1. Chavara Retreat was held for CMI members in Kenya and Tanzania from 26th March, 2015. All the members appreciated the retreat preached by Rev. Fr. George Kulangara CMI, Provincial of Bijnor Province. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Provincial and Kenya - Tanzania missionaries.
2. Smart cane was distributed to the selected visually impaired people at Chavara Cultural Centre Kochi, on 29th March, 2015. The program was jointly organized by Chavara International Institute for Visually Challenged (CIIVC) and Society for Rehabilitation of Visually Challenged (SRVC). Rev. Fr. Sebastian Thekkedath General Councillor was present for the function. The smart cane was developed by IIT Delhi. Costing only Rs 3,000, the device sends out ultrasonic waves that enable the user to detect obstacles without touching them. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Roby Kannanchira for the initiative.
3. Poornodaya and Samanvaya, Bhopal organized Bp Januarius Endowment Lectures on Chanda Mission by Fr Tomy Chirapurath CMI from 24-25 March, 2015 at Poonodaya campus. Rev. Fr. Tomy gave lectures on the following topics: CMI Raigarh-Ambikapur Mission: A Preparatory Ground; Chanda: Land and People; Launch and Growth of the Mission; Mar Januarius: a visionary leader; Retrospection and Prospects. His Grace Abp Leo Cornelio SVD presided over the inaugural session, Rev. Fr. Prior General gave the inaugural address and Rev. Fr. George Thanchan made the concluding remarks. Rev. Fr. Vicar General celebrated the Eucharist and gave the homily. Rev. Fr. Davis Varayilan, Rector welcomed the gathering, Rev. Fr. Anto Karokaran, founder director of Poornodaya, gave the orientation talk and Rev. Fr. Benny Thettayil proposed the vote of thanks. Members of the General council, Rev. Provincials, Samanvya staff and students in all centres, Rev. Fathers and sisters also attended the program and appreciated the event. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Tomy for the presentations and Rev. Fr. Davis Varayilan and Rev. Fr. Benny for taking the initiative to organize the event. In preparation for the event, Poornodaya buildings were repaired and it will help the effective functioning of the centre.
4. A program to learn, evaluate and plan ahead the process of formation in SAMANVAYA was held on 25 and 26th March, 2015 in Samnvaya, Bhopal in connection with its 20 years of existence. Rev. Fr. Prior General gave the orientation talk, Rev. Fr. Davis Varayilan, made a presentation on Samnvaya in the making, Rev. Fr. Saju Chakkalcakal, President of DVK made a presentation with critical insights and suggestions, Three CMI alumni of Samanvaya shared their reflections, Rev. Fr. Thomas Aykara moderated the session and gave critical reflections of its origin and growth and Rev. Fr. George Thanchan gave the concluding remarks. General Council team, Rev. Provincials, Rev. Rectors of study houses, masters and spiritual fathers of Samanvaya, former staff, alumni and the present students attended the program. Congratulations to Samnvaya family.
5. Minor orders and diaconate were conferred on our scholastics in Dharmaram College by Mar Jose Puthenveetil, auxiliary bishop of Ernakkulam-Angamaly diocese on 27th and 28th March respectively. 26 CMI scholastics were conferred with order of diaconate. Rev. Fr. Rector welcomed the gathering and Mar Jose Puthenveetil conferred the orders and gave the message. Rev. Fr. Prior General felicitated the new deacons. Congratulations and prayers to the newly ordained deacons.
6. The renovated St. Anthony lower church was rededicated on Saturday, March 21 by Most Reverend Paul Sanchez, the auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn Diocese. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Davy Kavungal and Rev. Fr. Jilson Naduviledath for the initiatives and efforts for the renovation.
7. Chavara Retreat will be held at Mar Thoma Provincial House, Chanda in the first week of June. Rev. Fr. Antony Njallampuzha will be the retreat preacher. Those who are interested may contact the Provincial, Chanda for more details.
8. Confession facility organized by St. Joseph's Province, Kottyam, was highly appreciated by the people. A team of 20 priests, mostly seniors, have come together to devote themselves to be available for confession or counseling. Their telephone numbers are given and they may be contacted for the ministry at any time in the respective monasteries. Rev. Fr. Varghese Pudussery has given them guidance for counseling in 2 days. Carmel Province Muvattupuzha has two dedicated centres for confession and counseling in Thodupuzha and Pulluvazhy. Congratulations to the new initiatives.
9. Rev. Fr. Prior General and Rev. Fr. George Thanchan, General Councillor for Evangelization visited Chanda mission on 22nd and 23rd March, 2015. They met with the provincial council and members of the province and had discussion on the mission initiatives of Chanda in today's context. Almost all the members of the province attended the session and shared their concerns and practical insights.
10. Rev. Fr. Prior General visited Darsana, Wardha and met with the staff and students. He also spent time with the staff and made evaluation of the academic year.
11. Let us remember our departed:
Mr. Issac Mathew Chavara (55), cousin brother of Fr. Cyriac Madathil CMI (Provincial, St. Joseph's Province, Thiruvanathapuram), was called to eternal rest on 18.03.2015
Mr. Thomas (50), elder brother of Fr. Martin Payyapilly (Preshitha Province, Coimbatore), slept in the Lord on 22.03.2015
Mr. P. L. Xavier (90), beloved father of Rev. Fr. Prasanth Palackappilly CMI (Sacred Heart Province, Kochi), slept in the Lord on 25.03.2015
Mr. Chandi Thomas (95), elder brother of Rev. Fr. E. C. John Edamala (St. Joseph's Province, Thiruvanathapuram), slept in the Lord on 27.03.2015
Mr. Chandy Augusthy Pulavelil (89), beloved father of Fr. Jose Pulavelil CMI (Chavara Province, Bhavnagar), expired on 29.03.2015