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News & Events

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

July 2025 to December 2025

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Prior General's Day 2025

The Patron’s Day of our Fr Prior General, Rev. Fr Thomas Chathamparampil CMI, was celebrated at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, on Thursday, 03 July 2025. The occasion was marked by heartfelt gratitude to the Lord for the abundant blessings received through our beloved Fr Prior General. Rev. Fr Provincials, along with fathers and brothers, graced the function with their presence. The celebration featured a variety of cultural programs, reflecting the richness and talent within our Congregation. Fr Prior General was felicitated for his exemplary leadership and guidance, as the participants expressed their sincere appreciation for his dedicated service to the Congregation. Later in the evening, the New Auditorium came alive with the dynamic rhythms and performances of REXBAND.

Formation Coordinators & Vocation Promoters Meet

The General Administration held a one-day meeting for CMI Formation Coordinators and Vocation Promoters at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, on 12 July 2025. The session opened with a keynote address by Rev. Fr Jossey Thamarassery CMI, Vicar General. Rev. Fr Tom Olikarottu then led session on Addressing Contemporary Challenges in Vocation Promotion and Coordination, followed by Experience Sharing & Evaluation of the Formation Coordinators and Vocation Promoters. The afternoon focused on “Re-imagining Vocation Promotion & Formation,” encouraging renewed vision and collaboration.

One day Session for Teachers as part of Year of Education

As part of the CMI Year of Education, a one-day session for teachers from the CMI educational institutions of Kochi, Kottayam, and Thrissur Provinces was organized on 12 July 2025 at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills. The programme focused on “Awareness Building on Drug Abuse” and was organized under the leadership of Rev. Fr Josey Thamarassery, Vicar General, and Rev. Fr Martin Mallathu CMI, General Councillor for Education and Communication Media. Facilitated by the NGO Fourth Wave Foundation under their “VENDA” project, the interactive workshop addressed drug awareness, prevention, and the impact of classroom and community influences, reinforcing the CMI commitment to safe and healthy learning environments.

DVK Office Bearers’ Round Table

A Round Table Meeting of the DVK Office Bearers was held at the CMI Prior General’s House from 19 to 20 July 2025. The session commenced with an inspiring opening address by Rev. Fr. Thomas Chathamparampil CMI, Prior General. The morning sessions featured insightful sharing on the Heritage, Foundations, and Realities of DVK led by the Rector, President, Registrar, Deans of Theology and Philosophy, Section Masters, and Animators. The afternoon sessions focused on Future Directions, Academic Development, and Administrative Planning of DVK. The meeting concluded with a meaningful dialogue with the General Councilors and the Auditor, which greatly enriched the deliberations.

One day Session for Teachers as part of Year of Education

As part of the CMI Year of Education, a one-day session on “Awareness Building on Drug Abuse” was held on 26 July 2025 at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, for teachers from Trivandrum, Kozhikode, and Muvattupuzha Provinces. Facilitated by the NGO Fourth Wave Foundation under their “VENDA” project, the interactive workshop addressed drug awareness, prevention, and the impact of classroom and community influences, reinforcing the CMI commitment to safe and healthy learning environments.

CEVA: Annual General Body Meeting

The Annual General Body Meeting of CEVA was held at CMI Prior General’s House, Kakkanad on 02 August 2025.

CMI Kerala Common Houses Meet

A meeting of the members from the CMI Common Houses in Kerala was held at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, from 22 to 24 August 2025. The session commenced with an opening address by Rev. Fr. Thomas Chathamparampil CMI, Prior General. The gathering was marked by engaging sharing sessions and a meaningful dialogue with the General Councilors and the Auditor, which greatly enriched the meeting.

Onam 2025

The staff and members of the CMI Prior General’s House came together to celebrate Onam on 04 September 2025, marking a day filled with joy and color. The celebrations began with everyone joining hands to create a beautiful and vibrant Onapookalam, reflecting the spirit of unity and togetherness. The day was further enlivened with fun-filled games that brought laughter and friendly competition. The festivities concluded with Onasadya, enjoyed by all, leaving everyone with a sense of joy, gratitude, and shared celebration.

