CMI News Update (October 4, 2026)

Canonical Visitations: Rev. Fr. Prior General conducted canonical visitations at Dharmaram College, Bengaluru; Carmel Vidya Bhavan, Pune; CMI Bhavan, Lavasa; St. Elias Aranyashram, Niravilpuzha; Contemplative Ashram, Kakkadampoil; and the Centre for Spiritual Realization (CSR), Pariyaram, from August 24 to October 1, 2026. During the visitations, Rev. Fr. Prior General visited the various institutions and met with the staff and members of each community. The members of the General Council also joined Rev. Fr. Prior General for the common sessions during the visitation of Dharmaram College.

Quinquennial Programmes for Junior Priests: Quinquennial programmes were organized at Chavara Hills from August 28–30, 2026, and September 24–26, 2026. The August programme was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Tom Arackal. Rev. Fr. Peter Chakyath OCD, Rev. Fr. Sunny Punneliparambil, and Rev. Fr. Paul Muriath served as resource persons. The September programme was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Prior General. Rev. Fr. Vicar General, Rev. Sr. Jessy CMC, Rev. Fr. Joseph Ponmany, and Rev. Fr. Linjo served as resource persons. The programmes were intended to rekindle the fire of the holy vocation amid the challenges of the present day. The young priests participated enthusiastically and proactively, contributing through frank sharing and creative insights. The programmes were well organized by Rev. Fr. Prathap Thuruthumalil and Rev. Fr. Antony Kochalunkal, General Formation Coordinators. The programmes included prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, conferences, personal reflection, and sharing.

Documentary Film: Happiness Medicine: The documentary film Happiness Medicine, scripted and directed by Fr. Benny Chiramel, was previewed at Kairali Theatre, Thrissur, on September 26, 2026. The film explores new ways of caring for the elderly. Congratulations to Fr. Benny for this creative media initiative. It is indeed a commendable contribution to the CMI Year of Media.

Golden Jubilee of the Mission Department of Kolon: In connection with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Mission Department of Kolon, held from October 2–4, 2026, Rev. Fr. Josy Thamarassery CMI was invited to serve as a resource person for the conference, along with two Major Archbishops and the Archbishop of Visakhapatnam. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Josy on this significant contribution.

Mathias Mundadan Endowment Lectures: The Theology Faculty of Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram organized the Fr. Mathias Mundadan Endowment Lectures on September 10, 2026, on the theme “Anatomy of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara: The Making of Kerala’s Renaissance.” The lectures were delivered by Dr. Jenee Peter, Head of the Department, Union Christian College, Aluva. Dr. Jenee delivered three lectures on: St. Chavara and Colonial Modernity; St. Chavara as a Missionary; St. Chavara and the Kerala Renaissance. Rev. Fr. Benny Nalkara, Vicar General, delivered the inaugural message, recalling the enduring legacy of Prof. Mathias Mundadan CMI. Congratulations to the Rev. Fr. Dean, faculty, staff, and students of the Theology Faculty, DVK, for organizing this meaningful academic event.

Fr. Placid J. Podipara Endowment Lectures: The Dharmaram Institute of Oriental Canon Law organized the Fr. Placid J. Podipara Endowment Lectures on September 10, 2026. His Grace Most Rev. Elias Frank, Archbishop of Calcutta, delivered the lectures on the theme “Marriage in Divine Law and the Discipline of the Church.” Rev. Fr. Prior General delivered the inaugural message. Rev. Fr. Rector of Dharmaram College, Rev. Fr. President of DVK, and Dr. Merlin Renjith Ambrose of the Canon Law Institute of St. Peter’s also addressed the gathering. Faculty members and students of the Canon Law Institute of St. Peter’s participated in the programme. Congratulations to the Director, faculty, staff, and students of the Canon Law Institute for organizing the programme in a professional and meaningful manner.

Annual General Assembly of the Syro-Malabar Religious Conference (SMRC) 2026: The Annual General Assembly of the Syro-Malabar Religious Conference (SMRC) 2026 was held on 12 September 2026 at the CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, Kakkanad. The Assembly began with prayer and the inaugural address by His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church. Two input sessions were conducted by Fr. Shaji Karimpalanickal OFM Cap and Sr. Stella Jees FCC, moderated by Fr. Saju Chackalackal CMI, President of SMRC. The afternoon session included the presentation and approval of the annual report and accounts, along with the revised draft of the SMRC Statutes. The Assembly concluded with a vote of thanks by Bro. Varghese Manjaly CST.

