HISTORY

The Carmelites of Mary Immaculate [CMI] is the first indigenous religious institute of India. It had its humble beginning in the first half of the 19th century, when two zealous and God experienced men - Fr. Thomas Palackal and Thomas Porukkara - started a spiritual movement at Mannanam on May 11th 1831. They were inspired by God to restore religious life of the St. Thomas Christians. Their Ordinary, the Vicar Apostolic Bp. Maurilius Stabalini approved their idea and gave them full support and encouragement.

St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a student of Fr. Thomas Palackal, associated himself with these pioneers in restoring religious life among the St. Thomas Christians. Before the fulfillment of their long cherished dream, the two acharyas, Fr. Thomas Palackal and Fr. Thomas Porukkara were called to eternal reward in 1841 and 1846 respectively. Many dedicated priests of the Kerala Church joined this spiritual movement led by St. Chavara.