whose hard work and inspiring leadership enabled the completion of the present church at Dawdi Village.

In August 2015, the construction and blessing of the Mary Matha Hall (First Floor), St. Joseph Hall (Second Floor), and the Presbytery were completed under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Biju Mannamcheril.

The St. Jude Prayer Centre at Gagangiri Arcade, Dombivli West, was blessed on 30 October 2022 by Bishop Mar Thomas Elavanal.

This center stands as a symbol of perseverance, completed under the dedicated leadership of the Vicar, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Mudakkalil.

During 2023–2025, major works including the Amalalayam Hall (Third Floor), Church Offices, and a Guest Room were completed.

The installation of a passenger lift and the redevelopment of the Church Grotto were also carried out under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Sebastian Mudakkalil.

A new convent for the SABS Sisters Congregation, located at Regency Estate, was solemnly blessed on 26 April 2025 by Bishop Mar Thomas Elavanal.

The sisters were entrusted with the academic administration of the newly developing Santhom School.

The foundation stone of Santhom School was laid on 28 April 2024. The building was completed and blessed on 9 September 2025.

The project was guided by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Mudakkalil, who was also appointed as the school’s first Director.

A significant spiritual milestone was marked with the blessing of Premchara, the Perpetual Adoration Centre, on 22 October 2025.

The ceremony was officiated by Archbishop Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal during the tenure of Rev. Fr. Sebastian Mudakkalil.