“Formation is a path of gradual identification with the attitude of Christ towards the Father”.{VC.65.}
The Carmelite formation is a specific process through which a person learns to identify fully with the Carmelite ideal of life, which consists in contemplative fraternity lived in the midst of the people. Carmelites learn to be more and more authentic disciples of Jesus Christ through their formation, participating in the offering he makes of himself to the Father, and sharing fully in his mission for the good of humanity in keeping with the specific charism of the Carmelite Order (Constitutions, 117). The commitment to live a deep relationship with Christ and to conform to him is the very core of our formation.
As formation is an ongoing process of fostering the growth and progress of our commitment in alignment with the charism and vision of our congregation, it has specific stages like Initial Formation ( minor seminary), Postulancy, Pre-novitiate, Novitiate, Period of simple profession (includes philosophy, college studies, internship or regency and theological studies), and ongoing formation.
The three-year compulsory initiation for all the newly recruited candidates is an effective way for the candidates to know our way of life and for the province to understand the aptitude of the candidates to religious and priestly life. The place of initial formation is at Carmel Nivas, Karukadom, and Kothamangalam in Kerala. The Minor seminary provides the candidates with ample opportunity to deepen their call consciousness and to respond positively, freely and responsibly to God’s Call.
The guiding principle in the spiritual orientation of the minor seminary is that aspirant’s life should be aptitudes Christ centered through deep personal prayer and reflection, community prayers and introspection and discernment in the light of the Word of God. Meaningful offering of the Holy Eucharist and periodic reception of the sacrament of reconciliation facilitate them to experience Christ’s sanctifying presence within them. During this period the seminarians acquire necessary linguistic skills, good communal and personal etiquettes, aesthetic sense, sports and games etc. A hearty interpersonal relationship and an emotional maturity is infused in them through sex education and allied orientation programs and exposures.
The postulancy program is for those young men who have explicit intention to become a Carmelite. It is intended to clarify the motivation of the candidates towards Carmelite life, his psychological maturity and social awareness and prepare him for the entrance into the novitiate (Statutes, 89).
The pre-novitiate is intended to prepare candidates for entry into the novitiate, where their journey of Carmelite religious life will begin (RIVC, 71). At this stage the candidates deepen their faith in Jesus who has called them to follow Him. They are given an opportunity to assess their ability to live in the Carmelite community.
During the pre-novitiate the candidate discerns profoundly and personally his vocation to religious life and priesthood, especially lived in the context of the St. Thomas Province of the Order of Carmelites.
The community lends a hand to the Pre-novice in this intense process through judicious and creative evaluation and guidance.
The purpose of the novitiate is to initiate candidates gradually into life in the Spirit according to the Carmelite charism, with a view to a first commitment through simple profession. The novice’s initiation involves growth in Christian maturity (RIVC, 81).
A novice, being free from the pressures of the formal education, gets an opportunity to develop a healthy level of spiritual depth, human maturity, self knowledge, inner freedom, interpersonal and intra- personal affectivity, mission orientation, responsible decisions and professional competence. He has his sacred space to reflect and discern and respond to his call to priesthood in the light of the Gospel. Novitiate is generally understood as the beginning of religious life. The Novitiate enables the novice to make the following of Christ experiential by living the evangelic counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience according to the spirit of our Order.
Temporary profession is made for a period of three years. It can be extended up to six years. During this period the students do their Philosophical and Theological studies. Its immediate purpose is two fold. The former is the preparation for solemn vows in the Carmelite Order and the latter is the ultimate preparation for priesthood. Formation consequently centers on two goals: 1) Continued incorporation into and growing identity with the community and 2) Academic and ministerial preparation for priesthood. Philosophical and theological formation aims at a more profound human growth and maturity, professional competence and committed faith to be open to the will of God and signs of the time. It is not starting something new, but an intensive and careful follow-up of what was started with the initial religious formation.
The Carmelite internship is an opportunity for the professed to experience community life and participate in the ministry of a Carmelite community. Normally it is after the completion of philosophical or college studies. This period may be spent in some of our houses or in some other places as the Provincial administrative Team shall decide. It is a guided experience of learning community living and service in the Church. The length of this internship will be a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years (Statutes, 114).
Solemn profession shall be preceded approximately by one month of spiritual preparation. The students may receive Minor Orders and Deaconate in due time. On completion of the philosophical and theological studies the students are allowed to make solemn profession and are ordained as deacons. All those who are ordained deacons shall have at least six months deaconate ministry in a parish or in a mission station prior to their priestly ordination.
