News Update
1. The feast of St. Kuriakose Elias was held on 12 February 2014 at Chavara Pilgrim Centre, Kainakary. Mar Pauly Kannookadan, Bishop of Irinjalakkuda, was the main celebrant. Rev. Fr. Varghese Vithayathil, Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Saju Chackalackal, General Councillor, and other members were present for the festal liturgical celebration. Large number of people irrespective of caste and creed took part in the preparatory Retreat, Novena, solemn Eucharistic celebration, procession and the festal oottunercha. On the solemn feast day, at least 4,500 people participated in the celebrations. Thanks to the efforts of Rev. Fr. Johnson Panthalanickal, Director of Chavara Bhavan, Kainakary, and other committee members, including the CMC sisters of the Pilgrim Centre and those of the neighbouring communities. Members from different CMI Provinces and a large number of CMC sisters and their associates joined the celebrations during the novena days and on the feast day. Dr. Sebastian Paul and Dr. Radhakrishnan also spoke to the faithful prior to the Procession to Saint Chavara School, Kainakari, which was led by Rev. Fr. James Madathikandathil CMI, former Vice-Postulator of the Chavara Cause.
2. Most Rev. David Choby, Bishop of Nashville, a good friend of CMIs is very critical and admitted in ICU. Let us pray for his speedy recovery.
3. Fr. Saju Chackalackal, General Councillor for Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry, returned after his visit to Brazil and Ecuador on 9 February 2017. During this mission trip, Fr. Saju visited all our missionaries in Brazil and Ecuador. Particularly, he joined the signing of the contract between the Diocese of Santarem (Brazil) and our CMI Congregation and the installation of our Fathers as the parish priests and assistant parish priests. In Ecuador, during his visit to different stations spread in three dioceses, he also blessed the newly established Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara Centre for Empowerment, which is a new initiative of Ecuador Mission with the support of Rev. Fr. Prior General. Fr. Saju expressed his great appreciation and satisfaction of the inimitable commitment that our Fathers have for the mission and the unmatched warm welcome extended to us by the faithful of Brazil and Ecuador.
4. Human Formation in Major Seminaries, Seminar cum Workshop was held in Dharmaram College, Bangalore from 10th to 13th February 2017 in connection with the Diamond Jubilee of Dharmaram College. His Beatitude Moron Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, President CBCI, inaugurated the seminar. Rev. Fr. Prior General presided over the inaugural function. His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry gave the concluding message. The seminar was so unique with its theme and participants and resource persons. The participants highly appreciated Dharmaram community for the unique way of celebrating its diamond jubilee with a unique contribution to Indian Church than consumptive celebration. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Rector, Rev. Fr. Shaji Kochuthara and other team members for organizing the event very effectively. As a follow up, a committee has been assigned to evolve a model of human formation in our seminary, which may be made available to other seminaries in India.
5. The Silver Jubilee of Chavara Mission, Dhule was held on 5th February 2017 in Chavara Auditorium, Dhule. Mar Thomas Elavanal celebrated the mass and presided over the jubilee gathering. Rev. Fr. Prior General, Rev. Fr. Walter, the Provincial and Major Superiors of the sister congregations working in the Mission were present. The program consisted of spiritual preparation with chain adoration, and a number of social work initiatives to support the poor and the differently abled. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Thomas Kannanaickal, the Mission Superior, Chavara Mission and the Vicar General of Kalyan Diocese and all our CMI members and other religious sisters and the parish community for effectively organizing the Silver Jubilee Celebration.
6. St. Kuriakose Elias Archives and Research Centre were inaugurated by Honorable Governor of Kerala on 9th February, 2017. Along with other dignitaries, Rev. Fr. Prior General felicitated the gathering and thanked Rev. Fr. Prior, Rev. Fr. Jose Chennatussery and other members who made it possible. Thanks to Dharmaram and its constituent unit Christ University for the support in realizing this project. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Sebastian Chamathara, Prior for his leadership and Rev. Fr. Jose Chennattussery for effectively executing the project through his strenuous efforts. After the function, the Governor visited the tomb of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and paid his respects and prayed over there.
7. Best wishes and God's blessing to Rev. Fr. Vibin Pullanpilly took charge as the secretary to the Prior General. Congratulations and sincere gratitude to Rev. Fr. Sinto Parekattil for his selfless service as the Secretary to the Prior General for the last two years and wish him God's blessing in the future ministry.
8. CMI Educational Summit which was postponed due to the Cauvery issue will be held on 12th, 13th and 14th May 2017 at Engineering College Campus of Christ University Bangalore. All our members engaged in the apostolate of Education shall attend the program. Please do make the registration at the earliest and plan the journey to gain the concession of the early bird. Till the registration opens up on the website,please register your name sending an email with your name, province,address,etc. to sthekkedathu@gmail.com
Let us Remember Our Departed Souls:
. Rev. Fr. Peter Thomas Kandavanathil CMI (83), of Carmel Province, MUV, slept in the Lord on 04.02.2017.
. Rev. Fr. Albert Nambiaparambil CMI (86) of Carmel Province, Muvattupuzha, slept in the Lord on 06.02.2017.
. Rev. Bro. Antony Panackal CMI (80), of St. Joseph's Province, Kottayam slept in the Lord on 14.02.2017.
. Mrs Aniyamma (78), beloved mother of Rev Fr Jomon Kottarathil CMI (St. Thomas Province, Kozhikode), slept in the Lord on 04-02-2017.
. Mr. Mathew Aynikkal (75), beloved brother of Fr. Jose Aynikkal CMI (Devamatha Province, Thrissur) slept in the Lord on 08.02.2017.
. Mrs. Annakutty Tharakunnel (85), beloved elder sister of Fr. Jaiswam Irupuzhickal CMI (Nirmal Province, Jagdalpur), slept in the Lord on 13.02.2017.
. Mrs. Monica (94), beloved Mother of Rev. Fr. Varghese Kokkadan CMI of Preshitha Province Coimbatore, slept in the Lord today on 17-02-2017
. Mrs. Mary Joseph (77), beloved Mother of Rev. Fr. Biju Vadakkel CMI of St. John's Province Bijnor, slept in the Lord on 17-02-2017