May 2023

Major Superiors Advisory Council

The Major Superiors’ Advisory Council meeting was held at the Prior General’s House on 02 and 03 May, 2023. A warm welcome was accorded to the newly elected Provincials. Rev. Fr Prior General expressed confidence in their ability to guide and serve the community with wisdom and grace.

General Council - Provincial Council Meeting

From 12 to 14 May, the GCPC meetings were held, focusing on the introduction of key principles of leadership. During these meetings, discussions centered around effective leadership strategies and the cultivation of essential skills for guiding religious communities. The sessions emphasized the importance of servant leadership, fostering collaboration, and empowering others to fulfill their potential.

June 2023

Get Together of Parish Priests

CMI Parish Priests gathered for a one-day program on 13th June at CMI Prior General’s House to discuss the latest trends in pastoral ministry. The event focused on their crucial role within the parish community. Engaging discussions explored emerging trends in pastoral care, evangelization, and community engagement, fostering collaboration and enhancing the priests’ effectiveness in serving the faithful.

Quinquennial 2023

From 23 to 25 June, a Renewal Program was organized for the young priests of the congregation. The program revolved around the theme of communitarian witnessing, aligning with the congregation’s celebration of this year as the Year of “Communitarian Witnessing.” The participants reflected on their past years of ministry, assessing their spiritual growth and the impact of their witness within their communities. The program aimed to strengthen their commitment to communal living, authentic witness, and deepening their spiritual journey as they continue their priestly service.

Orientation for Youth Animators

Youth animators participated in a workshop from 15 to 17 June, aimed at refreshing their ministry. Led by experienced youth ministers, the program provided orientation and practical guidance for members of the congregation who will serve as youth animators and directors. Through interactive sessions, the workshop equipped animators with new insights and renewed passion for accompanying and empowering the youth on their faith journey.

July 2023

Prior General’s Day

On 1st July, Prior General’s day was celebrated. The event was filled with gratitude towards the Lord for the abundant blessings bestowed upon us through our beloved Fr Prior General. The celebration featured a variety of cultural programs, showcasing the richness and talent within our Congregation. Fr Prior General was felicitated for his exemplary leadership and guidance, as we expressed our heartfelt appreciation for his dedicated service to the congregation.

Laying Foundation Stone of New Block of PGH

Laying Foundation Stone of the New Block of Prior General's House was done by Fr Prior General on 10 July 2023.

'CMI Year of Communitarian Living'

The CMI Year of Communitarian Living saw an impactful Animation Program taking place at the General House from July 23 to 27, 2023. Renowned psychologist Rev. Fr Paulson Veliyannoor CMF spearheaded the program, providing insightful leadership. Two animators from each province actively participated, engaging in comprehensive training sessions. The program stood out for its captivating nature, featuring practical guidance from Fr Paulson, making each session a valuable and interesting experience for all involved.

August 2023

Farewell

After an illustrious tenure spanning over 15 years under the Prior General, Fr James Madathikamdathil bid a heartfelt farewell and began a new chapter, transitioning to the serene Vazhakulam Monastery on August 2nd.

Chavara Hills Welcomes Archbishop Cyril Vasil Sj

Chavara Hills became a distinguished host to His Grace Archbishop Cyril Vasil SJ, the pontifical delegate for the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, from 04th to the 21st August 2023.

Welcome

On August 05th, Fr Jose Thaiparambil joined into the Prior General’s House community. The community warmly welcomed its new spiritual guide, marking a momentous occasion.

September 2023

Canonical Visitation

From September 07 to October 15, Fr Prior General went on a canonical visitation, of all major study houses and institutions, reinforcing the Congregation’s commitment to excellence.

October 2023

State of Indian Democracy Manipur And Beyond

On October 22, the acclaimed journalist, Mr. Vinod K Jose, engaged in a session with major superiors of the Syro-Malabar religious congregations at Chavara Hills. The discussion centered on the prevailing situation of Christians in India, with a specific focus on Manipur.

‘Human Formation’ for Formators

A workshop on ‘Human Formation’ for Formators was conducted at the CMI Prior General’s House from October 23 to 26. The event saw the participation of 55 individuals from our congregation and other Syro-Malabar male congregations. The entire program was organised under the guidance of Fr Hans Zollner SJ, a German Jesuit, theologian, and psychologist. The sessions were enriched by the expertise of Dr Anna Mary Thumma SCCG and Dr Joe Paul Kiriyanthan.