Every newly ordained priest normally has to spend at least one full year in pastoral ministry, preferably in a parish or in a mission station under the guidance of an experienced priest.
Formation is an ongoing process in the living context within which the entire process of formation in all its aspect must flourish. It follows that ongoing is our way of living out our Carmelite identity as a continuing process of transformation towards full maturity in Christ (RIVC, 114). It is a process which requires continuous and daily effort.
The initial and formal formation in the protected environment of the formation houses should enable a Religious to open oneself to continual formation in the context of the crucible of the bare realities of life. In the School of the ever young and fresh spirit of God a consecrated person must be always a learner, a seeker. On going formation is a blessed mechanism to face the enormous challenges of witness and credibility and to re-invent ourselves as religious, always ready with novel vision with clarity to be effective in any given situation. A holistic approach to formation must cover every dimension of our religious life journey- the personal and communal, spiritual and apostolic, cultural and professional.
Location
Karukadom is the place which is situated on the way to Muvattupuzha Kothamangalm Road ,7km from Kothamangalam,and 8 km from Muvattupuzha
Profile
Mount Carmel college owes its existence to the O.carm (Order of Carmelites) Fathers. We aims at the formation of future leaders who are intellectually competent, spiritually mature, morally upright, psychologically integrated, physically healthy and socially acceptable, who will champion the cause of Justice, love, truth and peace and who are ever open to further growth.
Management
The management of Mount Carmel College is vested upon O.carm (Order of Carmelites) Fathers.
visit Us : www.mccollegekarukadom.com
Carmel Jyothi Trust
We are Carmelites, a religious order in the Catholic tradition which has a glorious history of 800 years. We are present in 36 different countries across the globe. Our teaching mission and excellence is second to none. For us teaching is a vocation and we have been a success in the US, UK, Germany, Ireland and Italy. Since 1987 we have been in Bangalore and now we find that time has come for us to do something uniquely for the people whom we are called to serve. Carmel Academy Bangalore is our long cherished dream which we do believe can contribute to the integral and innovative development of the children we hope to educate at our institute.
Our Mission
‘NIL SATIS NISI OPTIMUM’, ‘nothing but the best is good enough’, is our motto. Following the example of Jesus Christ and the charism of the Carmelite Order we aim to form a learning community that can face the challenges of the modern world. Our mission is to motivate, challenge and change our students for the better. We motivate our students by developing a curiosity for the world in its complexities and values, with scientific and mathematics proficiency, critical thinking and judgment, moral sensitivity, enabling them to express him/her self with confidence and skill. We challenge our students and educate them by developing skills and imparting knowledge consistent with the highest standards and the most effective methodologies. We change our students helping them to become intellectually competent, emotionally balanced, spiritually mature, physically healthy, socially and psychologically integrated with a strong sense of justice, peace and truth. We are a Catholic institution rooted in Christian values but open to all, irrespective of religion, caste or community, paying respect to their religious feelings and freedom of conscience.
Our Values:
Faith in God
Academic Excellence without compromise
Love for Justice and Peace
Nurturing the Whole Person
Mutual Love and Respect
Solidarity
Carmel Jyothi is a study house of Carmelite (O. Carm) fathers that has been in Bangalore since 1987. It is situated on Bannerghatta
Road between Kalena Agrahara and Gottigere opposite Himagiri Meadows. The campus with three and half acres of land is maintained as
a garden filled with fruit trees and flowers that has direct access from the main road. Carmel Academy is an initiative of Carmelite
fathers managed by Carmel Jyoti Trust.
Management
Carmel Jyoti Trust headed by Carmelite fathers has contributed significantly to the overall development of the spiritual, social and educational needs of the local community and taken Carmel Academy as its new venture.
visit Us : www.carmelacademy.in
Management
Carmelite missionaries are very much committed in imparting education to the poor and marginalized. We started the school in Kosigi, which is very backward and underdeveloped in economic, social and political conditions. It is an interior area and the nearest city and district headquarter is Kurnool which is 125 km away from the school. Mount Carmel School has its first roots in 2000.
The people in this area are illiterate and even thinking that giving education to their children is a great loss because the children are working in the field for daily wages. So we are usually visiting houses and conducting awareness programs in this area and the nearby villages. Through the continuous program and house visit, they slowly came forward with the idea of educating children.
We are having English medium up to 10th class. The students are good enough to continue their studies, but the lack of motivation from the part of parents prevents them not coming to school regularly. Since most of the children are from illiterate and poor families they cannot afford to buy the books and uniform and so forth things. We are giving concession to many of them.
