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Mission Meditation 1 JESUS, THE PERFECT HUMAN Bibin Changemcheril CMI“I want this hunger for God to remain, but I want thehunger for bread to be satisfied,” says Saint John Paul II.Today by God‟s grace we have a well-established Churchwhich seldom faces heresies and schisms. The recentdemonstrations like the negative response to the nobleagitation by the nurses, construction of highly expensivechurches, etc., depict that the institutionalised church lacks ahumane face, which is, indeed, a problem in thecontemporary times. Scholars make a purposeful division ofJesus Christ as „Jesus of Nazareth‟ and „Christ of faith‟. The„Jesus of Nazareth‟ is a historical preview that brings to lightthe humane face of Christ. Through his life he conjoined thetwo separate fundamental commandments into a single oneand gave a new interpretation to it. Here we see a transitionof meaning, from „and‟ to „that means‟. It points out that„loving God‟ is „loving your fellow brother‟. Being in lovewith the Divine is being in love with the humans. Today‟sworld expects a humane face of the church besides theDivine. It means that Jesus of Nazareth needs to be firstexposed before, or, at least, simultaneously with the „Christof faith‟. People of God become suspicious when there is animbalance of these two which are inseparable identities inthe Church. When we consider these two elements of faith,„today‟ needs more of „Jesus of Nazareth‟ who is an abode ofall humane values, the perfect human ever lived on thisearth than the „Christ of faith‟. The humane face of the Church helps us to associate andfind solidarity with Jesus who taught us to be better andrefined humans, which, in turn, makes us worthy to addressGod as our Father. Thus, the time demands an on-going 151

Carmelites of Mary Immaculate 152 CMIssion October-December 2017transformation from the attitude of a „cat‟ to the attitude of a„dog‟. A cat thinks: “these people feed me, pet me, and takecare of me every now and then; therefore, I must be nothingless than a God.” On the contrary, a dog thinks: “thesepeople feed me, pet me, and take care of me every now andthen; therefore, these people must be Gods.” There is afundamental discrepancy in the conclusions made by thesetwo. Being a Christian, my call is to possess the attitude of adog; that is to say, I am the keeper of my brother and sister;my duty is to protect and love unconditionally my fellowbrothers and sisters. We often get stuck in the attitude of a„cat‟ when we are given power and recognition. „Today‟demands a paradigm shift, a breakthrough for a change ofattitude. This humane face is not only an internal disposition butalso an action-oriented life. Someone said „love is leaving‟and this „leaving‟ includes the respect paid to the freedom ofthe other. Individual freedom to make choices is one of thegreatest gifts from God. When this freedom is constrainedby various powers in and around us, Christians should havethe moral power to withstand the evil powers that deny it.When various religious fundamentalist groups deny thefundamental rights and freedom, the followers of Christhave to defend it in a Christian way. They may try toassociate Christianity with foreign invaders who ruled Indiafor several centuries. Indeed, this version of Christianity isnot the Christianity that the Church upholds. There was avast difference in their words and deeds. Therefore, let usset a difference by being true Christians in this holy land ofIndia by dynamically and personally integrating the „Jesusof Nazareth‟ with the „Christ of Faith‟.

Mission Meditation 2 A DARING STEP TOWARDS THE HEART OF JESUS Tijo Jose Chiriyankandath CMI Samanvaya Theology CollegeThe call of Jesus is meant for a mission. Mark the evangelistgives us a clear idea about the call and the mission of Jesus,“And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, tobe with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, andto have authority to cast out demons” (Mk 3:14-15). Jesuscalled his disciples to send out for a mission. The mission ofJesus is the same from the beginning onwards, i.e., “to bewith him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and tohave authority to cast out demons.” The above missionstatement of Jesus doesn‟t change because there are peoplewho don‟t know about Christ and his message, and it is theduty of Jesus‟ disciples to cast out the demons from thepeople who are in the clutches of various kinds of bondages.Therefore, the call of Jesus and the mission for his discipleshave got the same importance all the time. Recently the Sunday Shalom respected the life-story of twoeminent personalities, namely, Ellen Kelly, a famousadvocate, and Martina Pardy, a well-known BBC newsreporter from West Belfast, in Northern Ireland. In themonth of September they became members of a religiouscongregation. Just a week ahead of their profession, Sr.Martina told the News reporters about their decision thattheir call is an important step for an amazing journey. Shecontinued: “I consider it a daring step towards the heart ofJesus.” Sr. Ellen told the reporters that they are called to beholy and humble. The mission that Jesus entrusted the twelve is welldepicted in Lk 9:1-6 and Mt 10:5-15. The response to the call 153

