The migrated Christians were very much eager to maintain their identity, faith and worship. They initially formed two Associations viz. Kerala Catholic League and Malabar Catholic Association. The Kerala Catholic League merged with KCU which was founded by Rev. Fr. Urban, OFM (Cap.) in 1959.
The KCA (formerly known as KCU) owes its great respect to Rev. Fr. Urban, OFM (Cap.) who gave the Kerala Catholics all the spiritual guidance and organizational skills required when laying the foundation of this Association – The Kerala Catholic Association. It was the pioneers of the Association whom we should always remember, who worked relentlessly to bring together scattered prospective members who probably led an isolated and unknowingly selfish life. It was those pioneers who foresaw that together they could help each other by sharing their problems, hardships and work under the common banner of an Association.
Faith & Unity is our strength thereby looking after the social, economic and spiritual needs of the Kerala Catholic Community. This humble beginning which was sown earlier made a foundation of the ‘Kerala Catholic Association in the year 1959’.
The venue was the Capucian Friary, the annex to the Church of Our Lady of Fatima at Kirol. In the same year the first Unit was formed on 4th October at Kalina and later at Kirol and within a year 17 Units across the city of Bombay and its suburbs owing allegiance to the Central Council of the K.C.A. Today the KCA has more than 52 Units under its fold and thus the seed sown sixty three years ago has flowered into a gigantic organisation representing more than 1.5 Lakhs Kerala Catholics spread over the city of Mumbai. Thane and Navi Mumbai.
Constitution & Amendments
The General Body Meeting held on the 24th September, 1960 constituted a Committee to formulate the laws and bye-laws of the Association and the draft constitution was approved by the General Body on 21st July, 1963. Further the Constitution was amended on 14-6-1972, 19-5- 1986, 19-6-1988, 1991, 27-3-1999 & in 2006.
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The Association's name to Kerala Catholic Association from the Kerala Catholic Union. Also the Election procedure framed by Balloting System.
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Consequent upon the withdrawal of Patronship, General Spiritual Director by the Hierarchy on 15th February, 2005, KCA had to amend the Constitution in order to delete the constitutional positions of Chief Patron, Co-Chief Patrons and General Spiritual Director and Local Spiritual Directors.
Symbolizing the ideals and goals of the Association, KCA MADE an Emblem in 1980.
Formal Inauguration
The formal inauguration of the KCA took place on 8th January, 1961 at St. Xavier’s ground, Parel. It was one of the most important milestones in the history of the organisation. The Christmas and New Year Celebrations were also conducted on the same day. A drama “Bhoomiyele Malakha” written by Mr. C. L. Jose, Directed and presented by our own Artistes and their children introducing KCA for the first time in the Cultural Map of Mumbai was staged.