Andhra Mission
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 Gorantla Johannes OCD.
Kurnool is one of the backward districts of Andhra Pradesh State. This district is characterized by many of the elements that drive society backward in growth and social transformation. Economically, the state is at a very low level in achievements, and industrialization is at a very low pace. The social sphere is disfigured by the phenomenon of casteism: higher castes, dominant castes, and lower cases. The political situation is controlled and marred by factionalism of caste-wise and area-wise leaders. Hinduism is the dominant religion of the district.
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
The pastoral care is extended over two Parishes and 10 sub-stations under the Diocese of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. 1. 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...
Educational Empowerment
1. The Mount Carmel School Carmelite missionaries are very much committed to 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...
Medical services
The medical services involve the • A small clinic attached to the Parish church, run and managed by SABS Sisters, Manathavady • Periodical Medical Camps • Medical helps and directing to proper treatment
Social Services
The social services include activities like • Awareness programs • Youth motivation • Crisis interventions and coping with disaster • Problem-solving interventions • Small-scale financial help Carmel Boys Home What does it take to permanently lift a poor Indian child...
Women Empowerment
Women are the most week and suffering section here in Andhra. The parents are not at all interested in sending the girl child to education. Early marriages are another challenge. Hence, it is very important to empower women for the welfare of society and the family....