In the early 20th century, Australia implemented stringent immigration policies to exclude non-Europeans, with a particular focus on Chinese and Pacific Islanders. During this period, the settlement of Indians in the country was close to impossible. However, in 1928, Bishop Alexander Chulaparambil, a 51-year-old Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Kottayam, received an invitation to attend the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney.
Bishop Chulaparambil, born in Kumarakom in 1877, had held the position of bishop of Kottayam since 1923. He had established a strong bond with the Archbishop of Brisbane, Rev Duhig, following his attendance at the Eucharistic Congress in Rome in 1922. This association significantly influenced his decision to accept the invitation to the Congress in Sydney.
Accompanying Bishop Chulaparambil on his journey to Australia in 1928 was his secretary, Father Thomas Tharayil. They travelled on the SS Comorin from Colombo to Sydney, likely becoming the first Malayalis to visit Australia.
In Australia, the Indian clergyman received substantial media coverage, eliciting mixed reactions regarding the presence of non-white delegates in the country. The secular press referred to Bishop Chulaparambil and Father Tharayil as ‘dark-skinned’ and ‘natives’, while the Communist Party of Australia condemned their presence as a violation of the White Australia Policy.
Despite the attention, Bishop Chulaparambil declined to express his opinions on the political situation in the country when approached by a reporter from the Sydney Morning Herald. He attributed this to the complex nature of the country’s social structure, influenced by caste and dialect differences.
At the time, the princely state of Travancore had six lakh Catholics, and the church had witnessed greater Indianization. Bishop Chulaparambil noted that Indians were gradually assuming higher positions in the church across the country.
He was warmly received in Australia, with the religious press particularly impressed by his knowledge and command of the English language. The secular media also expressed fascination with Bishop Chulaparambil’s ceremonial attire, providing extensive descriptions of it.
While specific details of Bishop Chulaparambil’s contributions during the congress and his visits to places like Brisbane remain scarce, his presence was deemed “of great importance” by the Queensland Times.
Bishop Chulaparambil had expressed interest in visiting Tasmania and New Zealand, but historical evidence of such visits is non-existent. His journey to Australia may have been an unforeseen stroke of luck or a result of divine will.
In April 1928, a church in Kottayam suffered a tragic event when lightning struck the cross over the altar during a mass, resulting in fatalities and injuries. If the tragedy had occurred at the main Syro-Malabar Church, it would have been a close call for Bishop Chulaparambil and Father Tharayil. Regrettably, there are no documented records detailing Bishop Chulaparambil’s experiences during his time in Australia, which would undoubtedly make for engaging reading.
The remarkable journey of Bishop Alexander Chulaparambil to Australia offers insights into an exceptional chapter in the history of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and stands as a testament to his pioneering spirit.
Written by Ajay Kamalakaran, a multilingual writer primarily based in Mumbai.