Carmelites of Mary Immaculate 154 CMIssion October-December 2017we receive is actualized when we undertake the mission.When Jesus called the disciples, he had a great vision aboutthem. The basic criterion for the discipleship and the firstdaring step expected from us is to respond to the call ofJesus wholeheartedly. This is what we see from the life of Sr.Ellen and Sr. Martina. They realized their call while theywere doing the so-called “white collar jobs” and respondedto it by taking “a daring step towards the heart of Jesus.” The disciples received the call of Jesus and they were sentfor the mission. Before sending them out, he gave themmany instructions that could be summarized into four: (1)Take nothing, (2) Remain in the house where they enter,until they leave the place, (3) Cure the sick and drive out thedevils, and (4) Eat what people give to them.Take NothingJesus obliged them to trust in the hospitality available in themission. One, who goes with nothing, goes because he has tohave the faith in the providence of God and trust in thepeople. In order to spread the Gospel unconditionally, onemust get away from all possessions. Jesus also has got thesame expectation from his disciples. For, material things cancreate hindrances for the mission of Jesus. In fact, Jesusintends that one must care for his mission and not for oneself.Remain in the House, Until They Leave the PlaceThe practice that prevailed during the time of Jesus was thatwhen a stranger arrived in a village, the neighbours, oneafter another, had to invite him to eat with them. Thisgesture consumed much time, caused unusual distraction ofmind, and in every way counteracted with the success of aspiritual mission. Because of these reasons, Jesus instructedthat His disciples must avoid such invitations; they weresent not to be honoured and feasted, but to call the entirehumankind to repentance, prepare the way of the Lord, andproclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. They

Chiriyankandath 155 Mission Meditation 2were, therefore, asked by Jesus not to move from place toplace in the village until they finished the mission in thatvillage.Cure the Sick and Drive Out the DevilsDuring Jesus‟ times the sick and the demoniacs wereexcluded from the society and were sent out from thevillages. It was the task of the disciples of Jesus to cure themand bring them back to normal life. Jesus sent the disciplesto take the side of the outcaste in the society; for, they wereentitled to share the Good News with everybody, withoutany exception.Eat What People Give to ThemJesus asked his disciples not to take away bread and moneywith them. According to the Law of Moses, many aspects ofthe daily life were divided into two categories of „clean‟ and„unclean‟, and the practice was prevalent among the Jewsduring the time of Jesus, which he wanted to break. Hewanted to give more importance to the Kingdom of Godrather than the meaningless laws that the people followedduring those times. False traditions, He knew, can leadpeople to reject or neglect the Word of God. The above mentioned four fundamental instructions helpthe disciples of Jesus Christ to carry out the mission in ameaningful way and announce the Word of God whereverthey are sent. The mission is to announce the Kingdom ofGod by living out the values enshrined in the Gospels.Hence, Jesus wants that the proclamation is done not merelythrough the words but through genuine human actions thatare far more powerful than human words. The instructions given by Jesus are applicable to thosewho have decided to follow him radically. Hence, our dutyis not to possess anything, but to remain in the house till wecomplete the mission; indeed, we must take the side of theoutcaste in the society and give more importance to the

Carmelites of Mary Immaculate 156 CMIssion October-December 2017intimacy with God than the meaningless laws of the societythat are capable of distancing us from the love of God.

Mission Meditation 3 TO BE TORCHES LIGHTED WITH CHRIST… Tampson Chennithala CMI Dharmaram College, Bangalore“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” The questionseems to be ridiculous for Philip because he was bringinggood news to Nathaniel that he found Jesus, the longpromised Messiah. Nathaniel was apparently contemptuous. There wasnothing in the Old Testament, which foretold that God‟schosen one should come from Nazareth. Nazareth was quitean undistinguished place. For his reaction, Philip was wiseand he did not argue. He simply said: “come and see!” Not many people have ever been argued intoChristianity. Often our arguments do more harm than good.The only way to convince people of the supremacy of Christis to confront them with Christ. Lots of opportunities arekept in front of us. But the question is “Are we making useof them?” Daily we come across with people like students,teachers, friends, relatives, and so on. As a missionary, dowe confront them with Jesus Christ? Saint Mother Teresa ofCalcutta is a woman of love and compassion. She is the saintwho knew and experienced Jesus Christ throughout her life.She, however, confronted many people with Christ throughher life and mission. Once a few BJP leaders supported RSS Chief MohanBhagwat‟s controversial statement that conversion toChristianity was the main objective behind Mother Teresa‟sservice to the poor; former BJP MP and an outstandingcricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu seemed to have a differentexperience, which he had shared during a television show.During the sixth season of reality show „Big Boss‟, NavjotSingh Sidhu shared the experience of his first meeting with 157

Carmelites of Mary Immaculate 158 CMIssion October-December 2017Mother Teresa at the headquarters of Missionaries ofCharity. Recalling the moments, Sidhu said that when hehad gone to visit Mother Teresa to offer some donations, shetold him that she did not want money, but his time. In thisinstance, he also mentioned how he was forced to waitoutside the hospital due to the smell of decaying bodies,while Mother Teresa was taking care of sick people. Before we invite others to come to Jesus Christ, we haveto know and experience Him ourselves. A true evangelistmust personally have met Christ first. Saint Mother Teresawas a true evangelist. Hence, we must imbibe Philip‟s haste in bringing theGood News and Nathaniel‟s eagerness to encounter Jesus. Itis said: “One lighted torch serves to light many others.” Letus be lighted torches that keep enlightening others withChrist.