Vision
“Facilitate building up appropriate generations to encounter ever-changing diverse ethos of the world with the help of morality, knowledge, and wisdom”
Motto
“Life in the light of Wisdom”
Mission
We motivate and empower the new generation by imparting right knowledge and imbuing them with multiple skills and strengthening their values. We change our students helping them to become intellectually competent, emotionally balanced, spiritually mature, physically healthy, socially and psychologically integrated with strong sense of justice, peace and truth.
Carmel Retreat centre is a Catholic Charismatic Spirituality Centre under the Order of Carmelites (St Thomas Province), India and it is the official retreat centre of the Province. The Provincial is the Patron and Fr Bosco Njaliath O.Carm is the founder director of the center. Carmel Divine Mercy Retreat team, in the Arch diocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly is a result of God’s intervention. Our Saturday Ministry, Perpetual Adoration, Divine Mercy Retreats, Empowerment Retreats, Evangelization through modern media are some of the aspects by which we extend God’s Loving care to each child of God.
The Ocean of Healing and Rejuvenation by Holy Spirit
It is not the medicine but lord your word that heals the sick. The Residential Retreats and Saturday services are inflaming a wonderful experience of the caring mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. The healing Mass and Adoration lead the people into the experience of the opened heart of Jesus which in turn enable them internally to renounce their old sinful person and helps to be purified and wore Jesus and thus be healed from spiritual, physical, mental, economical and social bondages which put them in distress.
This experience of the freedom in spirit is supported by the breaking of the word of God and the Holy rosary. Many of the families witnessed this healing process of the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ. Fr. Bosco Njaliath and Fr. John Mariadas are being used as the instruments by the mighty hands of Jesus.
Nobody comes in to me unless he is attracted by my Heavenly Father. The retreats for the people enable and empower them to submit themselves in the hands of Jesus to experience the burning touch of Spirit so as to live in inflaming LOVE
Once they are realized their state the Spirit helps them to renounce the old ways of live. In the moment they take the decision they are new born, they are rejuvenated in to the love of Jesus.
Ministries
Residential Retreats for all
Saturday Vigil Service
Perpetual Adoration
Healing Services
Retreats in Parishes
Retreats in Educational Institutions
Talks in Shalom, Goodness tv,
Retreats and conventions in different parts of the world
Dedication and Novena of Divine Mercy
Karuna Bhavan, Manathvady
‘To be alone’ is a pathetic situation and when it is in the old age its intensity is doubled. It is the call of every Christian to console each other and be a compassionate companion to all. Karuna Bhavan is a response to this Christian call. We run an old age home for the poor men who are abandoned by the family members and relatives. Fourteen such grandpas live with us in Karuna Bhavan (house of mercy). Karuna Bavan is situated in Kartikulam, Dioces of Mananthavady near to the Novitiate House Karmel Nikethan, Kartikulam.
Carmel Boys’ Home
What does it take to permanently lift a poor Indian child out of poverty? For children in and around the town of Kosigi (pop. 21,000) in northwest Andhra Pradesh, the answer is an education through 10th grade. Kosigi has the highest illiteracy rate in the state, a consequence of the area’s small farm and migrant populations. Schooling can give students the foundation they need to pursue higher studies and land jobs in the civil service, skilled manufacturing, white collar and technical sectors. Ironically, the biggest obstacle a child faces to gaining the tools that will lead to a better life are often the child’s parents.
It is possible to change the social conditions of poverty by addressing the fundamental roadblock to an adequate education – and that is by boarding children during the school year. Carmel Boys’ Boarding is a direct response to the problem of children dropping out of school before completing their secondary education.
Carmel Boys’ Home was inaugurated on 10 June 2014 by Very rev Fr Robert Thomas Puthussery O.Carm, the Prior Provincial, St Thomas Province, India. The Carmel Boys’ Home is not only giving the residence education but also an integral growth to children.
The Carmelite Constitutions (no. 91) referring to the apostolic mission of the Order in the Local Church declare that "the Carmelite
mission shares in the mission of Jesus, who was sent to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God and to bring about the total liberation of humanity from
all sin and oppression”. Our ministry as Carmelites is therefore an integral part of our Charism.
We actively participate in the parish ministries and thus we are always available to the people.