CHRIST UNIVERSITY MEET

As part of the Canonical Visitation of the Prior General, a meeting with the fathers serving across the Christ University Bengaluru campuses and Junior Colleges gathered at the Yeswanthpur Campus for a three-day meeting. The meeting began on the evening of 13 September, creating an atmosphere of fraternity and shared purpose. Sunday’s sessions formed the core of the programme, with the fathers presenting reflections on their learning and teaching experiences in the institution. The afternoon discussions focused on personal futuristic steps to enhance academic engagement and the quality of teaching. The meeting concluded on the morning of 15 September, leaving the participants renewed in vision and strengthened in their commitment to the educational mission of the Congregation.

Major Superiors’ Meeting and Staff of CMI Major Study Houses

The Major Superiors’ Meeting and Staff Sessions of the CMI Major Study Houses were held at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, from 27 to 29 September 2025. The first day was dedicated to the meeting of Major Superiors, which commenced with an opening address by Rev. Fr Thomas Chathamparampil CMI, Prior General, followed by sharing sessions led by the General Council. On the second day, the meeting with the staff of the Major Study Houses began with an orientation talk by the Prior General. Reports were presented by the Rectors, DVK President, VC of Christ, Deans, representatives of Masters, and Spiritual Directors. A presentation on survey findings by Fr Sony Palathara CMI was also featured. The afternoon sessions included the meeting of the Personnel Board, after which the staff sessions concluded, while the Major Superiors’ meeting continued with sharing by the Provincials. The third day of the Major Superiors’ meeting focused on the discussions for conducting the General and Provincial Synaxes in 2026, including presentations on procedures and deliberations. Following common discussions, the meeting concluded with remarks by Fr Prior General.

Reception to New Bishop Joseph Lukose Thachaparambath CMI

A reception was held at the CMI Prior General’s House on 29 September 2025 to felicitate the newly elected Bishop of the Diocese of Adilabad, Mar Joseph Lukose Thachaparambath CMI. The occasion brought joy to the Chavara Hills community to extend their heartfelt congratulations and blessings, celebrating his new pastoral responsibility and leadership within the Church.

CMI Educators Meet: Devamatha Province, Thrissur

As part of the CMI Year of Education, a series of meetings for members engaged in the educational apostolate has been planned at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills. These gatherings are organized under the leadership of the Rev. Fr Prior General and Rev. Fr Martin Mallathu CMI, General Councillor for Education and Media.
The first meeting in the series brought together the members of Devamatha Province, Thrissur, from 10 to 12 October 2025. Fathers serving in various capacities in the educational institutions of the Province participated in the sessions. The discussions centered on the past, present, and future of CMI educational institutions, highlighting their mission, challenges, and opportunities. The meeting concluded with a meaningful dialogue with the General Councilors, which greatly enriched the discussions and outcomes.

Quinquennial @ Rsihikesh

As part of our ongoing formation initiatives, the ‘Quinquennial’ renewal and gathering for junior priests took place from 10–12 October 2025 at Samanwaya, Rishikesh. The program was formally opened with an inspiring inaugural message and keynote address by Bishop John Vadakel. The opening session introduced the theme “From the Seed to the Fruit: Personal Evaluation and Individual Sharing of Religious and Ministerial Life,” inviting participants to reflect deeply on their journey. This was followed by group sharing sessions that allowed the junior priests to exchange experiences and insights. In the evening, the community enjoyed ‘Rishikesh Darshan’, a brief visit to local landmarks. The final day featured a thought-provoking session by Fr Anto Chakiath CMI on “The Proper and the Improper to Fulfil the Will: Reflections on Religious and Priestly Life.” After dedicating time to Adoration and Confession, the gathering concluded with closing remarks from Fr Jossey Thamarassery CMI, Vicar General, bringing the program to a meaningful close.

CMI Educators MeetSt Thomas Province, Kozhikode & St Paul Province, Bhopal

The second gathering in the series of meetings for members engaged in the educational apostolate brought together the members of St. Thomas Province, Kozhikode, and St. Paul Province, Bhopal, from 17 to 19 October 2025 at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills. Fathers serving in various capacities across the educational institutions of both Provinces participated in the sessions. The discussions focused on the past, present, and future of CMI educational institutions, reflecting on their mission, challenges, and emerging opportunities. The meeting concluded with a constructive dialogue with the General Councilors, which added depth and direction to the reflections and outcomes of the gathering.

