Fr Joseph Koetschner O.Carm
The Order of the Brothers of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (O. Carm.) was originated on Mount Carmel in Palestine in the beginning of the 13th century and the Order made known its presence in different parts of the world since then. At present the Order is blessed with 21 Provinces and a few delegations over thirty different countries of the world. St Thomas Province of India is a fruit of the missionary zeal of the Upper German Province. During the Provincial Chapter held in 1973 a resolution was made on 13th June to start a foundation of the Order in India. Fr Joseph Koetschner, the then Provincial strove hard to learn the situations and realities of the Church and the people in India. He planned and organized the task of founding the Order in India with great zeal and long vision. As a result three batches of candidates from India reached Bamberg, Germany, in the years 1973, 1974 and 1976. On completion of their religious and priestly formation, the first Indian Carmelites Frs Sunny Kodiyan and Thomas Kizhakemury returned to India in 1982 and Frs John Adapoor and Francis Pavartikaran in 1983. In 1982 the first house of the Order in India, Carmel Nivas was canonically erected at Karukadam as the Minor Seminary in the diocese of Kothamangalam; in 1984 Karmel Nikethan was BRIEF HISTORY erected at Kartikulam as the Novitiate House in the diocese of Mananthavady and in 1988 Carmel Jyoti was erected as the study house in Bengaluru. Carmel Sadan was erected in 1994 at Chettupuzha, Thrissur. It is the provincial house of the Province.
In 1991 the foundation in India was made a region and a Commissariat in 1993, which was officially approved by the General Council with the rescript dt. 30.12.1994. Frs Sunny Kodiyan, John Adapoor and Mathew Neendoor were the Commissary Provincials during this period. It started a mission in 1998 in the diocese of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. On 16th July 2007, the Indian Commissariat was eventually declared an independent Province by the then Prior General, Most Rev Joseph Chalmers and Very Rev Fr Mathew Neendoor was elected as the Prior Provincial of St Thomas Province of India and he was re-elected and continued until 2014. On 14 February 2014 Very Rev Fr Robert Thomas Puthussery was elected as the new Prior Provincial.
Today the Carmelites serve the Church in India and abroad by giving retreats, doing parish ministry and undertaking social and educational services for those in need.
The Order in India was involved from its beginning, in such ministries as the Church in Kerala and South of India was in need of at particular times. It started with seminaries for training priests such as Minor Seminary, Novitiate, and Major Study House etc...
The Order in India met the challenge of starting a new mission in Andhra Pradesh with parish ministry and educational ministry. Fr Sunny Jacob Thuruthippilly is the pioneer and visionary behind the mission. Along with the parish ministry Fr Sunny sowed the seeds of educational institutions which are the pressing need of the time then and now.
The service in the field of charismatic retreat began with the foundation of Carmel Bhavan, a residential retreat centre at Karukutty, Angamaly in the Arch-diocese of Ernakulam- Angamaly. Fr Bosco Njaliath is the man behind this spiritual reawakening centre that provides spiritual nourishment and faith formation to hundreds of people from various parts of Kerala.
The friars render their service in seven parishes in various dioceses in and outside Kerala. Our friars are also engaged in parish ministries in the dioceses of Germany, Italy, Ireland and Canada seeing the needs of time.
Our charitable and social commitment is embodied in the form of an old age home at Kartikulam in the diocese of Mananthavady for the destitute men. The Order made its entry to the ministry of Media by starting a Book Stall named Carmel Book Stall at Kothamangalam. It is a new venture that makes a new area of ministry for our friars. Fr Roji Pullolickal is the pioneer and the first director of the Book Stall. Another important area of ministry of the friars is education.
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.
The Carmelite Community Today
Ministries undertaken by missionary priests have a better chance of achieving their goals if they are carried out by people who are part of the culture. The Carmelite community in India today is dominated by young, enthusiastic Indians. There are 77 Carmelite priests, 6 seminarians in Solemn Profession and 18 seminarians in Simple Profession. Very Rev. Fr. Robert Thomas Puthussery O.Carm., the Prior Provincial with his Team is leading the Province in to its heights. .
Working for a Just Society
The Carmelites in India are engaged in education, pastoral work, retreats, homes for the aged, disaster relief, women and child health, rural community development, and ministry on child labor with the support of the government. As the drop-off in numbers from Simple to Solemnly Professed shows, every effort is made to discern those with a true calling to the Carmelite life of poverty, chastity and obedience. These young men give their lives as a witness to Christ-among-us.
