preloader

News & Events

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

NEWS UPDATE (24 July 2018)

post
NEWS UPDATE (24 July 2018)

1. CMI Renewal in North America was held from July 10 -13, 2018 at St. Meinrad Archabbey, Indiana, USA, organized by Fr. Davy Kavungal (Delegate Superior) and Fr. Antony Vadakara quite successfully. Kudos to their great efforts and those of various subcommittees. Rev. Fr. Prior General inaugurated the triennial meeting. Frs. Roy Palatty, Thomas Kalam, Saju Chakkalackal, and Thomas Manninezhath presented contextualized papers on various renewal themes. Fr. Davy Kavungal presented a report on North American CMI Delegation. Fr. BijuKannampuzha (Parish Pastoral Ministry), Fr. Jose Kulathinal (Parish Administration Skills), Fr. Jilson Naduviledath (Chapel in the Mall Ministry), Fr. James Panackal (Spirituality Centre Liberty, TN), Fr. James Narithookkil (Interreligious and Dialogue Center, Sacramento), Fr. David Chalackal (Hospital Chaplaincy), Fr. SojuThekkiniath (Ministry to Children and Youth) and Fr. DevassiaKanatt (Evangelization 2020 and Retreat) spoke on the niche ministries we are involved in North America. Most Reverend Richard F. Stika, Bishop of Knoxville was the Principal Celebrant for Holy Mass on July 11th and he gave an effective homily. Rev. Fr. Jose Kuriedath (Provincial, Kochi), Rev. Fr. Paul Parakkattel (Provincial, Muvattupuzha), WalterThelappilly (Provincial, Thrissur), Rev. Fr. Thomas Thekkel (Provincial Kozhikode), Rev. Fr. Sony Palathra (Vicar Provincial Trivandrum), Rev. Fr. Thomas Chirayil (Councillor Hyderabad), Fr. Biju Naduthottiyil (Councillor Mysore), Fr. CyriacKochupura (Auditor, Trivandrum), Fr. Sebastian Thekkedathu, (General Councillor) etc., were the participants from India. North American Guide for the CMIs was released during the Renewal; it is the revised edition and was prepared by a team under the leadership of Fr. Mathew Vadakkan in collaboration with Frs. Davy Kavungal, Sebastian Vettickal and BijuKannampuzha. About 96 CMIs were in attendance in the serene ambience of St. Meinrad Archabbey and more spiritual fruits are awaited in their ministry.

2. CMI Renewal 2018 for our Fathers engaged in mission in Latin America was held at SVD Renewal Centre in Quito, Ecuador, during 3-6 July 2018. Among the twenty-six participants in the Renewal, missionaries from Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil had taken part. Five bishops, including the Apostolic Nuncio to Ecuador, addressed the CMI gathering. Themes were jointly presented by one member from Latin American missions and another from among the Major Superiors and Councillors. Fr. Seby Shan, Fr. Sony Sebastian Palathra, Fr. James Nedumparampil, Fr. Saju Chackalackal, Fr. John Elavathingal, Fr. Mathew Kurisummoottil, Bishop Eduardo Castillo Pin (Auxiliary Bishop), Fr. Paul Muriyath, Fr. Jose Kuriedath, Fr. George Vellaringattu and Fr. Joshi Puthussery presented the papers. Along with Fr. Prior General, Provincials of Kochi and Muvattupuzha, and the Vicar Provincial of Thiruvananthapuram and Provincial Councillors from Bijnor and Muvattupuzha and the General Councillor for Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry joined the Renewal in Ecuador. Fr. Joshi Puthusserry, Coordinator in Ecuador, and all our Fathers in Ecuador did an excellent job in organizing the entire Renewal programme, which offered a rejuvenating experience in the missionary endeavours of all Latin American CMI missionaries.

3. His Eminence Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, Archbishop of Cologne, visited CMI Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, Our Mother House and Chavara Pilgrim Centre, Mannanam with Dr. Rudolf Solzbacher and Mr. Nadim Karl Ammann from the Diocesan Office World Church / World Mission, Cologne. He was our special guest for the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on 16 July 2018. A good number of CMIs from nearby houses were also present for the celebration. Aspirants from Thevara made the celebration colourful with their presence and melodious songs. The Cardinal and team stayed in Chavara Hills for three days and attended a cultural program hosted by Chavara Cultural Centre, Kochi on 17 July, 2018. The Cardinal and team visited our motherhouse, St. Joseph’s Monastery, offered Holy Mass in the chapel and prayed at the tomb of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, our beloved founder on 19 July 2018. On the way to Kozhikode, Cardinal visited Devamatha Provincial House, Thrissur.