Inservice-Programme 2025

The General Administration organized a three-day workshop for formators on the theme “The Relevance of Spiritual Direction and Its Dynamics” at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, from 21 to 23 October 2025. Fr Mathew Anatharackal CMI, Sr Nirmala FCC, and Fr Anish Ettakkakunnel delivered insightful talks, exploring various aspects of spiritual direction and its significance in formation.

CMI Educators Meet: St Xavier’s Province, Rajkot

The third gathering in the ongoing series of meetings for members engaged in the educational apostolate brought together the members of St Xavier’s Province, Rajkot, from 26 to 28 October 2025, at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills. Fathers serving in diverse educational roles across the Province participated in the sessions marked by reflection, sharing, and strategic dialogue. The discussions explored the past achievements, present realities, and future directions of CMI educational institutions, with particular emphasis on sustaining the CMI legacy in education amid new challenges and opportunities. The meeting concluded with a fruitful exchange with the General Councilors, offering valuable insights and renewed inspiration for the mission ahead.

CMI Educators Meet: Mary Matha Vice-Province, Hyderabad & Saint Chavara Vice-Province, Bhavnagar

The fourth session in the ongoing series of meetings for members engaged in the educational apostolate brought together the members of St. Chavara Vice-Province, Bhavnagar, and Mary Matha Vice-Province, Hyderabad, from 31 October to 2 November 2025, at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills. Fathers serving in various educational ministries across both Vice-Provinces actively participated in the sessions characterized by reflection, sharing, and forward-looking discussions. The sessions focused on the past achievements, examined the present realities, and envisioned the future directions of CMI educational institutions, with a special focus on strengthening the CMI legacy of faith-based education amid contemporary challenges. The gathering concluded with an enriching dialogue with the General Councilors, whose insights and encouragement inspired participants to renew their commitment to the educational mission of the Congregation.

CMI EDUCATORS MEET: ST JOHN’S PROVINCE, BIJNOR

The fifth session in the ongoing series of meetings for members involved in the educational apostolate was held from 07 to 09 November 2025 at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills. This gathering brought together members of St John’s Province, Bijnor, creating a space for meaningful conversation and collective discernment. Fathers engaged in various educational ministries across the Province participated actively in sessions characterized by thoughtful reflection, mutual sharing, and strategic discussions. The deliberations reviewed the heritage of achievements, assessed the current realities of CMI educational institutions, and considered future pathways for growth and renewal. Special attention was given to preserving and strengthening the CMI tradition of value-based, mission-driven education in the face of emerging opportunities and challenges. The meeting concluded with an engaging interaction with the General Councilors, whose perspectives and encouragement provided fresh direction and renewed enthusiasm for the educational mission entrusted to the Congregation.

CMI Educators Meet: St Joseph Province, Kottayam & Preshitha Province, Coimbatore

The sixth session of the ongoing series of meetings for members engaged in the educational apostolate was held from 14 to 16 November 2025 at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills. This session brought together members from Preshitha Province, Coimbatore, and St Joseph Province, Kottayam, creating a vibrant forum of collaboration and shared vision. Fathers serving in various educational ministries across both Provinces took part in sessions marked by meaningful reflection, open sharing, and forward-looking discussions. The deliberations revisited the significant achievements of past years, assessed the current educational realities, and charted future directions for strengthening CMI educational institutions. Special emphasis was placed on renewing the CMI legacy of faith-based education, especially in light of emerging contemporary challenges. The gathering concluded with an enriching interaction with the General Councilors, whose insights and encouragement inspired the participants to reaffirm their commitment to the educational mission of the Congregation.

CMI Educators Meet: St Paul’s Province, Mysuru

The seventh meeting in the ongoing series for those involved in the educational apostolate was conducted from 21 to 23 November 2025 at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, with the participation of members from St Paul’s Province, Mysuru. Fathers serving in various educational ministries engaged in meaningful and forward-looking discussions that reviewed past milestones, assessed current realities, and reflected on future directions. Special attention was given to reaffirming and strengthening the CMI spirit of value-based, mission-driven education in the face of emerging challenges. The meeting concluded with a constructive interaction with the General Councilors, fostering renewed clarity, encouragement, and commitment to the educational mission of the Congregation.