Locus of Carmelite Activity
The Carmelite friars conduct their ministry from spread across three Indian states (Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka) and overseas as well (Canada, USA, Germany, Ireland and Italy).
The History of Progression
The Order of the Brothers of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (O. Carm.) was originated on Mount Carmel in
Palestine in the beginning of the 13th century and the Order made known its presence in different parts of the world since then. At present
the Order is blessed with 21 Provinces and a few delegations over thirty different countries of the world.
St Thomas Province of India is a fruit of the missionary zeal of the Upper German Province. During the Provincial Chapter held in 1973 a
resolution was made on 13th June to start a foundation of the Order in India. Fr Joseph Koetschner, the then Provincial strove hard to learn
the situations and realities of the Church and the people in India. He planned and organized the task of founding the Order in India with
great zeal and long vision. As a result three batches of candidates from India reached Bamberg, Germany, in the years 1973, 1974 and 1976.
On completion of their religious and priestly formation, the first Indian Carmelites Frs Sunny Kodiyan and Thomas Kizhakemury returned to
India in 1982 and Frs John Adapoor and Francis Pavartikaran in 1983. In 1982 the first house of the Order in India, Carmel Nivas was
canonically erected at Karukadam as the Minor Seminary in the diocese of Kothamangalam; in 1984 Karmel Nikethan was erected at Kartikulam
as the Novitiate House in the diocese of Mananthavady and in 1988 Carmel Jyoti was erected as the study house in Bengaluru. Carmel Sadan
was erected in 1994 at Chettupuzha, Thrissur. It is the provincial house of the Province.
In 1991 the foundation in India was made a region and a Commissariat in 1993, which was officially approved by the General Council with the
rescript dt. 30.12.1994. Frs Sunny Kodiyan, John Adapoor and Mathew Neendoor were the Commissary Provincials during this period. It started
a mission in 1998 in the diocese of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. On 16th July 2007, the Indian Commissariat was eventually declared an independent
Province by the then Prior General, Most Rev Joseph Chalmers and Very Rev Fr Mathew Neendoor was elected as the Prior Provincial of St Thomas
Province of India and he was re-elected and continued until 2014. On 14 February 2014 Very Rev Fr Robert Thomas Puthussery was elected as the
new Prior Provincial.
Today the Carmelites serve the Church in India and abroad by giving retreats, doing parish ministry and undertaking social and educational
services for those in need.
The Order in India was involved from its beginning, in such ministries as the Church in Kerala and South of India was in need of at particular
times. It started with seminaries for training priests such as Minor Seminary, Novitiate, and Major Study House etc...
The Order in India met the challenge of starting a new mission in Andhra Pradesh with parish ministry and educational ministry. Fr Sunny
Jacob Thuruthippilly is the pioneer and visionary behind the mission. Along with the parish ministry Fr Sunny sowed the seeds of educational
institutions which are the pressing need of the time then and now.
The service in the field of charismatic retreat began with the foundation of Carmel Bhavan, a residential retreat centre at Karukutty,
Angamaly in the Arch-diocese of Ernakulam- Angamaly. Fr Bosco Njaliath is the man behind this spiritual reawakening centre that provides
spiritual nourishment and faith formation to hundreds of people from various parts of Kerala.
The friars render their service in seven parishes in various dioceses in and outside Kerala. Our friars are also engaged in parish ministries
in the dioceses of Germany, Italy, Ireland and Canada seeing the needs of time.
Our charitable and social commitment is embodied in the form of an old age home at Kartikulam in the diocese of Mananthavady for the destitute
men. The Order made its entry to the ministry of Media by starting a Book Stall named Carmel Book Stall at Kothamangalam. It is a new venture
that makes a new area of ministry for our friars. Fr Roji Pullolickal is the pioneer and the first director of the Book Stall.
Another important area of ministry of the friars is education. It spread across Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Mount Carmel College at
Karukadom opens the platform for the youth to acquire the qualitative education synchronized with modern technology and moral values. Mount
Carmel School at Kosigi which started on 2000 offers the smart education for the poor children in remote and back villages of Kosigi,
Sunkeswary and Kowthalam Mandalams. Carmel Academy started in the year of 2012 at Bangalore calls the children for an excellent and
challenging education. On 10 June 2014 Rev Fr Robert Thomas Puthussery inaugurated the new opening for the poor and dropout children
called Carmel Boys Home as a part of Andhra Mission.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Kunnapillil O.Carm.
