CMI Congregation

CMI Congregation

The Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) is the first indigenous religious congregation of the Catholic Church in India, founded in 1831 at Mannanam, Kerala, by Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara and his companions. Deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of Carmel, the congregation has grown over the years into a dynamic force of renewal in the Church and society. The CMIs are actively engaged in a wide range of apostolates, including pastoral care, social upliftment, missionary activities, and cultural promotion. Guided by the vision of its founder, St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the congregation has consistently emphasized the importance of education as a means of personal transformation and social development, thereby playing a vital role in shaping generations of responsible citizens.

CMI and Education

From its very inception, the CMI Congregation has been a pioneer in the field of education. St. Chavara, a visionary reformer, established the first Catholic Sanskrit School in 1846 and insisted that every church should start a school—an initiative that laid the foundation for widespread educational growth in Kerala. Inspired by his vision, the CMIs today manage a vast network of schools, colleges, professional institutions, and research centres across India and abroad. These institutions are renowned for academic excellence, holistic formation, and value-based education, with a special commitment to serving the poor and marginalized. Through their consistent dedication, the CMI Congregation has become a leader in nation-building, nurturing generations of men and women who are intellectually competent, morally upright, socially committed, and spiritually grounded.