CMI Mission Watch NEWS FROM CMI MISSIONSCMI Education SummitCMI Education Summit was held at Christ (Deemed to BeUniversity), Kengery Campus, Bangalore, from 30September to 2 October 2017. Fr. Paul Achandy CMI, PriorGeneral, inaugurated the meeting. Prof. John Varghese,Principal, Saint Stephen‟s College, Delhi, gave the keynoteaddress on the Mission of Christ. Fr. SebastianThekkedathu, Fr. Ignasi Muthu SJ, Fr. Saji Varghese SDB,Mr. Guilherme Vaz, Prof L. M. Prasad and Mrs. DianaJoseph spoke on various relevant themes in the context ofthe education mission in India. Group discussions andpresentations on the best practices in CMI institutions werealso held. 150 CMI educators attended the program apartfrom the Major Superiors, General Council team, and theRectors of Major Study Houses. A draft declaration on CMIEducation Summit (Bangalore) was issued at the close of thesummit.Priestly Ordination in KenyaThe priestly ordination of Fr. Alexander Mutua Muli,seventh CMI priest from Kenya, was held on 1 October 2017at Mbiuni, Kenya. It was a solemn celebration of Catholicfaith as well as CMI mission. All CMI Fathers and brothers,along with many religious sisters and more than 3,500faithful from different parishes took part in the celebration.Yogdan: Triennial Report on CMI Social ApostolateCMI General Department of Social Apostolate, under theleadership of Fr. Varghese Vithayathil, Vicar General andthe General Councillor for Social Apostolate, and Fr.Varghese Kokkadan, Secretary to CEVA, has come out withthe Report of the Years 2014-2017 with the title Yogdan. This 159

Carmelites of Mary Immaculate 160 CMIssion October-December 2017work has compiled data from the CMI Provinces andinstitutions directly under Generalate.History of Dharmaram CollegeThe History of Dharmaram College from 1957 to 2017 wasreleased by Fr. Paul Achandy CMI, Prior General, by givinga copy to Fr. Paul Parakattel, Provincial of Carmel Province,Muvattupuzha, on 28 September 2017 in a function held atDharmaram College. This work was organized by Fr.Thomas Aykara and Fr. George Edayadiyil, Rectors, andwas edited by Fr. Thomas Vithayathil, Fr. Thomas Kalayil,Fr. Francis Thonnippara, Fr. Jose Chennattussery, Fr.Sebastian Edathikavil and Fr. Joseph Kureethara.CMI World Mission MonthIn the context of celebrating World Mission Day in themonth of October and as a mark of fraternal and prayerfulsolidarity with CMI brethren around the world, the wholemonth of October was dedicated to remember and celebratethe CMI missionaries and CMI missions in each country; aday each was dedicated to pray for the mission in eachcountry, thus covering all CMI missionaries engaged inmission in thirty-one countries.In-Service Training for the FormatorsAn In-service Training Programme for the Aspirants‟Rectors, Formation Coordinators, and Vocation Promoterswas held during 5 October to 8 October 2017 at ChavaraHills, Kakkanad. 30 Aspirants‟ Rectors and most of theVocation Promoters and Formation Coordinators attendedthe Program. Fr. Paul Achandy CMI, Prior General, and Fr.Varghese Vithayathil, Vicar General, gave the orientationtalks and Fr. Jose Poovattil, Fr. Biju Koottaplackal and Fr.Varghese Pudussery animated the sessions.