1. Little Flower Church, Kothannur in the Diocese of Mandya
2. St George’s Church, Appapara in the Diocese of Mananthavady
3. Carmalamatha Church, Chettupuzha in the Archdiocese of Thrissur
4. St George’s Church, Pampadumpara in the Diocese of Kanjirapally
5. Carmel Matha Church, Sunkeswry in the Dioces of Kurnool, A.P.
6. St George’s Church, Kosigi in the Dioces of Kurnool, A.P.
7. Kanakapilly
A New Province
The Carmelites who first established a presence in India came from the Carmelite Upper German Province in the 1960’s. Over time, enough young Indian men were drawn to the Carmelites’ spirituality that it was decided India should be its own province. As St. Thomas the Apostle is believed to have proselytized India in the 1st century, the Province of St. Thomas was formed in July, 2007.
Locus of Carmelite Activity
The Carmelite friars conduct their ministry from spread across three Indian states (Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka). The Andhra Mission is located in the Diocese of Kurnool, Andhrapredesh which is headed by Bishop Anthony Poola, D.D.
Kurnool is one of the backward districts of Andra Pradesh State. This district is characterized by many of the elements, which drive the society backward in growth and social transformation. Economically the state is at very low in achievements and industrialization is at a very low pace. Social sphere is disfigured by the phenomenon of casteism: higher castes, domininant castes, and lower cases. Political situation is controlled and marred by factionalism of cast wise and area wise leaders. Hinduism is the dominant religion of the district.
(Larger circle) The Diocese of Kurnool relies heavily on religious orders to minister to the Catholic faithful in its nearly 80 parishes. (Smaller circle) Thrissur, Kerala: Seat of the Carmelite Province of St. Thomas
The Carmelite Missions in Andhra
Blazing with the zeal of Prophet Elija and Bl. Mary the Carmelite Mission in Andhra pioneered at 1998. The Carmelite Mission is located in Mantralayam and Kosigi Mandals in Kurnool District, the largest in area (17658kms) and population. The two mandals are highly drought hit prone, economically and educationally most backward areas. Because of the drought, people migrate to nearby cities and towns for their livelihood. In 1998 the mission was taken up by Carmelite Missionaries with the Request of Late Bishop Most Rev. Gorrentle Jonness. Fr Sunny Thurthipillil was the pioneer. Now the mission properly spread through more than 20 villages of three Mandals around. Specifically the mission activities are
The Pastoral Care
Educational Empowerment
Medical services
Social Services
Women Empowerment
The Pastoral Care
The pastoral care is extended over two Parishes and 10 substation under the Diocese of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
Sunkeswary Parish
The Parish was started in the year of 1998 as the Carmelites took charge of villages around. The new Parish bifurcated from the parishes of Yemigannur and Adoni and dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Rev Fr Sunny Thuruthipillil O.Carm., the pioneer of the mission became the first Parish Priest. It consists of 11 substations around. Fr Jijo Muthanattu O.Carm., was appointed the parish priest in 2008 and Fr Regi Jacob Pullan O.Carm in 2011. New Parish church was blessed on 31 December 2012 by Most Rev Poola Anthony, Bishop of the Diocese of Kurnool.
On 21June 2015 the parish was bifurcated for the effective service to the faithful and thus Kosigi Parish came in to existence. On 26 May 2016 new church at Ramupuram village which is a substation of Sunkeswary Parish was inaugurated by Most Rev Poola Anthony, Bishop of the Diocese of Kurnool in the presence of Very rev Fr Robert Puthussery O.Carm, the Prior Provincial of the Order. Now the Parish is consist of five villages, 380 families and 2000 Catholics.
Kosigi Parish
Kosigi Parish dedicated to St George came in to existence on 21 June 2015 bifurcated from Sunkeswary Parish. Fr Thomas Nelliyanyil was given charge as the Parish Priest. The Parish consists of 7 villages, 350 families 2100 faithful.
Evangelization – The Socio-spiritual Renewal:
Evangelization means giving Jesus to all people so as to enable them to lead a better human life. A good Christian is always a good human with all his socio-economic and spiritual values. The spiritual renewal illuminates and strengthens the values of human life. Most basically the values are ardently blended with the socio cultural phenomena of the society. The Hindu culture and cast system widely affect the life and life styles of the people which has a great role in molding the values. Hence this is the core challenge we have been facing from the commencement of the mission.
Therefore, we planned to make the people beneficiaries of the spiritual enlightenment by receiving Jesus in their hearts as to build their life deep in Christian faith and love. The strategy is reaching out the people through:
Daily Eucharistic Celebration
Preparing people to receive the sacraments
The word of God
Body and Blood of Jesus
Basic catechism of the church
First Holy Communion
Holy Adoration
Holy Rosary
Faith proclamations and processions
Home visits and Counseling
Youth and children’s group animations
Blessing of the Houses
Renovation and construction of churches
Intervention in problem solving
Bible to every family
The focus point is to enable the people to accept the faith formation and remold their moral and social values which renovate the life style and attitude of the people.