4. Due to the heavy monsoon rain, the whole of Kuttanad, including Kainakary, is inundated for the last one week. As most of the families in this area are affected by the flood, many have already moved out of Kuttanad; however, many poor families who cannot afford to move out, are still staying back and a good number of them are cared for in camps arranged by the government. Practically, the entire cultivation is damaged by the flood. Although water is slowly receding, the damage done to the houses, livestock and vegetation will seriously affect the people around this area. Under the auspices of CEVA, Fr. Thomas Kallukalam and Fr. Thomas Irumpukuthiyil have already reached out to the affected people in the locality. Yet, in the course of time, people in Kainakary would need generous support from people of good will to resume their normal life and to make their own homes liveable. Chavara Bhavan, Kainakary also has been seriously affected by the flood. Our Fathers and CMC Sisters live on the first floor of their respective buildings as the ground floor is filled with water. The church and other facilities have been seriously affected by water; the adoration chapel has been fully submerged under water. Thank God, the birth-home of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, which was renovated and elevated last year, remains unaffected by water. Yet, a lot of renovation work will have to be undertaken before it is made accessible to the pilgrims.

5. Christ deemed to be University Golden jubilee inauguration was held on 14 July 2018. Nobel Laurate Shri. Kailash Satyarthi was the chief guest. Mar Antony Kariyil presided over Eucharistic celebration and the inaugural function. Rev. Fr. George Edayadiyil, the Chancellor and the Rector inaugurated the function. Rev. Fr. Vicar General attended the Jubilee Eucharistic Celebration and public gathering. On July 21, the get together of the staff and alumni was held in connection with the jubilee. Rev. Fr. Prior General presided over the function and Rev. Fr. Rector inaugurated the event. Dr. Anil D Sahasrabudhe, AICTE Chairman was the chief guest and Hon’ble Minister Shri. Krishna Byre Gowda, an alumnus was the guest of honour. In connection with the jubilee a postal stamp was released. Congratulations to Christ University team for the well-organized events.

6. The renewal programme for members directly under the Prior General’s House (except major study houses) will be held in Chavara Hills from 10 a.m. on 29 August to 4 p.m. on 31 August 2018. Those who were not able to participate in the renewal programme in their respective provinces can also participate in the programme (with advance notice).

7. Gathering of CMIs celebrating Golden Jubilee of priestly ordination will be on 15, 16 and 17 January 2019 and first Profession will be on 22, 23 and 24 January 2019 at Chavara Hills, Kakkanad.

8. Congratulations and Best Wishes to

v Fr. George Pittappilly who as director of Renewable Energy Centre, Mithradham received Kerala state Renewable Award 2017 under NGO category and Certificate of Appreciation for the valuable contribution in conducting Suryamitra skill development Programme from National Institute of Solar Energy, MNRE, Govt. of India during the Year 2016-17.

v Fr. Alexander Paikada who won the KCBC Media Award 2018.

v Fr. Paul Poovathingal who won the Thrissur Archdiocese Media Award 2018.

v Fr. Johny Chirackal for publishing his book KudumbangalkkoruPadeyam (Malayalam).

v Fr. Tenny Parakka who was elected as the president of CRI, Kalyan region.

9.PG Diary
Rev. Fr. General began his canonical visitation at Dharmaram College, Bangalore on 17 July 2018. He will begin the canonical visitation in St. Paul’s Province, Mysuru on 7 August 2018, followed by Pune and Darsana, Wardha.

