News Updates (June 23, 2026)
1. Rev. Fr Joby Kochumuttom was elected President of the Kerala Conference of Major Superiors (KCMS/CRI Kerala) at its Annual General Body meeting held on June 1, 2026. Congratulations to Rev. Fr Joby Kochumuttom, Provincial, for making us proud through this election.

2. The diocesan phase of inquiry for the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God Fr Canisius Thekkekara CMI came to a solemn and historic conclusion on May 27, 2026. The sacred closing ceremony was presided over by Bishop Mar Pauly Kannookadan in the presence of Mar John Vadakel and Mar Sebastian Pozholiparambil. Following strict canonical protocols, the assembly witnessed the official sealing of the inquiry documents, which contain the testimonies, writings, and evidence gathered during this phase. A Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated following these formalities.
Rev. Fr Prior General, Rev. Fr Jose Nandhikkara, the Provincial, and Rev. Fr Davis Panakkal, the Vice-Postulator, expressed their gratitude to all those who were actively involved in the process for their dedicated efforts. A large congregation—including Rev. Fr Benny Nalkara, the Vicar General, Rev. Fr Cherian Thunduparampil, the Postulator, numerous priests, religious sisters, brothers, family members of Fr Canisius, and the local faithful—attended the function and witnessed the sealing of the documents.
With the diocesan phase successfully completed, the sealed documents were submitted to the Nunciature by Mar Pauly Kannookadan, Rev. Fr Sunny Punneliparambil, the Vicar Provincial, and Rev. Fr Davis Panakkal, the Vice-Postulator. The Nunciature will forward the documents to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome, bringing the beloved “Servant of God” one step closer to beatification. Let us earnestly pray that God's will be accomplished through this process.

3. A three-week Pre-Philosophy Orientation Programme was organized for the first-year Philosophy students beginning on May 1, 2026, under the leadership of Rev. Fr Jomon Mularikkal. The programme included English classes, orientation to religious life, familiarization with the Dharmaram campus, and various team-building activities. Congratulations to Rev. Fr Jomon Mularikkal, the Master, and Fr Jomy Nedunilathuthara, the Animator, for their dedicated efforts.

4. The annual retreat at Dharmaram was held from May 25 to 30, 2026. Rev. Fr Anoop Joseph Mundackal CSSR and Rev. Fr Jibson Edapulavan guided the retreats in Malayalam and English, respectively. The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the titular feast of Dharmaram, was celebrated on June 22 with a vigil service, Holy Mass, and Eucharistic Procession.

5. The new academic year at DVK commenced on June 1, 2026, with the Holy Mass presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Poola, Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad. The DVK Staff Enhancement Programme, with the theme Back to the Sources of Apostolic Wisdom (Ad Fontes Apostolicae Sapientiae), was held at the Kengeri Campus from June 5 to 7, 2026. Congratulations to Rev. Fr Mathew Attumkal and his team for effectively organizing the programme.

6. The academic year at Carmel Vidya Bhavan, Pune, commenced with a retreat led by Fr Rinish SJ from June 1 to 5, 2026. Classes for our brothers at JD began on June 8, 2026. The academic year at Samanvay commenced with a retreat led by Rev. Fr Jimmy Radhi SJ from June 7 to 12, 2026.

7. The second-year Theology students began their third-semester programme at Samanvya, Jagdalpur, on June 9, 2026, under the guidance of Fr Jaino. They will continue there until September 23, 2026. Thanks to Fr Tiju, the Director, for his wholehearted support.

8. The first-year Philosophy students of Darasana underwent a Pre-Philosophy Orientation Programme at Samanvya Theological Institute, Kolachoor, Jagdalpur, for one month during May 2026. Rev. Fr Tom Arakkal inaugurated the programme, and Rev. Fr Libin Veliyappallil animated the students throughout the course. The programme included English and Hindi language training, mission outreach, a Chavara Seminar, and various community-building activities. Rev. Fr Provincial delivered the message on the valedictory day. Congratulations and thanks to Fr Tiju, the Director, and Fr Libin for guiding the scholastics. The students arrived in Wardha on June 5, 2026, and continued with an orientation to Philosophy for a few more days.

9. The annual retreat for all the Philosophy students at Darasana, Wardha, was guided by Fr Bibin Manalel CMF from June 14 to 19, 2026. The academic year was inaugurated by Rev. Fr Benoy Elavunkal CMI on June 22, 2026.

10. A meeting of the Initial Formators and Formation Coordinators was held at Chavara Hills from June 18 to 20, 2026. The programme began with a Holy Hour on the first evening. Rev. Fr Prior General delivered the orientation address. Rev. Fr Jose Poovattil and Rev. Fr Teji Kelamparambil served as resource persons. Personal sharing of experiences, group discussions, and plenary sessions brought forth best practices, challenges, and possible remedies. Congratulations to Rev. Fr Vicar General, Rev. Fr Prathap, and Fr Antony Kochalumkal, the General Formation Coordinators, for organizing the event with the support of the PG House community.

11. Upcoming Events
a. The CMI General Gathering of the German Delegation will be held from July 5–8, 2026.
b. The CMI Vocation Promoters’ Meet will be held at Chavara Hills from 6:00 p.m. on July 12 to 12:30 p.m. on July 14, 2026.
c. The Second Session of the General Synaxis will be held at Chavara Hills, Kakkanad, from 4:00 p.m. on July 26, 2026, to 4:00 p.m. on August 1, 2026.
d. The Canonical Visitation of the Prior General to the Common Study Houses will take place from August 4 to September 21, 2026 (Bhopal: August 4–7; Wardha: August 8–11; Kolchoor: August 14–16; Bengaluru: August 24–September 17; Pune: September 18–21).
e. Major Superiors’ Meeting and Meeting with the Staff of Major Study Houses will be held from October 30 to November 2, 2026, at Dharmaram College, Bengaluru.