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The Congregation of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) is the first indigenous religious congregation in India.

150 days' preparation to celebrate 150th anniversary of ORU NALLA APPANTE CHAVARUL

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150 days' preparation to celebrate 150th anniversary of ORU NALLA APPANTE CHAVARUL (issued on 13 February 1868) was formally opened with a prayer and blessing of Rev. Fr. Paul Achandy, Prior General, at CMI St. Joseph's Monastery, Koonammavu, which was followed by a prayer by CMC Sisters in the room where our Father Saint Chavara lived and died in Koonammavu St. Philomina's Church. It was in this room that Saint Chavara wrote the Chavarul and sent to Kainakary. Symbolically representing the route, CMI and CMC members made a pilgrimage from Koonammavu to Kainakary. During this trip, the Chavarul was prayerfully read. After reaching Chavara Bhavan, Kainakary, Fr. Thomas Kallukalam, director of Chavara Bhavan, welcomed everyone and the lighting of the lamp was made by Fr. Prior General along with Fr. Sebastian Thekkedathu and Fr. Saju Chackalackal, CMI General Councillors, and Sr. Lissy Augustine and Sr. Regina Mary, CMC General Gouncillors, and Fr. Zacharias Paikat, Koonammavu Prior, and Fr. James Madathikandam, former vice-postulator. It was followed by the reading of the first two parts of the Chavarul by Fr. Saju Chackalackal and a prayer based on the intentions of the Chavarul by CMC sisters. Then, the Eucharistic celebration was held, which was presided over by Fr. Prior General; a relevant homily was preached by Fr. Sebastian Thekkedathu. Finally, after the Mass, Novena prayer was said and the concluding blessing with the saintly relique of Saint Chavara was given by Fr. Prior General. It is hoped that the observation of 150 days' study and prayer will enhance CMI and CMC consciousness in favour of the renewal of families after the model enshrined in the Chavarul of Saint Chavara.