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News & Events

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

News Updates

News Update
1. Rev. Fr. George Thanchan, General Councillor for Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry, left us for his eternal reward on 4th July, 2016. His funeral was held on 7th July, 2016. The first two parts of the funeral ceremony was held in CMI Prior General's House, Kakkanad presided over by Rev. Fr. Prior General. Mar Antony Kariyil celebrated the Holy Eucharist and gave an inspiring message based on the life of Rev. Fr. Thanchan. Mar Jose Puthenveettil and Mar Mathew Vaniakizhakkel also were present for the Holy Eucharist along with more than 100 priests and large gathering of the religious sisters and the public. The third part of the funeral ceremony was held in Jerusalem Retreat Centre. Mar Raphael Thattil was the main celebrant for the Holy Mass. Mar Pauly Kannookadan, Mar Pastor Neelankavil, Mar Ephrem Narikulam, Mar Jose Chittooparambil, Mar Joseph Kunnath were present for the Eucharistic celebration. Rev. Fr. Anto Amarnad gave a touching funeral message. Mar Andrews Thazhath was the main celebrant for the crowning ceremony followed by the Eucharistic celebration. The final part of the funeral ceremony was held in Sagar Bhavan, Thrissur presided over by Mar Jacob Thoonkuzhy and Mar Jacob Manonthodath. There was a large gathering of CMI members, priests and religious from most of the congregations and laity. Rev. Fr. Joby Pulickan was the MC of the ceremony. Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Major Archbishop of Syro Malankara Church offered prayers at SUT, Thiruvananthapuram and Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop of Syro Malabar Church, offered prayers at Chavara Hills and recollected the great contributions of Fr. Thanchan to Syro Malabar Church. Mar Vijayanand celebrated Holy Eucharist on 4th July, in Chavara Hills. The 9th Memorial Day was commemorated on 12th July, 2016 in Sagar Bhavan. Rev. Fr. Prior General, Rev. Fr. Vicar General, Provincials of Bhopal, Kalamassery and Kozhikode were present along with CMI members, the religious sisters and other family members. Rev. Fr. Biju Savio gave the sermon based on the gifts of the Holy Spirit in Fr. Thanchan. May our beloved Fr. George Thanchan intercede for us in heaven!
2. Rev. Fr. Joseph Muduvelimukalel died on 4th July and his funeral was held on 6th July, 2016 in St. John's Monastery, Mutholy. He was remembered for his contribution in Deepika and revered by all for his commitment to the community.
3. Rev. Fr. Mathew Uppani died on 9th July and the funeral was held on 10th July, 2016 in St. Vincent Monastery, Pala. His contributions to the Church in liturgy, Bible and mission were highlighted by Mar Joseph Kallarangatt and Rev. Fr. Job Vallippalam during the funeral message.
4. Rev. Fr. Prior General visited our missionaries in Amazon mission, Brazil. He had met with every member individually and collectively. Everyone shared the rich experience they had in the last six months. The sessions on Portuguese Language which lasted about six months were over last Friday 24 June, 2016. Our members celebrate the mass and give homily in Portuguese and all have picked up the language at a faster pace. They have been found very enthusiastic and express their passion to commit themselves as missionaries. After three week session on culture, civil law, ecclesiastical and social issues, from August, they will be assigned in 5 parishes. Rev. Fr. Prior General had discussions with the Bishop and Vicar General of Santarem diocese. Bp. Flavio is a role model for our missionaries with his simple life and missionary passion. Rev. Fr. Antony Kalliath was with Rev. Fr. Prior General during the discussions and our missionaries in Amazon thanked Fr. Kalliath for his initiative and efforts for Amazon mission.
5. The CMI German Delegation Conference was held in the Pastoral Centre of the Diocese of Muenster at Stapelfeld from June 03-06, 2016. 109 missionaries in Germany participated in the Conference. Rev. Fr. Varghese Vithayathil, Vicar General and Rev. Fr. Antony Elamthottam, General Councillor were present in the conference and had interaction with the gathering on June 03 and 04. His Excellency Franz Josef Bode, the Bishop of the diocese of Osnabrueck, addressed the gathering and presided over the Holy Mass on June 04. On June 05, the Holy Mass was celebrated by the Jubilarians. After the Holy Eucharist, all went for a one day outing. A requiem mass was celebrated for the departed members on June 06 in the morning and the gathering dispersed and returned to their parishes revitalized and refreshed.
6. The zonal gatherings of our members in North America were held in New York, Russel, Los Angeles, Beaumont, Toronto, Florida and Liberty from 20th June to 13th July, 2016. Almost all the members attended the gatherings. The program consisted of concelebrated Holy Mass, Adoration, personal sharing of pastoral experience, discussion on the study report on North American Mission, briefing on General Plenary Assembly and CMI Delegation of North America. The gatherings were coordinated by Rev. Fr. Gilson in New York, Rev. Fr. Michael Elanjimattam in Russel and Rev. Fr. Sebastian Vettickal in Los Angeles, Rev. Fr. Antony Kallookaran in Beaumont, Rev. Fr. Biju Kannampuzha in Toronto, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kaithamattam in Florida and Rev. Fr. James Panackal in Liberty. Bishops of the concerned dioceses appreciated the great service of our members. All the participants expressed greater satisfaction over the zonal gatherings and decided to hold regular zonal gatherings. Thanks to Rev. Fr. Sebastian Thekkedathu, General Councillor and Rev. Fr. Davy Kavungal, Coordinator General for organizing the zonal gatherings effectively. Rev. Fr. Prior General attended all the meetings except in Florida and Liberty.
7. Rev. Fr. Roy Kannanchira was awarded Guruprasada puraskaram instituted by M.K. Sanu Foundation for his contribution to the differently abled children. He was appreciated for his role as the Director of Special Olympics, Kerala. Mr. Pinarai Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala presented the award in a function organized at Changampuzha Park, Kochi. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Roy Kannanchira for making us proud.
8. Mall Chapel Ministry in Boston has progressed well and our services were highly appreciated by the Eucharistic community. Rev. Fr. Prior General and Rev. Fr. Sebastian Thekkedathu, General Councillor, celebrated the Holy Eucharist on Saturday, 25th June 2016. The community expressed their great satisfaction over the services rendered by CMI Fathers. O.Carm Fathers also expressed their gratitude for taking up the Mall ministry. Rev. Fr. Davy Kavungal and Rev. Fr. Janesh and team deserve our appreciation.
9. His Excellency William Ruto, Vice President of Kenya visited St. Mary's Rehabilitation Centre, Mbuini, Kenya. He was highly impressed by our services to the differently abled and offered material and financial support. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Biju Chathely, the director and all our missionaries in Kenya.
10. Rev. Fr Prior General will begin the canonical visitation in Dharmaram College on 18th July, 2016.
11. The conference of all the members working directly under the Prior General except the major study houses will be held on 3rd and 4th August, 2016 in Chavara Hills.
12. The second quinquennial program of the junior priests of the year will be held from 12th to 15th August, 2016 in Chavara Hills. All the junior priests shall attend one of the 4 programmes organized in the Year 2016. The next two programmes will be held in Poornodaya, Bhopal.
13. CMI Education Summit will be held from 15th to 17th September, 2016. To prepare for the Summit, the South India Provinces' Core Team Gathering was held on 6th July at Jeevas Public School, Aluva. 29 delegates from all the 7 South Indian provinces attended the meeting. Rev Fr Jose Kuriedath presented the draft of the Working Paper and discussion was held. A good panel of experts will be the resource personnel and our members will share the best practices and challenges in our educational mission to evolve relevant policies in CMI Educational apostolate. Members from all our educational institutions shall not miss this unique opportunity.
14. Let us Remember our Departed souls:

. Rev. Fr. George Thanchan CMI (59) (General Councillor for Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry - St. Paul's Province, Bhopal) slept in the Lord on 04.07.2016.
. Rev. Fr. Joseph Munduvelimukalel CMI (75), St. Joseph's Province, Kottayam, slept in the Lord on 04.07.2016.
. Rev. Fr. Mathew Uppani CMI (81), of St. Joseph's Province, Kottayam, slept in the Lord on 09.07.2016.
. Rev. Fr. Thomas Macheril (71), belonging to the archdiocese of Shillong, the younger brother of Fr. Kurian Macheril CMI (Nirmal Province, JAG), was called to eternal reward on 11.06.2016.
. Mr. Athappai Kavil (66), beloved father of Bro. Sinto Kavil CMI (Theology-Pune, Devamatha Province, TSR), slept in the Lord on 13.06.2016.
. Mr. Siby Puramthottathil (37), beloved brother of Fr. Sijo Puramthottathil CMI (St. Paul's Province, MYS), was called to eternal rest on 19.06.2016.
. Mrs. Mariam Chammattakuzhy (87), beloved mother of Fr. Philip Chammattakuzhy CMI (St. Paul's Province, MYS), was called for eternal reward on 19.06.2016.
. Mr. Paulo Mulavarickal (85), beloved elder brother of Fr. Jacob Mulavarickal CMI (Sacred Heart Province, Kochi), slept in the Lord on 13.07.2016.