Carmelites of Mary Immaculate

The Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (Latin: Congregation Fratrum Carmelitarum Mariae Virginis Beatae Immaculatae, religious symbol: CMI ) - " The Congregation of Carmelites of the Immaculate Mother of God " - are a Catholic male order.

This part, which was founded by Apostle Thomas and united with Rome Syro - Malabar Church and is the first religious establishment in India. The first monastery of the Order was established on May 11, 1831 Mount Mannanam in Kerala (India). Soon there was a huge spread, and the young community dedicated to the renewal of ecclesial life through the training of local priests, parish missions and Presseapostolat, upbringing and education of youth through the establishment of schools and boarding schools, and also to the service of the poor and sick by social- charitable institutions.

Founder of the Congregation of the Priests were Palackal Thomas (1780-1841), along with his relatives ( maternal ) Father Thomas Kathanar ( 1799-1846 ) and his student, the Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara ( 1805-1871 ), which is also the first superior of the Order was. Currently, religious superior Jose Panthaplamthottiyil.

In 2003 the community numbered 3226 members ( seven bishops; 2100 religious priests, 55 religious brothers, 482 students of philosophy and theology; 208 novices, 374 candidates) in 13 provinces (all in India) and 263 religious houses.