Degree Students’ Meet 2024

The CMI Prior General’s House organized a meeting for scholastics pursuing undergraduate degrees from February 2 to 4, 2024. Around 77 scholastics participated in the event. The sessions featured inputs from Fr. Francis Manavalan, Mr. Mathew Moses, and Fr. Jerin Thuruthel.

Quinquennial 2024 - Batch 2022-2023

Priests ordained in the years 2022-23 gathered at the Prior General’s House for the Quinquennial Program from February 9 to 11, 2024. The event included various input sessions and opportunities for the priests to share their first-year experiences. Fr. Anto Alappattu spoke on “Prudence in Priestly Ministry: The Do’s and Don’ts,”

SMRC: Annual Gathering

The CMI Prior General’s House hosted the annual gathering of the Syro-Malabar Religious Conference on April 5, 2024. His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, inaugurated the conference, which saw the participation of 181 religious priests, brothers, and nuns.

Walk the Talk 2024 - Youth Animation Workshop for CMI Deacons

The Department of Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry organized a three-day animation program for our CMI deacons from April 7 to 10, 2024. Twenty-eight deacons attended the workshop, which included several sessions aimed at enhancing their youth ministry efforts. Key topics included “Understanding the Landscape of Youth Today” by Dr. Jiju Arakathara, “Models of Youth Ministry” by Fr. Stephen Thomas Chalakara, and “How to Understand and Address the Addiction Epidemic Among Youth” by Mr. Geo P. George.

Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession 2024

The CMI General House celebrated the golden jubilee of religious profession of our 29 Jubilarians on April 12 and 13, 2024. Fr. Martin Kallunkal gave the orientation talk. The General House also arranged a boat trip in Alappuzha, during which the priests shared their cherished memories, followed by a felicitation.

Gathering of Newly Professed CMIs

The CMI Prior General House hosted a gathering for newly professed members of the congregation on April 21 and 22, 2024. Fifty-seven scholastics participated, many of whom met each other and visited the General House for the first time. Fr. Jeff Shawn and Fr. Tomy Kattamppally introduced them to philosophy studies and major study
houses.

Silver Jubilee of Priestly Ordination 2024

The Silver Jubilarian priests of the CMI congregation gathered at the Prior General’s House on April 26 and 27, 2024. Twenty-two priests attended, sharing their memories and experiences.

Animators Renewal Programme 2024

Animators of the renewal program in the province gathered from May 27 to 29, 2024. These animators, responsible for leading the renewal programs, received guidelines from the General Councilors. Various CMI Provincials, including Fr. Davis Varayilan, Fr. Benny Nalkara, Fr. Biju Vellakkada, and Fr. Jose Nandhikara, provided input sessions. The sessions were followed by group discussions.

Quinquennial 2024

The ongoing formation program for young priests, Quinquennial, took place from June 21 to 23, 2024. Seventeen priests attended, sharing their thoughts, memories, and experiences. Input sessions included “Priest with Third Eye” by Mr. Sijo Painadath and “Year of Family, Youth, and Children” by Fr. Francis Manavalan, CMI.

Orientation for Young CMI Educators

The General Department of Education and Media conducted an orientation for young educators of the congregation on June 29 and 30, 2024. Fifty-two participants attended the event, which focused on effectively carrying out the education ministry while upholding Christian values. Sessions included “Social Transformation Through Education” by Fr. Francis Manavalan, “CMI Education Vision for Integral and Human Development of Children” by Fr. Isaac Poochamkulam, “Networking and Delegation for Educational Leadership” by Fr. Augustine Paimpally, “Education and Media” by Dr. Asha Joseph, “Green CMI Campus” by Fr. Joy Peenickaparampil, and “Legacy of CMI Education” by Fr. John Mannarathara. A panel discussion titled “Learn From the Elders” was moderated by Fr. Jaison Mulerickal, with panelists Fr. Luka Chavara, Fr. Charles Koroth, and Fr. Joice Aryassery.

Renewal Programme in Germany

The CMI Renewal Programme for priests serving in Germany and other countries in Europe took place from July 7-10, 2024. The event was attended by 138 priests along with major superiors from different provinces. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen the bonds of CMI Koinonia, allowing participants to share their thoughts, experiences, and spiritual insights. It was a time of renewal, reflection, and fraternity for all involved. Along with the renewal program, 10th anniversary of the canonization of St Chavara and St Euphrasia was celebrated with Pontifical Solemn Eucharistic celebration at Köln Cathedral on 9 July. it was presided over by the Archbishop of Köln Cardinal Reiner Maria Woelki. In his homily he spoke on the deep faith life of St Chavara which made him a social reformer and to initiate various steps to renew the life of the Church.

Kattalaveppu of New PGH Block (Main Door)

The main door of the new block in the General House was installed on July 24, 2024. The construction work is progressing rapidly.

Reception for Bishop Antony Valumkal, Auxiliary Bishop of Varapuzha Archdiocese

A reception was held at the Prior General’s House on July 27, 2024, for the newly ordained Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Varapuzha, His Excellency Mar Antony Valumkal.

In Service Programme-2024 Workshop on ‘Emotional Maturity'

The General Administration organized a three-day workshop for formators to enhance emotional maturity in young members from 07-09 October, 2024. Forty-seven participants attended. Fr Joe Paul Kiriyanthan, Fr Anish Ettakkakunnel, and Fr Rajesh Vincent Pollayil delivered insightful talks on emotional understanding, self-care, challenges in relationships, intimacy with God, and the art of accompaniment in priestly formation.

Carmelite Family of India (CFI) Seminar

The Prior General's House hosted a national seminar on St Therese of Lisieux, organized by the Carmelite Family of India (CFI) from 08-10 November, 2024. Around 200 Carmelites attended, presenting papers on St. Therese. The event also featured a photo exhibition and a cultural evening, celebrating her life and contributions to the faith.

New General Formation Coordinator

The General Administration welcomed Rev. Fr Anto Chakiath CMI as the new General Formation Coordinator on 12 November, 2024, marking a transition from Rev. Fr Jerin Thuruthel, who was honored for his service. Fr Anto brings fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to guide the formation processes within the Congregation.

Decennial Celebration of St Chavara's Sainthood

Mannanam Pilgrim Center hosted celebrations for the decennial of St Chavara's sainthood in collaboration with CMC Sisters on 22-23 November, 2024. Special needs children from our institutions participated, and their teachers were honored. Pilgrims
from seven churches founded by St. Chavara joined for a Eucharistic celebration, making it a memorable event.

Eucharistic Celebration at Arthunkal Church

On the anniversary of St. Chavara's ordination, Fr Prior General celebrated the Holy Mass at Arthunkal Church on 29 November, 2024, with General Councillors concelebrating. Bp James Anaparampil led the Novena to St Chavara and delivered an inspiring message after the Holy Mass, highlighting St Chavara's enduring legacy.

New Director of Archives

Fr Augustine Keemattam joined the Prior General's community as the new director of the Archives on 12 December, 2024. He succeeds Fr Sany Kannampuzha, who is now the director of the house in Samanvaya, Rishikesh. Fr Augustine brings his expertise to preserve and manage the Congregation's rich heritage.