1. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. John Elavathinkal who has been selected to the Presbyterian Council of the Diocese of Santarem. It is a great recognition to CMI Amazon mission and our pioneers in Amazon. From January 2017, CMIs will take up independent responsibility of the five parishes. Let us appreciate our young missionaries in Brazil and pray for them.
2. In CMI Center for Spirituality, Liberty, USA, a new initiative has been launched to organize a prayer session for the public on every first Saturday of the month. On 5th November, 2016, Rev. Dr. Thomas Kalam gave an inspiring talk on "St.Theresa of Calcutta a model of Mercy". The requiem mass was offered for Rev.Fr. Sylvester Pudussery who was the Resident member of CMI Center for Spirituality. There were around 30 participants. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. James Panackal, the Director and our CMI members for the creative step.
3. Rev. Fr. George Vempadanthara took charge as Pastor in Cologne- Rondorf, Germany on 11th September, 2016. Congratulations and best wishes to Rev. Fr. George in the new assignment.
4. German Delegation Council organized Chavara retreat for the CMI Members in Europe in two sessions in October. Rev. Fr. Thomas Kochumuttam was the retreat preacher. 49 of our Fathers from Germany and Austria participated in the retreat. The retreat was very well appreciated by the participants. Encouraged from the success of Chavara retreat this year, retreat for the coming year too was arranged and Rev. Fr. Roy Palatty will be the retreat preacher.
5. Rev. Fr. Jose Vadakkekara who celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his Priestly Ordination has made a great contribution to the Syro Malabar Church in Germany by translating Syro Malabar Malayalam Mass to German language. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Jose Vadakkekara for his hard work and commitment.
6. The meeting of the provincial councilors of social apostolate was held in St. Xavier's Provincial House, Rajkot on 5th November, 2016. Rev. Fr. Vicar General presided over the meeting. The councilors presented their reports of the department functioning and chalked out new programs for the future. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Vicar General and thanks to the Provincial and team in Rajkot.
7. Prior General's Canonical visitation in Chavara Contemplative Ashram, Kakkadampoil, and St. Elias Aranyashram, Niravilpuzha was held from 9th to 11 November, 2016. CMI members and novices appreciate the benefit of being in Kakkadampoil for deep prayer experience. Rev. Fr. Prior General will make the visitations in St. Joseph's CMI Ashram - Karikkarmuri, Chavara Bhavan - Kainakary and CSR- Pariyram from 14 to 20th November, 2016.
8. The enrichment program for CMI College going Scholastics in South India was held from 11 - 13 November, 2016 in Chavara Hills, Kakkanad. Rev. Fr. Vicar General gave the orientation talk and Rev. Fr. Paulson Thaliyath explained the dynamics of the program. Rev. Fr. Jerome Cherussery made a presentation on Community Life: Vision and Spirituality of St. Chavara. Rev. Fr. Saju Koothodiputhanpurayil CST spoke on Integration of the Secular with the Divine. The scholastics shared their life experiences in CMI houses and their aspirations for the future. Rev. Fr. Prior General gave the concluding message. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Paulson Thaliyath, the General Formation Coordinator and Chavara Hills community for effective organization.
9. The Year of Mercy get together was held in Chavara Hills along with the old people, the blind and the less privileged children from Udaya Colony and other places around Karikakmury. The function was organized by Rev. Fr. Vicar General and Rev. Fr. Jince, Secretary, CEVA. The scholastics who were present for the get together also took part in it with their cultural programmes. The participants had music, dance, skit and shinkarimelam during the function. All had their lunch with the CMI community and the scholastics in Chavara Hills. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Vicar General, CEVA, Chavara International Institute for Visually Challenged (CIIVC) and Chavara Hills community for effectively organizing it. As part of the conclusion of the Year of Mercy, one day adoration will be held in Chavara Hills on Friday, 18th November, 2016.
10. Let Us Pray for the Departed Souls:
. Rev. Fr. Antony Sylvester Pudussery CMI (86), Sacred Heart Province, Kochi, slept in the Lord on 05.11.2016.
. Mr. Issac Edakalathur, elder brother of Fr. Baby Shepherd CMI (Devamatha Province, TSR) slept in the Lord on 01.11.2016.
. Mr. Augustine (88), elder brother of Fr. Jose Arimboor CMI (Devamatha Province, TSR), slept in the Lord on 07.11.2016.
. Rev. Sr. Gloria SABS, (Adoration convent, Edappilly, Kerala), beloved sister of Rev. Fr. Jose Pottakaran CMI (St. Paul's Province, BHO), slept in the Lord on 08.11.2016.
. Mr. Paulose (82), beloved brother of Rev. Fr. Sebastian Pereppadan CMI (Bhopal province) and paternal uncle of Fr Pauly Pereppadan CMI (Thrissur Province) died on 09.11.2016.
. Mr. Varghese Banglowparambil (Kunjachan - 70), beloved father of Rev. Fr Antony Banglowparambil CMI (St. Joseph's Province, TVM), slept in the Lord on 10.11.2016.