10. Upcoming Events (Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry)

v CMI Pastors’ Meet: Gathering of CMIs now active in parish ministries, on 30 July to 2 August 2018, at Chavara Hills, Kakkanad.

v CMI Retreat Preachers’ Meet: Get-together of CMI retreat preachers during 3-6 September 2018, at Chavara Hills, Kakkanad.

v Updating on the Bible and Teachings of the Church: At Poornodaya, Bhopal from 12-16 November 2018.

v Updating on the Bible and Teachings of the Church: At Chavara Hills, Kakkanad, from 14-16 December 2018.

v CMI Mission Year: 1 October 2018 – 31 October 2019.

v CMI Mission Congress: Friday, 27 September 2019 – Tuesday, 1 October 2019.

11. Upcoming Events (Education and Mass Media)

v Higher Education Round Table: A conference of the CMIs working in the field of Higher Education will be held on 4 August 2018 at Chavara Hills, Kakkanad.

v One Day Seminar for Fresh Teachers in CMI educational institutions on ‘CMI Vision of Education’ will be held at Chavara Hills on 18 August 2018.

v CMI Board of Education Meet will be held on 19 August 2018 from 9 am to 4 pm for Councillors of Education from all the provinces and representatives.

v Major Superiors Meeting and General Formation Council will be held during 24-27 August 2018 in Dharmaram College, Bangalore.

v Round Table for CMIs Teaching/Administering in CMI Schools: 19-20 October 2018 at Christ University Engineering Campus, Mysore Road, Bangalore.

v CMI Alumni of Christ Deemed to be University meet on 18 October 2018, at the Engineering faculty, Kengeri Campus, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee.

12. Upcoming Events (Formation Coordination)

v College going brothers meet for South Indian Provinces: 10-12 August 2018, at Chavara hills, Kakkanad

v Formators’ In-Service Training: 28-30 September 2018, at Chavara Hills, Kakkanad.

v College going brothers meet for North Indian Provinces: 03-04 November 2018, at Poornodaya Training Centre, Bhopal.

v Freshers’ Meet: Gathering of First-year aspirants on 17 November 2018, at Chavara Hills, Kakkanad.

13. † Let’s Remember the Departed Souls

v Rev. Fr. Sebastian Vengaloor CMI (80) (St. Joseph Province, Kottayam) passed away on 27 June 2018, at 8.00am. His funeral was held at St. John’s Monastery, Mutholy on Saturday, 30 June 2018 at 02.30 pm.

v Rev. Bro. Zacharias Puthussery (89), (Sacred Heart Province, Kochi,) slept in the Lord, on 29 June 2018, at 11.25pm. His funeral was at Assumption Monastery, Neeleewaram on Sunday 1 July 2018 at 2.30 pm.

v Mr. A.D. Kuriakose (95) beloved father of Rev. Frs. Sebastian and George Athappilly (Devamatha Province, Thrissur) was called to eternal rest on 26 June 2018 at 10.00 pm. The funeral was on 27 June 2018, at St. Stanislaus Forane Church, Mala at 4 pm.

v Mr. Thomas M. Mattathil (74), the elder brother of Rev. Fr. BabuMattathil CMI (Carmel Province, Muvattupuzha) slept in the Lord on 30 June 2018. The funeral was held on 01 July 2018 at St. Antony’s Church, Kuninji at 2.30 pm.

v Mrs. Elsy Joseph (75) elder sister of Fr. AntoPudussery CMI (St. John's Province, Bijnor) expired on 9 July 2018, evening. Her funeral was on11July 2018 at 2:30 pm at St. Rockey's Church, Manickamangalam, Kalady.

v Mr. George Thomas Koyipuram (73) the younger brother of Fr. Justin Koyipuram CMI (St. Joseph Province, Kottayam) passed away on 10 July 2018, morning at Edappady in Pala. His funeral services were on Wednesday 11 July 2018 at 2:00 pm at St. Joseph Church, Edappady, Pala.

v Mr. Paulson Kochumuttom (57), beloved brother of Fr. Thomas Kochumuttom (St. John's Province, Bijnor) expired on 10 July 2018 morning. His funeral was on Friday, 13 July 2018 at 10 am at Besleham Church near Vazhakkulam.

v Mr. Ouseppachen (87), the beloved elder brother of Bishop Vijay AnandNedumpuram(Mar Thoma Province, Chanda) slept in the Lord on 21 July 2018 early this morning. His funeral was on, 22 July 2018 at 2.30 p.m at Chemplav (Pala Diocese) Little Flower Church.