CMI Mission Secretariat 161 News from CMI MissionsCMI Freshers’ Meet 2017CMI Freshers‟ Meet 2017 was held at Chavara Hills,Kakkanad. 113 Aspirants from eight South Indian provincescame together along with their Rectors and their associates.Fr. Paul Achandy CMI, Prior General, emphasized on thevalue of CMI fraternity in his welcome address andreminded them that most of the epoch-making initiatives inthe history of the Church came from „young‟ priests at theiryouth, Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara being the bestexample. After the solemn Eucharistic celebration in whichall eight Rectors concelebrated with the Prior General, theaspirants offered variety entertainments. It was Fr. JoshyCheruparambil, the General Formation Coordinator, whoorganized the In-Service Training Programme and CMIFreshers‟ Meet 2017 very effectively.Spirituality of Saint Kuriakose Elias ChavaraSpirituality of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a noteworthybook, which is the first in a series of “Theological Studies onSaint Chavara,” written by Fr. Thomas Kochumuttam CMI,was released by Fr. Biju Vadakkel, the Provincial of CMISaint John‟s Province, Bijnor.Chavara Award 2017On 4 October 2017, Fr. Paul Achandy CMI, Prior General,presented the Chavara Award 2017, instituted by CMICultural Academy, to Mr. T. M. Abraham in a functionorganized at Chavara Cultural Centre, Kochi. Mr. T. M.Abraham, a well-known playwright and director, took keeninterest to publish the Idayanatakangal of Saint KuriakoseElias Chavara. Fr. Sebastian Thekkedathu, GeneralCouncillor for Education and Media, and Fr. RobyKannanchira, Director of Chavara Cultural Centre, took theinitiative to organize the award event.

Carmelites of Mary Immaculate 162 CMIssion October-December 2017Prior General’s Visit to Jammu MissionFr. Paul Achandy CMI, Prior General, visited CMImissionaries in Jammu Mission during 9-14 October 2017.During this visit he met with His Excellency Dr. IvanPereira, Bishop of Jammu and Kashmir, who expressed hishigh esteem for the CMI missionaries serving in his diocese.Fr. Prior General visited all the mission stations andattended a meeting of all missionaries in the Jammu Missionin Noushera on 13 October in which he appreciated themissionaries working in highly sensitive areas in theborders and their commitment to the poor and themarginalized, especially for building up the Church in themost tough terrains of Jammu and Kashmir.Prior General’s Visit to Patiala and Jalandhar MissionFr. Paul Achandy CMI, Prior General, visited CMImissionaries in Patiala and Jalandhar in Punjab during 15-20October 2017. Fr. Prior General met with CMI missionariesin Patiala and held discussion with them on their missionexperience and future plans. He spent time with three CMImembers working in Jalandhar diocese and visited thecentres of their ministry in the Diocese of Jalandhar, namely,the Bishop‟s House, Major Seminary of the Diocese, andTrinity College as well as the major centres of the Diocese.He met with Bishop Franco Mulackal, who appreciated thecontributions of CMIs in his Diocese and requested to sparemore CMIs to take up new mission stations.Kainakary Chavara ChronicleOn 21 October 2017, the “Kainakary Chavara Chronicle”was released by Fr. Antony Elamthottam CMI, GeneralCouncillor for Finance, by giving the first copy to Fr. JamesMadathikandam CMI, former Vice-Postulator of the Causeof Saint Chavara. On the same day, Chavara Bhavan,Kainakary, also opened up an Information-cum-BookCentre along with a Snacks Centre; this new facility was

CMI Mission Secretariat 163 News from CMI Missionsblessed and inaugurated by Fr. Saju Chackalackal CMI,General Councillor for Evangelization and PastoralMinistry. This new facility is established at the entrance ofthe Pilgrim Centre in Kainakary so that pilgrims visiting theBirth-Home of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara could beguided and better assisted by a guide throughout the day.Pilgrims could also procure some devotional articles ormementos associated with Saint Chavara from this BookCentre. As there are no other shops or restaurants in thevicinity, the Snacks Centre attached to this Book Centre is agreat help to the pilgrims who come to Chavara Bhavan.This new initiative was organized by Fr. ThomasKallukalam CMI, Director of Chavara Bhavan, and Fr. JamesKaroor CMI, and the team of collaborators in Kainakary.CMI Theologians and Philosophers Forum (CMI-PTF)CMI Philosophers and Theologians Forum organized a twoday seminar at Dharmaram College, Bangalore, during 27-28 October 2017. Fr. George Edayadiyil, Rector ofDharmaram College, welcomed the gathering. Fr. PaulAchandy CMI, Prior General, inaugurated the seminar on“CMI Legacy of Contextual Ecclesiastical Education and theEvangelizing Mission of the Church.” Fr. Paulachan,President of DVK, spoke on the Legacy of CMI EcclesiasticalEducation. Fr. Joseph Pathrapankal offered the keynoteaddress on the theme “Scribes Trained for the Kingdom ofGod.” Bishop Mar Gratian Mundadan CMI and Fr.Sebastian Thekkedathu, General Councillor for Educationand Media, felicitated the gathering, followed by 7 paneldiscussions on various relevant themes associated withecclesiastical education. Fr. Thomas Aykara spoke on “CMILegacy of Ecclesiastical Education: Dream for the Future.”All the 60 participants who attended the Forum activelyparticipated in the discussion and finally a statement hasbeen approved based on the proceedings of the CMI-PTF. It

