News Update
1. The General Plenary Assembly (GPA) was held from 4th to 8th April, 2016. The General Plenary Assembly began with the Holy Eucharist, the Novena to St. Kuraikose Elias Chavara and veneration of the relic of the saint. Rev. Fr. Vicar General welcomed the gathering followed by the inaugural message of Rev. Fr. Prior General. Rev. Fr. Augustine Keemattam, Rev. Fr. Alexander Paikada, Rev. Fr. Jose Paul Edakalathoor, Rev. Fr. Cletus Plackal, Rev. Fr. Davy Kavungal and Rev. Fr. Johny Thachuparamban presented the critical analysis of the implementation of the thrusts of GS 37. Rev. Fr. Jacob Peenickaparambil made a presentation on our response to the issue of rising intolerance and Dr. Guilheme Vaz on Accountability and Transparency in Financial Matters. Rectors of the major study houses and General Formation coordinator presented issues and challenges of CMI formation. The major superiors were entrusted with the responsibility to create awareness among the members regarding the proposals of GPA and to implement the same in the respective houses and institutions. GPA was an open forum to reflect on the congregation in a spirit of openness and fraternity and to be aware of our limitations and challenges and to make proposals for being authentic religious living the legacy of our founding fathers in today's context. Thanks to the prayers of all the members of the congregation, especially to the novices who spent time with the Eucharistic Lord for the success of the GPA. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Vicar General, the chief coordinator of GPA and the team for its planning and effective organizing. Special thanks to the secretaries of GPA Fr. Saju Chackalackal and Fr. Thomas Kadankavail.
2. The meeting of the General Council and provincials was held on 8th and 9th April to work out the mechanism for the implementation of the proposals of the General Plenary Assembly.
3. Renewal program of the congregation was held from 13th to 15th April, 2016 for all who could not attend the program held in the provinces or formation houses. Rev. Fr. Prior General, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Thekkedathu, Rev. Fr. Antony Elamthottam, Rev. Fr. George Thanchan, Rev. Fr. Joy Vattoly, Rev. Fr. Antony Urulianickal and Rev. Fr. Johny Edapulavan, the General Auditor, organized the program.
4. Bp. Januarius Endowment Lecture was held in Poornodaya Bhopal from March 29-30, 2016. The theme was CMI Mission in Sagar. Mar Antony Chirayath, Bishop of Sagar, inaugurated the Lecture series and Rev. Fr. George Thanchan, General Councillor, presided over the function. Rev. Fr. Jacob Peenickaparambil, Rev. Fr. Louis Malieckal, Rev. Fr. Cyil Kuttiancickal, Rev. Fr. Justin Akkara, Rev. Fr. Dev Mitra (Sagar Diocese) and Rev. Sr. Kusumam Joseph SJ presented the papers. Congratulations to Poornodaya and Samanvaya team.
5. Easter breakfast was organized by Chavara Cultural Centre, Kochi, and people from different religious and cultural backgrounds came together for the event. It was an occasion to promote harmony in today's intolerant situation of our country. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Roby Kannanchira, Director of Chavara Cultural Centre.
6. 50 hour Adoration was conducted in preparation for the Divine Mercy Sunday in Amalapuri Provincial House, Kozhikode from 1st to 3rd April 2016. The programs for the day were Divine Mercy chaplet, Divine Mercy Novena and Adoration to the Eucharistic Lord and confession. The concluding ceremony was officiated by Rev. Fr. Joseph Vaylail, Provincial. There was a good response from the people and a large number joined for the adoration. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. George Punchayil, the Vicar, St. Thomas Church, Amalapuri.
7. Congratulations to all CMI Fathers, especially Rev. Fr. Mathew Chalil, Rev. Fr. Joseph Vayalil, Rev. Fr. Jose Thaiparambil, Rev. Fr. Antony Urulianickal and Rev. Fr. Thomas Kallukulam who guided Jesus Youth Movement in its growth. The Pontifical Council for Laity has recognized Jesus Youth, an India- based movement of Catholic young people, as an international private association of laypeople. Jesus Youth is the first laity group in India and second in Asia to receive the Vatican recognition.
8. The first Quinquennial program of the Junior Priests for this year will be held at Chavara Hills from 22nd to 25th May, 2016.
9. The preparation for the Final Vows will be held in CSR Pariyaram from 1st to 19th May, 2016.
10. The orientation program for CMI Philosophy students will be held in Dharmaram College from 3rd to 21st May, 2016. Brothers who study in DVK and Darsana shall attend the program.
11. The meeting of Rectors of Aspirants' Houses and Vocation Promoters will be held at Chavara Hills from 8th to 11th May, 2016.
12. Syro Malabar Major Archepiscopal Assembly will be held from 25th to 28th August, 2016. Lineamenta (The Response of the Church to the Challenges of Today) has been sent to all CMI houses for our study and reflection. We shall discuss the questions given in the lineamenta in the local community/zonal gathering and submit the report of the discussion to the provincial. The provincial will submit the consolidated report of the province to Rev. Fr. George Thancahan, General Councillor for Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry on or before 15th May, 2016.
13. Let us Remember our Departed souls
. Mrs. Mariamma Cheerikattu (88) beloved elder sister of Rev. Fr. John Gallus Cheruparambil CMI (Carmel Province, MUV), slept in the Lord today 29.03.2016.
. Rev. Sr. Bertilia CMC (71), beloved sister of Fr. Varghese Pudussery CMI (sr), (Sacred Heart Province, Kochi), slept in the Lord on 31.03.2016.
. Mr. Jose Akkanath (67), beloved brother of Fr. Peter Akkanath CMI (St. Paul's Province, BHO), slept in the Lord on 01.04.2016.
. Rev. Sr. Nebumsyana FCC (95), beloved sister of Rev. Fr. John Karukuttikaran CMI (Devamatha Province, TSR) slept in the Lord on 02.04.2016.
. Mr. V. M. Joseph (90), beloved Father of Fr. Sajo Varakil CMI (Nirmal Province Jagdalpur), was called to eternal reward on 07.04.2016.
. Mrs. Rosamma Kunnel (85), elder sister of Fr. Antony Kelamparambil (Sacred Heart Province, Kochi), slept in the Lord on 08.04.2016.
. Mrs. Eliyamma (99) beloved Grandmother of Fr. Sujith Varickamackal CMI (St. Thomas Province, KOZ) slept in the Lord on 10.04.2016.