First Councilor
(Spirituality and Formation)
Rev. Fr. Shaji Mangalath O.Carm.
Second Councilor
(Education, Social Work, Justice and Peace)
Rev. Fr. Shiju Njaralampuzha O.Carm.
Third Councilor
(Finance)
Rev. Fr. Johnson Kunnath O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor
(Apostolic Work and Mission)
Rev. Fr. Sanal George Karimattathil
Assistant Province Bursar
Rev.Fr. Jain George Kokkapillil O.Carm.
Vocation Director & Secretary to the Provincial
Fr Sunny Kodiyan
Fr John Adapoor
Fr Francis Pavartikaran
Fr John Mariadas
Fr Dominic Vadakkekuttiankal
Fr George Chittilappilly
Fr Mathew Neendoor
Fr Robert Thomas Puthussery
Fr Martin Pulikkal
Fr Sunny Thuruthippilly
Fr Titus Karimattathil
Fr Francis Adapoor
Fr Johnson Elayidathukunnel
Fr Joseph Kalluvilaputhenpurayil
Fr Bosco Njaliath
Fr Sony Plathottam
Fr Joy Abraham Kulanjiyil
Fr Thomas Kunnappillil
Fr Babu Payikkatt
Fr Vincent Pazhukkakulam
Fr Thankachan Njaliath
Fr Joshy George Vadakkekara
Fr Jaison Kuthanapillil
Fr Shaji Augustine Mangalath
Fr Joyson Pottackal
Fr Philip Nirappel
Fr Shaji Kuzhinjalil
Fr Sebastian Vadakkeparambil
Fr Thomas Thalachira
Fr Boby Tharakkunnel
Fr Felix Pallippattu
Fr George Myladoor
Fr Paul Poovan
Fr Martin Ponnittusseriyil
Fr Lijoy Thanikkal
Fr Shyju Chollamadam
Fr Jim John Vadakkumparambil
Fr Sijoy Peter Thevarkatt
Fr Joshy Pottackal
Fr Cyril Thundathil
Fr Roji Jacob Pullolickal
Fr Jose Alex Valavanattu
Fr Pius Kandathil
Fr Paul Kizhakkekala
Fr Nelson Nedumpurath
Fr Sebastian Arucheril
Fr Gijo Muthanattu
Fr Thomas Nelliyaniyil
Fr Linto Thekkekunnel
Fr Joji Micheal Thalachirayil
Fr Anil Kaipranpadan
Fr Shiju Njaralampuzha
Fr Binny Tharappel
Fr Rijo Thalakottoor
Fr Regi Jacob Pullan
Fr Shijo Karikoottathil
Fr Binu Kakkanattu
Fr Sudeesh Erupoolumkattil
Fr Rinson George Manjaly
Fr Deepak Jose Aracka
Fr Jinto Jose Pynadath
Fr Jomon Kalaparambath
Fr Valsan Kaiparambil
Fr Tom Varanath
Fr Jijo Mattapillil
Fr Febin Francis Kachirayil
Fr Sanal Karimattathil
Fr Alexander Chundattu
Fr Sijo Pavattikaran
Fr Albin Joseph Parayil
Fr Abin Jose Pandarikunnel
Fr Johnson Baby Kunnath
Fr Lijo Karippamattathil
Fr Joby Kunnathottel
Fr Shijin Johny Akkara
Fr Tony Thekkumpurath
Fr Mathew Edanad
Fr Lijo Jose Kavanukattil
Fr Thomas Mavunkal
Fr Joby Joseph Theruvikkal
Fr Abin Cyriac Mutholil
Fr Ebin Baby Vazhakkuzha
Fr Jain GeorgeKokkapillil
Fr Jacob Pallipurath
Fr Anson John Ernakuzhiyil
Fr Lucka Thekkemadathiparambil
Fr Alan Jomy Kallikattu
Bro Mobin Paul Arackal
Bro Alwin Puthenpurayil
Bro Jijo Joy Mangan
Bro Justin Shaji Valikulath
Bro Paul Jose Padinjakkara
Bro Joseph Edwin Thadathil
Bro Abin James Kalapurackal
Bro Jomon Joy Thekkekara
Bro Jesvin Shaju Vadakkumpadan
Bro Don Tomy Kuruvanthanath
Bro Paul Pappachan Vellath
Bro Amal Mathew Manjakunnel
Bro Jinoy Johnson Poruthukaran