Carmelites of Mary Immaculate 164 CMIssion October-December 2017was decided to continue the regular activities of the Forumwith a committee consisting of President, DVK(Coordinator), Deans, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy,DVK, and Associate Deans of Darsana Institute ofPhilosophy (Wardha) and Samanvaya College of Theology(Bhopal) along with General Councillor for Education andMass Media and Rector of Dharmaram College as itspatrons.Honouring Veteran Philosophers and TheologiansDuring the seminar organized by the CMI Philosophers andTheologians Forum, a colourful function was organized tohonour Professors Joseph Pathrapankal CMI, FrancisVineeth Vadakethala CMI, Joseph Constantine Manalel CMIand Lucian Legrand MEP, veterans in philosophy andtheology. Anjo Puthoor CMI performed a musical concert ofhigh quality. Fr. Paul Achandy CMI, Prior General,honoured the veterans.150th Anniversay of Chavarul at ThrissurDevamatha Province, Thrissur, organized a Provincial levelcelebration of the 150th anniversay of Chavarul at JerusalemRetreat Centre, Thalore, on 3 November 2017 in the presenceof a large gathering of more than ten thousand people. Fr.Antony Njallampuzha CMI spoke on the relevance of theChavarul in the contemporary times. Fr. Paul Achandy CMI,Prior General, presided over the Holy Eucharist and Fr. SajuChackalackal, General Councillor for Evangelization andPastoral Ministry, Fr. Walter Thelappilly, Provincial ofDevamatha Province, and members of the provinceattended the celebration.Koinonia 2017Koinonia 2017, an enrichment programme on “RedefiningMission and Ministry,” for CMI priests ordained during1980-1990 was held during 28-30 November 2017 at CMI

CMI Mission Secretariat 165 News from CMI MissionsPrior General‟s House, Chavara Hills, Kakkanad. 59 CMIpriests participated in the Koinonia 2017. Fr. VargheseVithayathil, Vicar General, welcomed the gathering and Fr.Paul Achandy, Prior General, gave the inaugural message.Fr. Paul Thelakkat and Fr. Varghese Puthussery gave inputsessions to facilitate their reflection and discussion.Third Anniversary of the Canonization of Saint ChavaraThe third anniversary of the Canonization of SaintKuriakose Elias Chavara was celebrated with Holy Mass,Novena and special prayers for students on 23 November2017 at Saint Chavara Pilgrim Centre, Mannanam. Fr. PaulAchandy CMI, Prior General, was the main celebrant. Fr.Saju Chackalackal and Fr. Antony Elamthottam, GeneralCouncillors, and Fr. Sebastian Chamathara, Provincial ofSaint Joseph‟s Province, Thiruvananthapuram, joined theconcelebration along with many other CMI priests. Fr. PaulVadakkemury led the prayer session for the students.Around 8000 students from different CMI schools of SaintJoseph‟s Province, Thiruvananthapuram, joined thecelebration, which was organized by Fr. Scaria Ethirett, thePrior and the Director of Chavara Pilgrim Centre,Mannanam.Platinum Jubilee of Carmel Vidya Bhavan, PuneThe Platinum Jubilee of Carmel Vidya Bhavan, Pune, theSilver Jubilee of Carmel Parish, and the Decennial of ChristCollege were celebrated during 24-26 November 2017. MarThomas Elavanal, Bishop of Kalyan, was the main celebrantfor the jubilee Mass. Bishop Thomas Mar Anthonios,preached the homily. Bishop Thomas Dabre, Bishop ofPune, presided over the public meeting. Fr. Paul AchandyCMI, Prior General, Fr. Sebastian Thekkedathu, GeneralCouncillor for Education and Media, former Rectors andother members attended the program. The newlyconstructed building of Christ College, Pune, was blessed by

Carmelites of Mary Immaculate 166 CMIssion October-December 2017Bishop Thomas Dabre and inaugurated by Fr. Prior General.Fr. Sebastian Thekkedathu spoke during the occasion inwhich he appreciated Fr. Joy Puthussery, Rector, Fr. SonyChundatt, Principal, and Fr. Anish for their hard work anddedication in making the new structure a reality.Mission Seminar in JagdalpurA mission Seminar and honouring of the missionaries ofJagdalpur were held at Nirmal Sadan, Provincial House,Jagdalpur, on 27 November 2017 to mark the silver jubileeof the Episcopal Consecration of Bishop Mar Simon StockCMI. The silver jubilee programme was jointly celebrated byCMI Nirmal Province and the Eparchy of Jagdalpur. Fr. SajuChackalackal, General Councillor, presented the keynoteaddress on “The Missio ad Gentes of the Syro-MalabarChurch and the Necessary Role of ConsecratedCommunities.” The mission seminar was attended by HisGrace Victor Henry Takur, Archbishop of Raipur, MarGratian Mundadan CMI, Mar Joseph Kunnath CMI, andmany other major superiors of different religiouscongregations. Fathers from St. Joseph Province, Kottayam,and St. Joseph's Province, Thiruvananthapuram, were alsopresent for the programme. Bishop Simon Stock Palathrapresided over the thanksgiving Qurbana, which wasconcelebrated by Archbishop Victor Henry Takur, BishopsJoseph Kollamparampil, Ephrem Nariculam, GratianMundadan, and Joseph Kunnath, and Fathers JoseyThamarassery, Joshy Pazhukkathara, Provincials. MarEphrem Nariculam preached the homily.Book on the Launch and Growth of Chanda, the First SyroMalabar MissionThe formal release of Peripheries to the Centre: Launch andGrowth of Chanda, the First Syro Malabar Mission, authored byFr. Thomas Chirapurath CMI and edited by Fr. BennyThettayil CMI, was held at Darsana Institute of Philosophy,