Quinquennial 2025

As part of our ongoing formation program, the final ‘Quinquennial’ renewal for junior priests was held from 21–23 November 2025 at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills. The gathering opened with an inspiring address by Fr Biju Vadakel CMI, followed by the keynote session on the theme “Futuristic Priests to Achieve the Extraordinary,” led by Prof. Angela Susan Mathew. Participants took part in group discussions on Personal Evaluation and shared their experiences of Religious and Ministerial Life. The community also visited the Chavara Cultural Centre, Kochi, in the evening to attend the ‘Nritya’ Dance Festival. The final day featured a reflective talk by Fr Anto Chakiath CMI, after which Adoration and Confession were held. The program concluded with closing remarks from Fr Jossey Thamarassery CMI, Vicar General.

St Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, Alwaye

The members of St Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, Alwaye—one of the premier Roman Latin Catholic seminaries in India—made a short yet meaningful visit to the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, on 26 November 2025. The Generalate community warmly received the group, making their visit both memorable and enriching.

CMI Educators Meet: St Joseph’s Province, Thiruvananthapuram

The eighth session in the ongoing series of meetings for those engaged in the educational apostolate was held from 28 to 30 November 2025 at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, with members of St Joseph’s Province, Thiruvananthapuram. Fathers involved in various educational ministries participated actively in reflective and strategic discussions reviewing past achievements, assessing present realities, and discerning future directions. Emphasis was placed on strengthening the CMI commitment to value-based, mission-driven education amid emerging challenges. The session concluded with an enriching interaction with the General Councilors, inspiring renewed enthusiasm for the Congregation’s educational mission.

CMI Educators Meet: Carmel Province, Muvattupuzha & Nirmal Province, Jagdalpur

The ninth gathering in the series of meetings for those engaged in the educational apostolate was held from 05 to 07 December 2025 at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, with participants from Carmel Province, Muvattupuzha, and Nirmal Province, Jagdalpur. Fathers involved in various educational ministries took part in reflective and strategic discussions reviewing past achievements, assessing present realities, and discerning future directions. Special emphasis was placed on strengthening the CMI tradition of faith-rooted, value-based education in response to emerging challenges. The meeting concluded with a meaningful interaction with the General Councilors, inspiring renewed commitment to the Congregation’s educational mission.

CMI Educators Meet: Sacred Heart Province, Kochi & Mar Thoma Province, Chanda

The tenth and final gathering in the ongoing series of meetings for members engaged in the educational apostolate was held from 12 to 14 December 2025 at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills. The session brought together members of the Sacred Heart Province, Kochi, and the Mar Thoma Province, Chanda, providing a vibrant platform for collaboration and shared reflection. Fathers serving in diverse educational ministries actively participated in sessions marked by reflection, open dialogue, and strategic discussion. The deliberations reviewed key achievements of previous years, examined the present realities of CMI educational institutions, and reflected on future directions for growth and renewal. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening the CMI legacy of faith-rooted, value-based education in the context of emerging challenges. The meeting concluded with a meaningful interaction with the General Councilors, whose guidance and encouragement inspired the participants to renew their commitment to the educational mission of the Congregation.

GLORIA 2K25

The Christmas celebrations, “Gloria 2k25,” were joyfully held on 20 December 2025 at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, bringing together the Generalate staff, friends, and neighbours in a spirit of fellowship and festivity. The evening began with a warm welcome by Rev. Fr Josey Thamarassery, Vicar General, who invited everyone to share in the joy of the season. Rev. Fr Thomas Chathamparampil, CMI, Prior General, then delivered an inspiring Christmas message. The celebration then unfolded through a delightful array of cultural programmes that vividly showcased the rich talents of the staff, alongside performances by friends and neighbours of the Generalate. A special highlight of the evening was the energetic musical performance by the CMI Priests’ Musical Band, “MEN IN CASSOCKS,” which added vibrancy and joy to the festive gathering. The celebrations concluded with vote of thanks by Rev. Fr Sijo Vattekkadan, CMI, Secretary to the Prior General, marking the end of a memorable and joy-filled evening.