Bishop John Panamthottam & Team

Most Rev. John Panamthottam, Bishop of the St Thomas the Apostle Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Melbourne, visited the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, Kakkanad, along with a team of Brothers, from 01–02 January 2026. On this occasion, four Brothers were received Minor Orders from the Bishop at the Chavara Hills Chapel.

Reception for New Priests (2025-2026)

Reception to the Newly Ordained Priests was held at the Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, Kakkanad on 03 - 04 January, 2026. They were welcomed by Rev. Fr Thomas Chathamparampil CMI, Prior General and the 50 Newly Ordained Priests with their master were the celebrants for the Holy Mass.

Major Superiors Meeting along with Vicar Provincials

The meeting of the Major Superiors, together with the Vicar Provincials, was held at CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, Kakkanad, on 04 January 2026. The participants reviewed the forthcoming programmes and held detailed deliberations regarding the upcoming XXXIX General Synaxis of the CMI Congregation.

Archbishop Carlo Maria Polvani and Fr Hrudayraj

His Excellency Carlo Maria Polvani, Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, together with Rev. Fr. Arogya Hrudaya Raju, visited the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, Kakkanad, from 08–10 January 2026. The visit followed their participation in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Pontifical Athenaeum Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram. During their stay in Kerala, they also visited various seminaries.

Get-Together of all Plus one and Plus Two Brothers

A one-day get-together for our Plus One and Plus Two aspirants was held at the CMI Prior General’s House on 11th January 2026. The programme began with the Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr Thomas Chathamparampil CMI, Prior General. Under the able leadership of Fr Anto Chakiath CMI, the General Formation Coordinator, various interactive sessions led by Fr Cijo Chennadu CMI and Fr Sijo Thayyalakal CMI were conducted for the aspirants.

Golden Jubilee of Priestly Ordination 2026

The Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee of 1976 - 2026 batch was held in our General House on 16-17 January 2026. The jubilarians shared their experiences of last fifty years as religious priest in CMI Congregation.

Reception for the St Thomas Mount Community

A reception was hosted for the St Thomas Mount Community on 19 January 2026 at CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, Kakkanad. The Major Archbishop, together with the priests and sisters of St Thomas Mount, graciously participated in the gathering.

Freshers’ Day-Meeting of all the First Year Aspirants

Freshers Day 2026, a gathering of first-year aspirants from our provinces, was held on 20 January 2026. A total of 115 brothers, rectors, and regents participated in the event. The day began with an energetic icebreaking session by Fr. Shibin Muttamthottil CMI and team, followed by an inspiring talk from Fr. Martin Kallungal. The event was blessed with the Holy Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Vicar General Fr. Jossey Thamarassery CMI and concelebrated by the rectors. The afternoon concluded with vibrant cultural programs, adding a joyful spirit to the gathering.

IRenewal Program for College-going Scholastics

Renewal Programme for Degree Students “SPARK 2026” was held from 23-25 January 2026. Rev. Fr Jossey Thamarassery CMI, Vicar General inaugurated the meeting with a Key Note. Fr. Francis Manavalan CMI & Dr. Gowri Vijayan, Rajagiri Business School were the experts who led the input sessions. The Meeting was concluded with the Remarks by Rev. Fr Thomas Chathamparambil CMI, Prior General.

CMI QUINQUENNIAL PROGRAM I

As part of the ongoing formation, the renewal and gathering for the junior priests- “CMI Quinquennial Program I” for 2024-2025 batch was conducted on 30 January to 01 February 2026. Rev. Fr Jossey Thamarassery CMI, Vicar General inaugurated the meeting with a Key Note. Dr Angela Susan Mathew (Rajagiri Business School), Fr Tom Olikarottu (PRO, Syro Malabar Curia), Adv. Jijil Kizhakkarakkattu were the resources persons who really enriched the program. The young priests participated in meeting and outing with great enthusiasm and vigour. The Meeting was concluded with the Remarks by Rev. Fr Thomas Chathamparambil CMI, Prior General.

ILAAM

The ILAAM – Indian-Leuven Alumni Association Meet, Silver Jubilee Symposium 2026 on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Interface of Perspectives on Hope” was held at the CMI Prior General’s House from 13–15 February 2026. The inaugural session began with a prayer dance performed by students of Christu Jayanthi Public School, Rajagiri, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp. Words of welcome were delivered by Fr Kurian Kachappilly CMI, President of ILAAM. The inaugural address was given by Fr Thomas Chathamparampil CMI, Prior General, on the theme “ILAAM and Higher Education in the New Millennium.” The presidential address was delivered by Prof. Benedicte Lemmelijn, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, KU Leuven, on the topic “Hope: The Little Sister of Love and Faith.” The keynote address was delivered by His Grace Archbishop Joseph Pamplany on the theme “Hope Against the Hope: Interface of Perspectives on Hope.” The three-day program featured discussions on diverse topics related to the theme.

UTSAH 2026

UTSAH 2026, the renewal programme for the regents was conducted on 23-25 February 2026. Rev. Fr Martin Mallath CMI, General Councilor for Education and Media inaugurated the meeting. Dr Angela Susan Mathew (Rajagiri Business School), Adv. Jijil Kizhakkarakkattu was the resources persons who really enriched the program. 47 young regents participated in meeting and outing with great enthusiasm and vigour.

Superior Generals & Team of Syro-Malabar Men Congregations

A warm reception was held for the Superior Generals and the team of the Syro-Malabar Men’s Congregations at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, Kakkanad, on 12 March 2026. They were received and welcomed by Rev. Fr Thomas Chathamparampil CMI, Prior General.

XXXIX GENERAL SYNAXIS 2026

The XXXIX General Synaxis of the CMI Congregation was held at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, Kakkanad, from 15 to 21 March 2026. During the Synaxis, the General Administration, the Provincial Administrations, and the representatives from abroad, presented their reports covering the activities and developments of the past six years. Various important topics concerning the mission of the Congregation were discussed. On 19 March 2026, following a time of prayer, the election of the Prior General was held. After the announcment of the results, a reception was accorded to the newly elected Prior General in the Refectory, followed by lunch. Subsequently, the election of the General Councillors took place. In the evening, the synaxis members, together with the community of the CMI Prior General’s House, organized a warm reception to the newly elected General Team. The XXXIX General Synaxis concluded with gratitude to God for His guidance and blessings, renewing the Congregation’s commitment to its charism and mission.

Congratulations to the Newly Elected Prior General and Team

Heartfelt Congratulations and Prayerful Best Wishes to the Newly Elected Leadership Team of the CMI Congregation:

Rev. Fr Paul Achandy, CMI – Prior General

Rev. Fr Benny Nalkara, CMI – Vicar General and General Councillor for Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry

Rev. Fr Binoy Elavunkal, CMI – General Councillor for Education and Communication Media

Rev. Fr Tom Arackal, CMI – General Councillor for Social Apostolate and Health Care

Rev. Fr Joseph Ponmany, CMI – General Councillor for Finance and Agriculture

Rev. Fr Sheejo Attupuram, CMI – General Auditor

May the Lord bless and guide them abundantly as they assume their responsibilities in leading the Congregation with wisdom, dedication, and fidelity to the charism of our founders. We assure them of our prayers and support for a fruitful and grace-filled ministry.