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News & Events

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

News Update

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1. Progress Toward the Altar: Canonical Recognition
The canonical recognition of the mortal remains of the Servant of God, Rev. Fr Canisius Thekkekara CMI, was solemnly conducted at St Teresa’s Monastery on March 25, 2026, the Feast of the Annunciation. The occasion was graced by the presence of His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil (Major Archbishop), Mar Pauly Kannookkadan (Bishop of Irinjalakuda), Mar Sebastian Pozholiparambil (Bishop of Hosur), and the CMI Prior General and Vicar General.
The 12-hour ceremony, spanning from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, was guided by Rev. Fr Jose Nandhikkara (Provincial and Council), Rev. Fr Jacob Njerinjampilly, and the members of the monastery. Special appreciation is extended to Rev. Fr Davis Panakkal for his meticulous coordination with experts and institutions, including Amala Medical College and the Tribunal. The concluding ceremony of the Diocesan Phase for the Servant of God will be held at St. Teresa’s Monastery, Ampazhakad, on May 27, 2026.
2. Gratitude to Leadership: Farewell to the Outgoing Council
A farewell ceremony for the outgoing Prior General and General Council was held on April 6, 2026. Fr Anto Chakiath led a prayer session, offering thanks for the inspiring leadership and remarkable contributions of Fr Thomas Chathamparampil (Prior General), the General Councillors, and the Auditor. Rev. Fr Paul Achandy, Prior General, welcomed the gathering, and Rev. Fr Benny Nalkara, Vicar General, felicitated the outgoing team. His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil expressed his deep gratitude to the CMI congregation for its enduring service to the Syro-Malabar Church.
3. Finishing School for Perpetual Profession
Preparations for Perpetual Profession commenced with a retreat at the Sehion Retreat Centre, Attappady, on April 26, 2026. This was followed by a preparatory course at CSR Pariyaram on May 1, which opened with an orientation talk by the Prior General. Following a final retreat led by Fr Jinu Pulparambil, the scholastics will return to their respective provinces for their Perpetual Profession. We congratulate Rev. Fr Siby Kavattu and the CSR team for their effective organization and support.
4. New CMIs Meet 2026: Meeting of the newly professed members

New CMIs Meet 2026, a gathering of newly professed, was held from 24 to 26 April, 2026. Newly professed brothers and Novice Masters participated in the event. The blessed occasion commenced with the inaugural message from the Prior General. Fr George Kulangara CMI, Fr John Carol Penuel and Prof. Kochurani Joseph, were the resources persons who really enriched the program. The event concluded with the pilgrimage to Kainakari and Mannanam.

5. Embracing Synodality: Major Superiors’ Advisory Council
The Major Superiors’ Advisory Council Meeting took place on April 27–28. After an orientation message from the Prior General, the session included reports from Provincials and consultations regarding the appointment of heads for houses and institutions. We thank the Vicar General and Fr Paulson Paliekara (Prefect) for their efficient management of the program.
6. Returning to the Founders: 195th CMI Foundation Day
The 195th CMI Foundation Day was celebrated on May 11, 2026, at St Joseph’s Monastery Church, Mannanam. His Grace Mar Thomas Tharayil served as the main celebrant. In his homily, he reflected on the lives of our founding fathers and challenged the congregation to return to its roots as we approach the bicentenary in 2031.
Rev. Fr Vicar General welcomed the gathering and Rev. Fr. Prior General gave the message of the CMI foundation Day and the Year of Media. His Grace also inaugurated the "CMI Year of Media." Rev. Fr Binoy Elavunkal (General Councilor) presented the Media Year logo, designed by Rev. Fr Anto Chakyath. The event was attended by the General Council, all 15 Provincials, and members from various provinces. Kudos to the Prior and the Mannanam community for their excellent arrangements.
7. Learning Together in One Heart: Joint Council Meeting
The General Council and Provincial Council joint meeting (GCPC) was held from May 11–14, 2026, at Chavara Hills, Kakkanad. The meeting began with a Holy Hour of thanksgiving for 195 years of blessings. Key resource persons included Rev. Fr Jose Nandhikkara, Dr. Angela Susan Mathew, Mr. C.J. Romid, Rev. Fr Joseph Ponmany, General Councillor, Rev. Fr Thomas Thekkel, Rev. Fr Biju Perumayan, Rev Sr. Rosmin and Rev. Fr Sebastian Payyappilly. The sessions facilitated deep dialogue between the General and Provincial Councils. We thank Rev. Fr Vicar General, General Councillors, Fr Joy Nirappil (Prefect, PG House) and the members of PG House for facilitating the program.
8. Global Academic Ranking: Christ University
Christ (Deemed to be University) has been ranked 72nd among 1,927 universities globally by the WURI 2026 (World University Rankings for Innovation). Notably, it ranked No. 2 for both Visionary Leadership and Social Impact through Knowledge Transfer. Additionally, the university reached a milestone of 14,000 Scopus-indexed publications. Congratulations to Rev. Fr Joseph Chennatussery (Vice Chancellor) and the entire Christ University family.
9. CMI at CBCI
Congratulations to Rev. Fr Prasanth Palackappilly on his appointment as the Secretary of the CBCI Commission for Environment and Climate Change. This appointment is a testament to his passionate and tireless efforts toward environmental conservation and a "greener" world.