Bro. Alan Jomy Kallikattu
Very. Rev. Fr. Thankachan Njaliath (Prior Provincial)
Rev. Fr. Thomas Kunnapillil (Prior)
Fr. Shiju Njarampuzha (Province Bursar)
Fr. Sanal Karimattathil (Bursar, Carmel Sadan & Asst. Province Bursar)
Fr. Sebastian Arucheril (Vicar, Carmalamatha Church, Chettupuzha)
Fr. Jain Kokkapillil (Vocation Director & Secretary to the Prior Provincial)
Fr. Babu Payikatt (Member)
Fr. Sebastian Vadakkeparambil (Member, Pastoral Ministry at Changanassery archdiocese)
Fr. Shijo Karikoottathil (Member, Mission North East and Higher Studies)
Fr. Binu Kakkanatt (Member)
Fr. Jinto Pynadath (Member, Mission North East and Higher Studies)
Fr. Tom Varanath (Member, Pursuing higher studies)
Fr. Albin Parayil (Member and pursuing Ph.D)
Fr. Johnson Elayidathukunnel (Director)
Fr Joby Theruvikkal (Direcor Carmel Ashram)
Rev. Fr. Boby Tharakunnel (Prior & Rector Carmel Nivas Manager Mt. Carmel College)
Fr. Thomas Thalachirayil (Bursar Carmel Nivas)
Fr. Jose Alex Valavanattu (Spiritual Director Carmel Nivas & Teaching Staff, Mt. Carmel College)
Fr. Shaji Mangalath (Administrator and Vice Principal, Mt. Carmel College)
Fr. Ebin Vazhakuzha (Bursar, Mt. Carmel College)
Fr. Binny Tharappel (HOD Dept. of Psychology, Mt. Carmel College)
Fr. Shaji Kuzhinjalil (Director, Carmel Bookstall)
Fr. Philip Nirappel (Member, Legal Ministry)
Fr. Roji Pullolickal (Director)
Fr. Joby Kunnathaottel (Vicar, St. George Church, Pampadumpara)
Fr. Mathew Edanad (Director)
Fr. John Mariadas (Prior & Novice Master)
Fr. Lijo Karippamattathil (Bursar & Spiritual Director)
Fr. Jijo Mattapillil (Director, Karunabhavan, Estate Manager and Vicar, St. George Church, Appapara)
Fr. Martin Pulikkal (Director)
Fr. Paul Poovan (Prior)
Fr. Bosco Njaliath (Director, Carmel Retreat Center)
Fr. Dominic Vadakkekuttiyankal (Bursar, Carmel Bhavan)
Fr. Jomon Kalaparambath (Bursar, Retreat Center)
Fr. Titus Karimattathil (Member)
Fr. Sojan Neendoor (Prior & Rector, Carmel Jyoti)
Fr. Sijo Pavarttikkaran (Bursar, Carmel Jyoti, Asst. Bursar & Teaching Staff Carmel Academy)
Fr. Regi Pullan (Administrator & Bursar Carmel Academy)
Fr. Rinson Manjaly (Principal, Carmel Academy)
Fr. George Myladoor (Vicar, Little Flower Church, Kothannur Dinne)
Fr. Francis Adappoor (Member, pursuing higher studies)
Fr. Nelson Nedumpurath (Member, pursuing Ph.D)
Fr. Joji Michael Thalachirayil (Prior, Finance Administrator Mt. Carmel School & In charge Carmel School)
Fr. Thomas Mavumkal (Bursar, Carmelmatha Ashram, Vice Principal Mt. Carmel School & Vicar Our Lady of Mt. Carmel RCM Church Sunkeswary)
Fr. Johnson Kunnath (Mission Director & Principal Mt. Carmel School)
Fr. Tony Thekkumpurath (Correspondent Mt. Carmel School, Vicar, St. George RCM Church, Kosigi & Director Carmel Boys Home)
Copyrights © Vegas Visual Media 2022