CMI Mission Secretariat 167 News from CMI MissionsWardha. Fr. Benny Mukalel CMI, Provincial of Mar ThomaProvince, Chanda, presented the first copy of the book toBishop Mar Ephrem Nariculam, Bishop of Chanda, who, inturn, released it by presenting it to Mar Joseph KunnathCMI, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Adilabad. Thisvoluminous book, result of about ten years of research anddocumentation, is spread into 900 pages. Fr. SajuChackalackal CMI, General Councillor for Evangelizationand Pastoral Ministry, Fr. Joshy Pazhukkathara CMI,Provincial of CMI Mary Matha Vice-Province, Hyderabad,also attended the ceremony and spoke about the uniquenessof Chanda Mission.Theological Studies on Saint Kuriakose Elias ChavaraA meeting of the authors and collaborators of the proposedseries of books on “Theological Studies on Saint KuriakoseElias Chavara” was held at CMI Prior General‟s House,Chavara Hills, under the auspices of Chavara CentralSecretariat (a joint venture of CMI and CMC), during 9-10December 2017. 45 CMI Fathers and CMC Sisters cametogether to present their respective projects and to discussand review them. Fr. Paul Achandy CMI, Prior General, andMother Sibi CMC, Superior General, joined the deliberationsand contributed to the discussions with their InauguralAddress and Concluding Address, respectively. Fr. JosephPathrapankal CMI offered the Keynote Address on “TheProphetic Ministry of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara in theSociety during the 19th Century” and Fr. Benny ThettayilCMI, editor-in-chief of Herald of the East (DharmaramJournal of Chavara Studies), offered a session on“Orientations in Theological Research on Saint KuriakoseElias Chavara.” Of the total forty-five projects alreadyproposed, plans of thirty projects were presented duringthese two days‟ workshop. These project presentationsenabled the participants to clarify their positions, enhance

Carmelites of Mary Immaculate 168 CMIssion October-December 2017the overall plan, and to understand the perspectivesadopted by other authors; thus, the whole workshop wasmutually beneficial. As the scope of the “TheologicalPublications on Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara” was betterclarified, it was also proposed that if anyone other than thecurrent group of authors wants to join the project to coverareas that have not yet been considered, they are invited tocontact the general editor of the series, namely, Fr. SajuChackalackal CMI.New CMI Members76 CMI novices made their first profession On 8 December2017. Fr. Varghese Vithayathil, Vicar General, presided overthe ceremony in Vinayalaya, Jagdalpur. Fr. SebastianThekkedathu, General Councillor, was the main celebrantfor the profession of vows in Kenya.CMI Response to Ockhi CycloneCMI Department of Social Apostolate from differentprovinces have got involved in extending support thepeople affected by „Ockhi Cyclone‟. Saint Joseph‟s Province,Thiruvananthapuram, and Sacred Heart Province, Kochi,have got involved in providing food and in offeringimmediate support to repair damaged houses and inmeeting other needs. Saint Joseph Province, Kottayam, hasalready handed over a cheque of Rs. 1,000,000 toArchbishop Soosai Pakiam, Archbishop of Thiruvanan-thapuram. General Social Apostolate Department reachedout to the affected people through CEVA. All CMI housesand institutions were invited to collaborate with CEVA or tojoin hands with other provincial social apostolatedepartments.

