The Chennai Syro-Malabar mission was established in 1983 and it was entrusted to Mar. James Pazhayattil (The Bishop of Irinjalakuda diocese) by the Syro-Malabar Hierarchy. This mission is rooted in the emphasis of II Vatican Council that every individual church should maintain her cultural and ecclesial identity. Therefore the first and important task of this mission was to look after the pastoral needs of Syro-Malabar Catholics in Chennai. Rev.Fr.Jose Palatty was appointed as the first Chaplain by Most Rev.Arulappa, the then Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore.

At present there are around 5000 families in this mission in a span of 50 km. 14 priests and about 80 sisters support this mission through their spiritual leadership. This mission has already constructed 7 Churches. The Pastoral Centre at Ayanavaram, co-ordinates all programmes of the Chennai Mission. There are three religious houses for men congregations and eight religious houses for sisters. 8 schools, 2 special schools, 1 cancer hospice, 1 clinic, 1 hostel, 1 retreat centre, etc. are being managed by Rev. Fathers and Sisters.