November 2023

Seminar

A thought-provoking seminar, “The Life and Works of St Chavara,” was organised at Chavara Hills on 03rd and 04th November. Organized by the Chavara Central Secretariat in collaboration with the CMC Congregation, the event featured a keynote address by His Grace Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara.

Grace Fest 2023

Grace Fest, a gathering of our esteemed priests aged seventy and beyond, took place at the Prior General’s House from November 14 to 16. A total of 66 vibrant participants actively engaged themselves in the program, which was graced by the presence of Bishops George Madathikandathil, Sebastian Vaniyapurackal, and Antony Kariyil. They were enriched by the wisdom of Fr Benny Nalkara CMI and Mr George Gloria, illuminated the event.

Quinquennial 2023

The last quinquennial program series took place at Prior General›s House from November 24 to 26, 2023. Over 25 young CMI members actively engaged in the sessions, focusing on the renewal, reflection, evaluation of their religious and priestly life, and sharing of experiences.

Shooting of Men in Cassock Band

Shalom Television, in collaboration with Men in Cassocks, the Music Ministry of the CMI congregation, showcased a special six-episode Christmas program titled "Jingle Vibes". The program, widely praised for its content and innovation, was broadcasted in the five days leading up to Christmas and on Christmas Eve. The shooting sessions took place at our Prior General›s House on November 17-18, 2023. All six episodes of Jingle Vibes are accessible on YouTube.

December 2023

A Day of Prayer

On 21st December 2023, a chain rosary was organised at St Joseph’s Monastery Church Mannanam, at the tomb of St Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the champion of our Church who worked hard to strengthen the Church in faith. The prayer day commenced with the Eucharistic celebration at 07.00 am, and the conclusion of the Chain rosary was at 06.00 pm with a rosary procession with lighted candles.

January 2024

Reception for New Priests

On January 03, 2024, a warm reception was extended to 45 new priests at the Generalate. The following day, on January 04, they celebrated the thanksgiving Holy Eucharist with the community, followed by felicitation.

Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession for Rev. Fr Prior General

January 06, 2024, marked the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Religious profession for Rev. Fr Thomas Chathamparampil, our beloved Prior General. The jubilee thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration took place at 9:00 am, the jubilee message was given by His Excellency Bp Sebastian Vaniapurackal. A felicitation gathering followed at 11:30 am, graced by the presence of Major Archbishop Emeritus George Cardinal Alenchery, Bp Bosco Puthoor, Archbishop Antony Kariyil, Bp Joseph Kunnath, Bp John Vadakkel, Bp Jose Chittooparampil, Bp Joseph Kollamparampil, Bp James Athikalam, Bp John Panamthottam, along with numerous fathers, sisters, brothers, and relatives of Fr Prior General.

Golden Jubilee of Priestly Ordination

A gathering of Golden Jubilarians of Priestly ordination took place on January 09 and 10, 2024, with 24 jubilarians in attendance. A thanksgiving Holy Eucharistic celebration occurred on January 10, followed by a rich sharing session reflecting on 50 years of dedicated life.

Reception to the Major Archbishop

The CMI Prior General House was graced by the presence of Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil on January 14, 2024. His Beatitude celebrated the Holy Eucharist with the community, and the community joyfully greeted him.

Freshers Day 2024

Freshers Day 2024, a gathering of first-year aspirants from our South Indian provinces, took place on January 16. Despite being a South Indian provinces get-together, the event welcomed members from Hyderabad, Bhopal, Rajkot, and a total of 115 brothers, rectors, and regents participated. The blessed occasion commenced with a Holy Eucharistic Celebration, where the Curia Bishop, Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal, served as the main celebrant, and the Vicar General and all rectors con-celebrated in the Holy Mass. Subsequently, games, competitions, and cultural events added charm to the day, concluding with a final message from the Prior General.

Utsah 2024

Utsah-2024, the regency meet for this year, took place at the Prior General's House from January 23-25. Over 50 brothers from all provinces participated in the event. The sessions were centered on assisting them in evaluating their religious-priestly vocation as they approach the final stage of their formation. The event was highlighted by fruitful discussions, experience sharing, and interactions with the Prior General and the team.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Samanvaya Theology College and Darsana Institute of Philosophy on their successful affiliation with Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, the pontifical Athneyam. This marks a significant milestone in their academic pursuit & formation journey.