Chavara Workshop THEOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SAINT CHAVARAA meeting of the authors and collaborators of the proposedseries of books on “Theological Studies on Saint KuriakoseElias Chavara” was held at CMI Prior General‟s House,Chavara Hills, under the auspices of Chavara CentralSecretariat (a joint venture of CMI and CMC), during 9-10December 2017. 45 CMI Fathers and CMC Sisters cametogether to present their respective projects and to discussand review them. Fr. Paul Achandy CMI, Prior General, and Mother SibiCMC, Superior General, joined the deliberations andcontributed into the discussions with the Inaugural Addressand Concluding Address, respectively. Fr. JosephPathrapankal CMI offered the Keynote Address on “TheProphetic Ministry of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara in theSociety during the 19th Century” and Fr. Benny ThettayilCMI, editor-in-chief of Herald of the East (DharmaramJournal of Chavara Studies), offered a session on“Orientations in Theological Research on Saint KuriakoseElias Chavara.” Of the total forty-five projects already proposed, plans ofthirty projects were presented during these two days‟workshop. These project presentations enabled theparticipants to clarify their positions, enhance the overallplan, and to understand the perspectives adopted by otherauthors; thus, the whole workshop was mutually beneficial. As the scope of the “Theological Publications on SaintKuriakose Elias Chavara” was better clarified, if anyoneother than the current group of authors wants to join thisproject to cover areas that have not yet been considered,they are invited to contact the general editor of the series Fr.Saju Chackalackal CMI. Periodic meetings of the authors 169

Carmelites of Mary Immaculate 170 CMIssion October-December 2017will be held in the coming months to offer them technicalsupport and to promote the completion of the projects as perthe schedule.

Chavara Corner CHAVARA EDU-PARK FOR NEW-GEN LEARNING The Tallest Statue of Saint Chavara at Chavara Vidya Bhavan, CoimbatoreThe majestic traditionally styled charming Jubilee Gate ofChavara Vidya Bhavan is the Door of Grace as one can seebreath-taking enormous statue of Saint Chavara who standsas an eloquent testimony to the field of education bybringing down in the lives of children of the deprived classof the society. His eyes speak volume expressing love,mercy, and kindness. The mammoth statue alone is 27 feet high including thebasement of 5 feet. It stands with splendour to greetchildren who enter the school campus with morning sun ontheir faces. They pass through the eye-catching ChavaraEdu-Park consisting of seven exquisite panels. The firstpanel displays Lord Jesus Christ with children andintellectuals explaining true wisdom coming from God;when knowledge is understood and applied, education getsmanifested. The second panel portrays children hanging ontrees indicating that creative innovative activity-basededucation turns learning delightful and enjoyable to everyChavarite. The third panel exhibits a boy looking through alens, which symbolizes every child who can play a pivotalrole in exploring the wider world and change thecontemporary society as a peaceful place to live in. Thefourth panel unfolds the great natural leaders like MahatmaGandhi, Dr. Abdul Kalam, Mother Theresa, Dr. S.Radhakrishnan and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who weregood communicators and touched the hearts of the massesleading them to the path of honesty, morality, noble virtuesand integrity. The fifth panel presents a girl wondering at 171

Carmelites of Mary Immaculate 172 CMIssion October-December 2017the marvel of nature and she admires and understands thesounds and silence of nature as she hears the voice of Godand, thus, pays obeisance to nature. The sixth panel poses astudent touching the globe with his forefinger symbolizingthat every Chavarite will keep his chin up and work withnew powers and strength to make path-breaking scientificinventions and unravel the mysteries of nature, the beautifulart of God. The seventh panel demonstrates how goodbooks bring wisdom to the lives of children and make themspiritually and intellectually upright citizens of the world. Walking through the pathway of the Edu-Park, one canobserve Chavara Tree of Knowledge where one can findalphabets and numbers hanging from the branches. Theyoung kids will have fun in learning by pointing at them.The ant, for example, imparts the message that every childwill learn the lesson of hard work and perseverance. Thewell-known cartoon character Mowgli shows that everyChavarite will learn to be friendly with others. Thus, Chavara Edu-Park unlocks the potential skills ofevery child and boosts his or her confidence to thinkdifferent and to go ahead breaking free from the shackles ofevil forces.

Book Notice EMPOWERING MISSION Learning from the Book of LifeAuthor: Jacob Peenikaparambil CMI; Publisher: UniversalSolidarity Movement, Indore; Number of Pages: 220; Price:Rs. 250.As the subtitle of the book indicates, it contains lessons theauthor has learned and the insights he gained whilereflecting on events, individuals, and life situations. Thebook has two parts: the first part consists of twenty themesor issues which are his favourites and the second partincludes a collection of articles which are very much relatedto the twenty themes dealt within the first part. Writes Dr. Kochurani Abraham: “Anyone who hasknown Jacob personally would attest that he is a man with astrong passion for life, someone who pushes the boundariesof thought and action to make religious commitment apassionate affair. Through the cutting edge convictions thathave emerged from his critical reflections on the differentdimensions of religious life today, he can assert withconfidence that „in the absence of critical thinking, religiouslife may degenerate into slavery.‟ “Jacob Peenickaparambil‟s work Empowering Mission:Learning from the Book of Life is simple and down to earth, yetcontains profound insights. Certainly, this book is a sourceof inspiration to many religious women and men and forothers who have a passion to create a world founded onjustice, truth, and liberation. May this work enable itsreaders to learn many lessons from the book of their ownlives and share them with others that the world may becomea better place for all beings!” The price of the book is Rs. 250/- including postage.Those who are interested in purchasing the book may 173