CMI Higher Education Conclave: The CMI Higher Education Conclave was held at Chavara Hills under the theme “United in Mission.” Rev. Fr. Benoy Elavunkal, General Councillor for Education and Media, welcomed the participants and initiated the process of evolving a CMI Higher Education Board. Rev. Fr. Prior General delivered the orientation message. Dr. Sabu Thomas, former Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, delivered the keynote address on “The Changing Landscape of Higher Education and the Importance of Institutional Collaboration, Shared Vision and Collective Responsibility.” Rev. Fr. Jose Chennattussery, Rev. Fr. Augustine George, Rev. Fr. Saju Madavanakkad, Rev. Fr. Jolly Andrews Maliyakkal, and Rev. Fr. Biju Joseph Chakkalayil presented papers on highly relevant themes. The programme was well attended by representatives from almost all CMI higher educational institutions. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Benoy Elavunkal, General Councillor for Education and Media, for this creative initiative and for organizing the conclave with quality inputs, meaningful discussions, and a clear sense of purpose.

Edu Con: Confluence 2026: CMI Preshitha Province organized Edu Con: Confluence 2026 at Lisieux School, Coimbatore. Rev. Fr. Benoy Elavunkal CMI, General Councillor, delivered the orientation message, while Rev. Fr. Joby Chakklackal, Vicar Provincial, was the Chief Guest at the valedictory function. Around 450 teachers participated in the programme. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Anson, Provincial Councillor, and his team for initiating and organizing this significant programme.

Snehadaravu: The Santhwanam Community of Devamatha organized Snehadaravu (Respect with Love) to honour the senior members who have completed 75 years of age. Rev. Fr. Provincial celebrated the Holy Mass and offered the ministry of Santhwanam. Rev. Fr. Prior General dedicated Santhwanam to St. Thérèse of Lisieux as its patroness. During the felicitation gathering, Rev. Fr. Prior General expressed his gratitude to the senior members for their exemplary lives and sacrifices for the Congregation. Thirty-three senior members participated in the programme and expressed their joy and appreciation for the celebration. The First-Year Aspirants of St. Pius X Aspirants’ House, Varandarappilly, presented music, dance, and other cultural programmes and assisted in organizing the event, together with Fr. Shibu, Fr. Julius, Bro. Jibin, and other members of the community.

National Conference of Catholic Psychologists of India: The National Conference of the Conference of Catholic Psychologists of India (CCPI) was held at Chavara Hills from October 2–4, 2026, on the theme “Healing Within, Resilience Beyond.” Rev. Fr. Prior General inaugurated the conference. Rev. Fr. Thomas Mathilakath took the initiative to organize the conference at Chavara Hills, while Rev. Fr. Joy Nirappil and the Chavara Hills team supported the event by providing excellent facilities and hospitality.

Canisium 26 Badminton Tournament: The Canisium 26 Badminton Tournament was held on September 30, 2026, at Christ Vidyaniketan School, Irinjalakuda. Around 150 priests participated in the event. Congratulations to the organizers for promoting fraternity, fellowship, and healthy recreation among the priests and spreading the message of SG Fr. Canisius Thekkekkara CMI.

Upcoming Events

• Blessing of the New Retreat Houses at Carmel Retreat Centre, Liberty, Tennessee by Most Rev. J. Mark Spalding, Bishop of Nashville: October 6, 2026

• Animation Programme for Local Superiors of Common Houses: October 7–9, 2026

• Gathering of CMI General Councillor and Provincial Councillors at Dharmaram College : October 17-18, 2026

• Quinquennial - Ongoing Formation Programme for Junior Priests

• Poornodaya, Bhopal: October 16–18, 2026
• Chavara Hills, Kakkanad: November 13–15, 2026

• Workshop on Human Formation for CMI Formators at Chavara Hills : October 26–28, 2026

• Meeting of the Major Superiors and Staff of the Study Houses at Dharmaram College, Bengaluru: October 30–November 2, 2026

• CMI National Media Conclave at Chavara Hills, Kakkanad : November 20–21, 2026

• Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara at Mannanam: November 23, 2026

• Priestly Ordination of Deacons in Kenya: St. Thomas Regional House, Nairobi: November 28, 2026