In pursuit of excellence, Knanaya community members migrated to UAE during the early 70s via sea and air. Sharjah Knanaya Catholic community (Sharjah KCC) was formed in 1996 by its forerunners who had settled in the emirates of Sharjah, also known as the literary and cultural capital of UAE. The unit is patronized by Sharjah St. Michaels Catholic Church under the Arabian apostolic vicariate and blessed by the Arch Diocese of Kottayam. Since its inception, Sharjah KCC has been a great inspiration to live the Knanaya values and traditions, while continuously enriching the spiritual and cultural needs of its members.

With the graceful support and guidance of the spiritual directors of St. Michaels church, the leaders of the community, including its first president, Late Mr. Thomas Arackal, ensured that the unit always stayed in harmony with the church.Sharjah KCC were instrumental in the formation of KCC UAE in the year 1998 and its member, Mr Abraham Naduvathra was appointed as its first Chairman. Its members, Mr. James Cherusserril and Mr. Joy C Analil also decorated the chairmanship during the later years.   Sharjah unit was privileged to host the Global Knanaya Sangamam in 2005 and the unit’s collective and unified efforts towards the success of the event were adored and appreciated by everyone without exception.

The unit holds its monthly meetings, without fail, in the Viani chapel of St. Michaels Church. The meeting commences with Rosary followed by the review of the unit activities, spiritual message, expert talk, bible quiz and various other cultural activities. It is chaired by the unit president and serves as a platform for showcasing the talents of kids and adults alike. The monthly meetings are yet another venue for socializing and sharing the joy of togetherness and friendship among its members. The unit witnessed migration of its members to US, Europe, and Australia since 2003. However, the periodic leaderships were instrumental in adding more members and keeping the flock together.  It remains as one of the largest units in UAE.  

Sharjah KCC prides itself to have hosted KCC UAE Annual sangamams several times over the years and the team has always endured to receive our Bishops and other dignitaries from the cultural and political spectrum, to grace the occasion.The unit has been blessed with the active participation of younger generations consistently, that has ensured an abundance of creative and innovative ideas. The creation of KCSL (Students league) has been hugely successful, which serves are a platform to our students to show case and develop their talents in arts, sports and cultural activities. KCSL model has been adopted by various other units across the region.

There are 2 picnics conducted in a year, that commands a great participation from the members. Annual Onam celebrations and Christmas carol are regular events that are celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and joy. The carol house visits also present an opportunity to enjoy the famous Knanaya hospitality by its families.Sharjah KCC has always been in the forefront when it comes to giving back to the society as part of its social responsibility. It has successfully undertaken various charity initiatives supporting medical & educational needs, with the relentless support of its members. The ‘Dream House’ initiative has so far helped 6 families realize their dream of owning a house. It also conducts blood donation camps to support UAE hospitals.

The members are in unison with the activities of St. Michaels church and have an active presence as lay ministers, volunteers, choir group members, alter services etc.Special effort is made to ensure women empowerment at all levels of unit’s activities. The unit is committed to having women’s presence in its executive committee that is selected every 2 years. Sharjah KCYL and KCWA are the other active subsidiaries that functions under the unit.The year 2021 is being celebrated as the silver jubilee year since the inception of KCC Sharjah. The year long celebration was flagged off early March through a special jubilee mass.

 With Regards

Abi Kakkanamkattil John

KCC Sharjah Unit President