Vision / Mission / Charism
Vision
The vision of the St. Thomas Province of the Order of Carmelites (India) is to be a vibrant and missionary Carmelite community, deeply rooted in the contemplative tradition of Mount Carmel. Inspired by the lives and teachings of the Prophet Elijah, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and other Carmelite saints, the Province seeks to embody a spirituality centered on prayer, fraternity, and service. This vision unfolds through a life of silent interior prayer, Eucharistic devotion, and lectio divina, nurturing joyful fraternal living and active participation in the mission of the Church. Firmly committed to communion and evangelization, the Province strives to integrate profound contemplative spirituality with apostolic outreach, making God’s love tangible through compassionate service in parishes, educational institutions, and various social ministries.
Mission
The mission of the Order of Carmelites, St. Thomas Province, India, is to serve the Church and society through spiritual direction, pastoral care in parishes, educational apostolates, and various forms of social outreach, all rooted in the contemplative spirit of Carmel. By bringing contemplative depth into active ministry, the province aims to radiate God’s love and presence in the world through a life of prayer, fraternity, and service.
Charism
The charism of the St. Thomas Province of the Order of Carmelites (India) is beautifully woven around three foundational pillars: contemplation, fraternity, and service. Rooted in the rich spiritual heritage of Mount Carmel, the Province embraces a deep, interior life of prayer and communion with God—drawing strength from practices like silent contemplation, Eucharistic devotion, and lectio divina. This contemplative spirit overflows into fraternal life, where members live in joyful community, supporting one another in faith and mission. From this shared spiritual foundation arises a commitment to selfless service, reaching out to the world through pastoral care, education, and social outreach. Together, these three dimensions form a vibrant witness of God’s love—calling others to encounter the divine through a life of inner stillness, genuine fellowship, and compassionate action.
Milestones
- June 13, 1973: The Upper German Province of the Order of Carmelites made the pioneering decision to establish a Carmelite foundation in India. The first Indian candidates were sent to Bamberg, Germany, to begin their formation.
- May 21, 1982: The first Carmelite house in India, Carmel Nivas, was canonically erected in Karukadam, in the Diocese of Kothamangalam. It functioned as a minor seminary, marking the formal beginning of Carmelite presence in India.
- 1983–1994: Establishment of Formation Houses
- 1983: Karmel Nikethan, the Novitiate House, was opened in Kartikulam.
- 1988: Carmel Jyothi, the Theology House, was established in Bangalore.
- 1994: Carmel Sadan, the Philosophy House, was inaugurated in Thrissur.
- 1993: The Carmelite foundation in India was elevated to the status of a Provincial Commissariat, with Carmel Nivas as its administrative center.
- 1998: The opening of Carmel Bhavan in Karukutty further expanded the Province’s formation initiatives.
- 2000–2005: The Order of Carmelites launched its first international mission from India, in Kenya, marking its missionary outreach beyond national borders. The first Carmelite house in Kenya was blessed in June 2005.
- April 2007: The Upper German Province officially petitioned the Carmelite General Council for the erection of an Indian Province, recognizing the steady growth and maturity of the Indian mission.
- July 16, 2007: The Province of St. Thomas of the Syro-Malabar Rite was canonically erected. Rev. Fr. Sojan Mathew Neendoor, O.Carm., was appointed the first Prior Provincial.
- February 21–25, 2011: The 2nd Provincial Chapter of the St. Thomas Province was held, during which Fr. Sojan Mathew Neendoor was re-elected as Prior Provincial.
- February 13–15, 2014: The 3rd Provincial Chapter took place, electing Fr. Robert Thomas Puthussery as the new Prior Provincial.
- 2017: The 4th Provincial Chapter was conducted, and Fr. Sojan Mathew Neendoor was once again re-elected as Prior Provincial.
- February 2–7, 2020: During the 5th Provincial Chapter, Fr. Titus Joseph Karimattathil was elected as the new Prior Provincial.
- February 5–10, 2023: The 6th Provincial Chapter was celebrated at Carmel Sadan, Thrissur, where Fr. Thankachan Njaliath, O.Carm., was elected as the Prior Provincial.