Educational Empowerment
We are mainly imparting the educational empowerment through
1. Mount Carmel School
2. Child Labour School
3. Informal education like mass education and group education
The Mount Carmel School
Carmelite missionaries are very much committed in imparting education to the poor and marginalized. We started the school in Kosigi, which is
very backward and underdeveloped in economic, social and political conditions. It is an interior area and the nearest city and district headquarter is Kurnool
which is 125 km away from the school. Mount Carmel School has its first roots in 2000.
The people in this area are illiterate and even thinking that giving education to their children is a great loss because the children are working in the field
for daily wages. So we are usually visiting houses and conducting awareness programs in this area and the nearby villages. Through the continuous program and
house visit,they slowly came forward with the idea of educating children.
We are having English medium up to 10th class. The students are good enough to continue their studies, but the lack of motivation from the part of parents
prevents them not coming to school regularly. Since most of the children are from illiterate and poor families they cannot afford to buy the books and uniform
and so forth things. We are giving concession to many of them.
Vision
“Facilitate building up appropriate generations to encounter ever-changing diverse ethos of the world with the help of morality, knowledge, and wisdom”
Motto
“Life in the light of Wisdom”
Mission
We motivate and empower the new generation by imparting right knowledge and imbuing them with multiple skills and strengthening their values. We change our students helping them to become intellectually competent, emotionally balanced, spiritually mature, physically healthy, socially and psychologically integrated with strong sense of justice, peace and truth.
Medical Services
The medical services involve the
A small clinic attached to the Parish church run and managing by SABS Sisters, Manathavady
Periodical Medical Camps
Medical helps and directing to proper treatment
Social Services
The social services includes the activities like
Awareness programs
Youth motivation
Crisis interventions and coping with disaster
Problem solving interventions
Small scale financial helps
Carmel Boys Home
What does it take to permanently lift a poor Indian child out of poverty? For children in and around the town of Kosigi (pop. 21,000) in northwest Andhra Pradesh, the answer is an education through 10th grade. Kosigi has the highest illiteracy rate in the state, a consequence of the area’s small farm and migrant populations. Schooling can give students the foundation they need to pursue higher studies and land jobs in the civil service, skilled manufacturing, white collar and technical sectors. Ironically, the biggest obstacle a child faces to gaining the tools that will lead to a better life are often the child’s parents.
It is possible to change the social conditions of poverty by addressing the fundamental roadblock to an adequate education – and that is by boarding children during the school year. Carmel Boys’ Boarding is a direct response to the problem of children dropping out of school before completing their secondary education.
Carmel Boys’ Home was inaugurated on 10 June 2014 by Very rev Fr Robert Thomas Puthussery O.Carm, the Prior Provincial, St Thomas Province, India. The Carmel Boys’ Home is not only giving the residence education but also an integral growth to children.
Women Empowerment
Women are the most week and suffering section here in Andhra. The parents not at all interest to send the girl child to education. Early marriages are another challenge. Hence it is very important to empower the women for the welfare of the society and family. The programs involve
SMCS program (mother and child security program)
Free tailoring training as a part of skill development manage by SABS Sisters
Saving schemes for the women
Situated in Kothamangalm, Carmel Bookstall opens up new vistas of activity to our friars. It stands as one of the media through which
interactions with people become easier. Carmelites of St Thomsas Province in India started a bookstall and church article shop named ‘Carmel Book Stall’ in
Kothamangalam. Our Carmelite presence in Kothamangalam diocese is really enhanced by this new venture. The Bishop of Kothamangalam as well as priests and
religious in the area had expressed their appreciation for our new venture, which has also highlighted the Carmelite Spirituality in the area. On 20th of
December 2010 the shop opened its doors for the first time and Very Rev. Fr. Francis Alappattu, the Vicar General of Kothamangalam diocese blessed the shop,
in the presence of Prior Provincial Fr. Sojan Neendoor. The esteemed presence of our friars and people from all walks of life were encouraging.
The Shop carries all kinds of liturgical and religious articles. It also has got a good collection of Books, which include spiritual and inspiring.
Our services are not limited to the Indian frontiers. The province is willing enough to send its members abroad for parish ministries understanding the need of the time and above all reflecting the command of our Lord.
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