German Delegation Gathering

The CMI General Gathering of the German Delegation was held from July 5–8, 2026. Along with our members who serve in Germany and other European countries, except the UK and Italy, Rev. Fr Prior General, Vicar General, General Councillor for Finance and Agriculture, and Provincials were present. Rev. Fr Prior General and Vicar General gave orientation messages, highlighting the orientations of the General Synaxis and our spiritual preparation for the bicentenary. Rev. Fr Josy Thamarassery made a presentation on Casa Usera, the house proposed for our stay and mission in Germany, and the community deliberated on it. The Gathering was indeed a time of prayer, sharing, celebration of fraternity, and futuristic orientation for the German mission. Congratulations and thanks to Rev. Fr George Vadakkinezhath, former Delegation Superior.
The Chavara Cup Shuttle Tournament was held on July 4, 2026, in Germany, with 72 teams taking part. It was a great initiative to bring people of diverse cultures and languages together and to make St. Chavara known through the event. Congratulations to Rev. Fr Loice Neelankavil and the team who organized the event.
Congratulations to Rev. Fr Tijo Thanickal CMI, the new Delegate Superior, who took charge on August 10, 2026. Thanks to Rev. Fr George Vadakkinezhath, the outgoing Delegate Superior, for his commitment and hard work in leading the community over the last six years.

Vocation Promoters’ Meet

The CMI Vocation Promoters’ Meet was held at Chavara Hills from July 12–14, 2026. Rev. Fr Prior General gave the orientation talk. Fr Jose Poovattil, CMI, and Fr Linston Olakkengal, CMI, were the resource persons who inspired and enlightened the vocation promoters in their call and mission. More time was spent on sharing among the vocation promoters and designing a future plan for vocation promotion. A committee was constituted to prepare the Vocation Guidance Policy for Vocation Promoters, comprising members from the South Indian and North Indian Provinces. Congratulations to Rev. Fr Prathap Thuruthumalil, CMI, and Rev. Fr Antony Kochalunkal, General Formation Coordinators, for their hard work and effective organization of the animation programme.

Second Session of the General Synaxis

The Second Session of the General Synaxis was held at Chavara Hills, Kakkanad, from July 26–August 1, 2026. The General Synaxis began with the Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr Prior General, along with the General Council team. The Eucharistic celebrations and other prayers, presentations, and discussions made the General Synaxis a true celebration of our fraternity and communitarian discernment. The presence of Rev. Fr Lawrence from Kenya, Coordinator General of the African Mission, made a difference and had a significant impact on the General Synaxis.
The General Synaxis formulated a vision statement and orientations, resolutions and action plans, and amendments to the Constitutions and Directory. Let us gratefully remember the Good Lord for guiding our Congregation with compassion and generosity.
CEVA Annual General Body Meeting
The Annual General Body Meeting of CEVA was held on August 3, 2026, at Chavara Hills. Rev. Fr Tom Arackal presided over the meeting. Rev. Fr Prior General gave the orientation talk. Rev. Fr Thomas Therattil presented the report. Rev. Fr Mathew Kiriyanthan, the outgoing Secretary of CEVA, organized the meeting with the CEVA staff. Members from CMI Provinces and others attended the meeting.
The election to the General Body was held during the Annual General Body Meeting. The gathering expressed sincere gratitude to Rev. Fr Biju Vadakkel, former President of CEVA, and Rev. Fr Mathew Kiriyanthan, the outgoing Secretary, for their leadership, hard work, and creative initiatives.

Canonical Visitation

Rev. Fr Prior General made the canonical visitation to Samanvaya, Bhopal; Darsana, Wardha; and Samanvaya, Jagdalpur, from August 4–16, 2026. Fr Prior General visited the Archbishop of Bhopal and the Bishops of Chanda, Adilabad, and Jagdalpur. He joined the Provincial Synaxes of Bhopal and Jagdalpur and celebrated the Holy Mass for them. He also visited the Provincial Houses of the Chanda and Hyderabad Provinces and met with Bishop Vijayanand, Bishop Joseph Kunnath, our senior missionaries, and nearby communities around the Provincial Houses. Rev. Fr Prior General met with the aspirants in different Provinces and the novices in Banpuri. He returned to Kakkanad on August 17, 2026.

Communion – Jesus Youth Priest Animators’ Meet

The Communion – Jesus Youth Priest Animators’ Meet was held at Chavara Hills from August 18–19, 2026. Sixty-four priest animators from the CMI Congregation and other religious congregations and dioceses attended the programme, which included prayer, classes, and discussions. Rev. Fr Prior General addressed the gathering and expressed the Congregation’s openness and support for collaboration with lay movements. Thanks to Rev. Fr Joy Nirappil, Prefect, and his team for effectively organizing and supporting the programme.

CMI Bishops’ Visit

CMI Bishops who attended the Syro-Malabar Bishops’ Synod visited Chavara Hills in the evening on August 20, 2026. The Bishops shared their mission experiences and aspirations with the community. The General Council team met with the Bishops and held discussions on our missionary frontiers and other challenges. We express our sincere gratitude to our beloved CMI Bishops—Mar Joseph Kunnath, Mar John Vadakkel, Mar Jose Chittooparambil, Mar Joseph Kollamparambil, Mar John Panamthottam, and Mar Joseph Thachaparambath—for their love and togetherness with the CMI family.

Recognitions

Rev. Fr Dr Pratheesh Micheal Pulickal, CMI was appointed as Assistant to the Deputy Secretary General, CBCI on July 08, 2026.

Rev. Fr Dr Joseph C.C., Vice-Chancellor of Christ (Deemed to be University), was conferred the honorary rank of Colonel on August 11, 2026.

Upcoming Programmes

Canonical Visitation of the Prior General
• Bengaluru: August 24–September 17, 2026
• Pune: September 18–20, 2026
• Christ University Campus, Lavasa: September 21–23, 2026
Quinquennial – Ongoing Formation Programme for Junior Priests
• Chavara Hills, Kakkanad: August 28–30, 2026
• Chavara Hills, Kakkanad: September 24–26, 2026
• Poornodaya, Bhopal: October 16–18, 2026
• Chavara Hills, Kakkanad: November 13–15, 2026
Meeting of the Major Superiors and Staff of the Study Houses
• October 30–November 2, 2026 at Dharmaram College, Bengaluru
Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara
• November 23, 2026