Our History
The purpose of establishing the then named The Knanaya Association of Houston in 1979, was to enrich the lives of Knanaya Catholics in Houston, by engaging in various activities as a community, such as cultural, charitable, educational and social activities; all the while promoting the traditions of the Knanaya Catholic Community, under the leadership of the Archdiocese of Kottayam in Kerala, India, by maintaining the necessary environment for its regular practice.
In the 1970s, the migration of Knanaya families to Houston began. Under the leadership of Fr. James Kudilil, occasional meetings were held for the Houston Knanayites. The Knanaya Association of Houston was officially incorporated in 1979, with the unanimous vote of the eighteen original families. The association was created as a way for the Knanayites of Houston to guard the cultural and spiritual values they were brought up with, and for this, meetings were held periodically. Since meetings were held, and with the willingness of Knanaya priests, prayers and the Holy Mass was organized when Knanaya priests visited.
In the year 1990, The Knanaya Association of Houston, was renamed o the Houston Knanaya Catholic Society (HKCS), so that all Knanaya Catholic units in the United States of America, under the leadership of the Knanaya Catholic Congress of North America (KCCNA) would have a common format to their names.
Today, HKCS a population of ~800 families, allowing for a close-knit community who can practice their cultural and religious traditions. HKCS has annual events which are strong with members, and filled with youth, allowing for the community members to come together on a regular basis. Annual events include, but aren’t limited to New Year’s Entertainment Programs, HKCS Onam Program, the Christmas Cultural Program, Spring sports picnic, Fall Picnic and an Annual Community Basketball and Volleyball Tournament. It also hosts an annual fundraising program, in which proceeds are used to further the Community in its future endeavors. Such events, and the unity of the community are other reason why Houston is such an attractive unit for Knanayites to move to![/expander_maker]
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