Carmelites of Mary Immaculate 174 CMIssion October-December 2017kindly place order with USM, using the Email address:[email protected] along with transferring the cost ofthe number of books to be purchased to the bank account ofDharama Bharati Service Society, the details of which are asfollows: Account Holder: Dharma Bharathi Service Society, Indore Bank: Bank of India, Saket Nagar Branch, (Khajrana), Indore Bank Account No: 880210100020664 IFSC CODE: BKID0008802While placing order for books please give full postal addresswith pin code and contact mobile phone number. Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Phone: 0731-4072057; 07869239496; 09826136577

Promotional News CHAVARA PEN A Gift Item from Chavara Bhavan, KainakaryChavara Bhavan, Kainakary, has come up with an eco-friendly gift item in the form of a ball-pen, each pen costingRupees ten only. This attempt is praiseworthy as it is a hand-made itemprepared by a small group of women volunteers, who makeuse of old newspapers to the prepare the pen. So, followingthe invitation of Pope Francis to go “for a circular model ofproduction capable of preserving resources for present andfuture generations” (Laudato si 22), Chavara Bhavan hascome up with a meaningful and practically useful item to bepresented to our family members, friends, and students inour educational institutions. This pen, which is an attemptto minimize the use of plastic, deserves public appreciationand support from all those Chavara devotees whoappreciate an eco-friendly approach. Chavara Pens are available in four different colours(black, blue, red, and green) and can be procured from theBook Centre at Chavara Bhavan, Kainakary. Bulk orders (forfive hundred or more) will receive a ten per cent reductionon the cover price. For more detailed information, you may contact Fr.Thomas Kallukalam CMI, Director, Chavara Bhavan,Kainakary (mobile: 78 29 792320 or 99 47 500238). 175

Saint Chavara Library Thomas Kochumuttom, Spirituality of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara Published by Chavara Central Secretariat (Kochi) and Dharmaram Publications (Bangalore), 2017. Pages: xx + 416 (with Index); Hardbound Price: Rs. 360 (including Postage).Spirituality of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara is a sequel to Fr.Thomas Kochumuttom‟s earlier work, Blessed Kuriakose EliasChavara (2014). While the latter deals with the life story of SaintChavara, the present one concentrates on his spirituality. Inaddition to looking at Saint Chavara‟s life and undertakingsfrom a spiritual point of view, it brings in a lot of fresh datathat have bearing on his spirituality. It also covers the Saint‟steachings on various theological issues and spiritual life. Thepoints of discussion are well substantiated with originaldocuments and authentic testimonies. While quoting therelevant texts from Saint Chavara‟s writings, Kochumuttommakes his own translation that sets an example of accurate andlucid English rendering of such works. The presentation isscientific but simple so as to elicit interest among both theacademic and the lay sections of readers.To Order Copies: Contact Chavara Central Secretariat(9544907061) or Dharmaram Publications (080-41116137) 176

Appeal CONTRIBUTIONS SOLICITED FOR FREE BIBLE AND CHRISTIAN LITERATURE DISTRIBUTIONFinancial contributions are solicited from the readers of theCMIssion and the well-wishers of the CMI Congregation,including the ACMI members, to extend a supporting handto the CMI Department of Evangelisation and PastoralMinistry to promote the free distribution of the Bible(especially the New Testament) and some basic Christianliterature. Title of the Account: General Department of Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry Account Number: 0313053000000182 Name of the Bank: South Indian Bank IFSC Code: SIBL0000313 Purpose of the Bank Transfer: “CMI Christian Literature Distribution” 177

“CMI GLOBAL” APP CMI Mobile Application for Android and Apple Phones Mobile application offering updated information related to CMI Congregation and Syro- Malabar liturgical readings is available on Google Play Store (Android) as well as on App Store (iOS/Apple). Information offered on the „CMI Global‟ include the following: (1) On the CMI Congregation: Brief History, CMI at a Glance, Daily Heavenly CMIs, Contact Details of Various Institutions, etc. (2) Liturgical Support: Syro- Malabar liturgical readings along with the daily saintsComing Soon: Reminders (such as special CMI days likefeasts and observances, Liturgical Feasts, feasts andbirthdays of CMI members, Heavenly CMIs, etc.Coming Soon: Work is also in progress to make the Liturgyof Hours (Canonical Prayers) by Father Abel CMI (inMalayalam) available on the „CMI Global‟.All CMI members (and anyone interested in the ministriesof the CMI Congregation) are invited to install “CMIGlobal” (a free mobile app) and to use it on the go. 178