Mar Thoma Shleeha Cathedral

Mar Thoma Shleeha Cathedral is a Syro-Malabar Catholic church with a spacious interior decorated with stained glass windows showing biblical scenes. The main sanctuary holds around 1,165 people and serves as the central place of worship for the local community.

The cathedral was consecrated in 2008 and established as the seat of the bishopric for the Syro-Malabar Catholic community in this region. Its founding marked a key moment for this Eastern Christian tradition to have a permanent center in America.

The congregation celebrates services that blend South Indian traditions with Catholic practices, using both Malayalam and English in their worship. This combination shapes how the community gathers and prays together throughout the year.

Visitors can enter during opening hours, and daily services take place throughout the week. The location is at 5000 Saint Charles Road, where staff can answer questions about visiting or special events.

The grounds include a grotto space that invites quiet prayer and personal reflection apart from the main sanctuary. This separate area allows visitors to experience a moment of solitude and contemplation during their visit.

Location: Bellwood

Inception: 2008

Website: http://smchicago.org

GPS coordinates: 41.88796,-87.89404

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:02