News Update
1. The feast of St. Kuriaose Elias Chavara was celebrated at Chavara Pilgrim Centre, Kainakary on 7th February, 2016. Mar George Rajendran, Bishop of Thuckalay was the main celebrant. Rev. Fr. Mathew Chandrakunnel, Pala Diocese, gave the homily. Rev. Fr. Prior General led the Novena prayer. Rev. Fr George Thanchan, General Councillor and other CMI members were present. There was a large gathering of the faithful and the procession was held from the pilgrim centre to St. Elias Carmel House. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Johnson Panthlanickal, Rev. Fr. Mathew Polachira and Rev. Fr. Joseph Ayyamkary.

2. The formal inauguration of Rajagiri Hospital, Chungangamvely was held on 7th February, 2016 by Shri Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala. His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alenchery presided over the function and blessed the foundation stone for the Medical College and Rajagiri Retreat - a centre for the senior citizens. Rev. Fr. Prior General gave the felicitation address. Rev. Fr. Jose Cletus Plackal, Provincial welcomed the gathering and Rev. Fr. Jose Alex Oruthtayappally proposed the vote of thanks. Rev. Fr. Johnson Vazhappilly CMI, Executive Director and CEO, presented the master plan of Rajgairi Health care complex. Congratulations to Rajagiri team for realizing the first milestone in short span.

3. Rev. Fr. Sebastian Thekkedath came back on 7th February, 2016 after visiting USA to take up the Chapel in the Mall Ministry in Boston. He attended Christ Educational Society Meeting on 15th February, 2016.

4. Five more Brazil Missionaries left on 8th February, 2016. Special adoration and special prayers were held in PG House, Chavara Hills. Rev. Fr. Prior General and the community prayed and blessed the new missionaries.

5. The Annual Regents Meet was held at Chavara Hills from 11th to 13th February, 2016. Rev. Fr. Paulson Thaliyath, General Formation Coordinator welcomed the gathering. Rev. Fr. Prior General gave introductory message. Regents shared their learning experiences in the practical context. Rev. Sr. Therese CHF spoke on the joy of the consecrated life. Rev. Fr. Vicar General gave the concluding message. Out of 34 regents, 28 attended the program, 2 were sick and 4 failed to attend the program. The regents expressed their joy and gratitude for having organized the Meet for reflecting upon their experience in order to move ahead in life with new energy. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Vicar General and Rev. Fr. Paulson Thaliyath for conducting the program very effectively.

6. Dr. C. A Ananda Bose IAS (Retd.), Chairman of Chavara Chair at M G University, spoke in UN on 12th February, 2016 and highlighted the work of St. Chavara for cultural sustainability through the integration of the spiritual and the material. He states, "By the grace of the saint it was received with loud applause." He is addressing different communities and universities in USA on St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara. Congratulations to the efforts of Rev. Fe. Sebastian Thekkedath, General Councillor, to connect with him.

7. Rev. Fr. Prior General, members of the General Council and Chavara Hills attended the 150th anniversary celebration of the foundation of Congregation of Mother of Carmel held in St. Teresa's Convent, Koonammavu. Rev. Fr. Prior General celebrated Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist in Koonammavu on 13th February, the foundation day along with our Fathers in Koonammavu.

8. Rev. Fr. Prior General makes canonical visitation in CSR, Pariyram, Kainakary, Mannanam, Karikkamury, Kakkadampoil and Niravilpuzha from 20th February, 2016. He will visit Kolkata sub region from 2nd to 7th March, 2016.

9. The get together of all the newly professed members in all the novitiates will be held in Chavara Hills from 11th to 13th April, 2016.

10. The General Plenary Assembly will be held in CMI Prior General's House, Chavara Hills at 10 am on 4th April to 4 p.m. on 8th April, 2016.

11. A final session of the Renewal program of the congregation will be held from 13th to 15th April, 2016 for all who could not attend the program held in the provinces or formation houses. The provincials shall make sure of the participation of all the members in attending the program.

12. The preparation for the Final Vows will be held in CSR Pariyaram from 1st to 19th May, 2016.

13. The orientation program for CMI Philosophy students will be held in Dharmaram College from 2nd to 21st May, 2016. Brothers who study in DVK and Darsana shall attend the program.

14. The meeting of Rectors of Aspirants' Houses and Vocation Promoters will be held in Chavara Hills from 8th to 11th May, 2016.

15. The Quinquennial program of the Junior Priests will be held in Chavara Hills from 22nd to 25th May, 2016 and from 12th to 15th August, 2016 and in Poornodaya Bhopal form 10th to 13th September, 2016 and from 20th to 23rd October, 2016. Junior priests who have not completed five years after their ordination shall attend the quinquennial program conducted in Chavara Hills or Poornodaya Bhopal. The provincials shall send the list of the participants in each quinqennial program by 29th February, 2016.

16. A National Meet of CMIs engaged in Educational Apostoalte will be held from 15th to 17th September, in Dharmaram College, Bangalore, All the directors, principals, headmasters and teachers of our university colleges and schools shall attend the program and they are directed to mark the dates in their year plan.

17. Let us remember our departed souls:

. Rev. Fr. Paul Valiakandathil SJ (79), the elder brother of Fr. Mathew Valiakandathil CMI (St. John's Province, Bijnor), slept in the Lord on 14.02.2016.
. Mr. K. O. Paulose (66), the beloved father of Rev. Fr. Biju Kottackal (Yesu Bhavan, Jalgaon, Devamatha Province, TSR), was called to eternal rest on 16.02.2016.