The Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) is the first indigenous religious congregation in the Catholic Church of India. Malpan Thomas Palackal, Malpan Thomas Porukara, and St. Kuriakose Chavara of the Syro-Malabar Church of apostolic origin felt that “a lot of good had not been done due to the absence of a Thapasu Bhavanam (House of Discipline) and a Darsana Veedu (House of Vision).” They envisioned providing spiritual leadership while fostering unity and growth in the Church in Kerala. With the permission of Bishop Maurelius Stabilini, the then Vicar Apostolic of Verapoly, they founded a religious house at Mannanam on 11 May 1831.

Jacob Kanianthara, who later became the first professed brother in the Congregation, cooperated with the founding fathers from the very beginning. The name of the Congregation was ‘Servants of Mary Immaculate’. Soon, more priests and clerics joined the founding fathers, and thus a small religious community took shape. On 8 December 1855, the religious Congregation was canonically approved, and the first eleven fathers made their religious profession. St. Chavara, the only surviving founder, was appointed the first Superior of the Congregation. Since, during the early period of the Congregation, the Vicars Apostolic of Verapoly were Carmelites, the Congregation came under Carmelite influence. Consequently, the Carmelite Rule, with suitable modifications, was given to the Congregation in 1855.

In 1860, the community was affiliated with the Order of Discalced Carmelites under the name ‘Third Order of the Carmelites Discalced’ (TOCD). The Constitutions were approved ad experimentum by the Apostolic See in 1885. In 1958, the name was changed to ‘Carmelites of Mary Immaculate’ (CMI). The Congregation was granted pontifical exemption in 1967.

From the very beginning, the religious life of the Congregation has been rooted in the Indian, Oriental, and Carmelite spiritual traditions. Being contemplatives in action, its members engaged in activities that responded to the needs of the Church in Kerala at different times. They preached retreats, conducted seminaries for the formation of the local clergy, met the challenge of educating the youth, disseminated Christian literature, laboured for the propagation of the faith and the reunion of separated brethren, undertook works of mercy, and established charitable institutions. The apostolate of the CMI Congregation gained a new dimension and momentum as mission territories beyond the boundaries of Kerala were entrusted to it. In 1962, Chanda became the first mission ordinariate of the Syro-Malabar Church and was entrusted to the Congregation. Since then, several mission dioceses and regions have been established in Central and North India. This has been a significant milestone in the growth of the CMI missions and an enduring testimony to the recognition accorded by the Apostolic See. In addition, many members are engaged in various forms of apostolate in different parts of India as well as in several countries across the world.

The Prior General, assisted by four Councillors, heads the administration of the Congregation. The Prior General’s House at Chavara Hills, Kochi, serves as the headquarters of the Congregation. For administrative purposes, the Congregation is divided into 15 provinces, 2 regions, and 6 sub-regions.