## History

Lum Karmel Monastery, Shillong, is the Theology House of the Regional Vicariate of West Bengal and North-East India under the South Kerala Province of St. Joseph, Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCD). Situated in the scenic hills of Meghalaya, the monastery serves as a center of theological formation, prayer, and Carmelite spirituality.

The origins of the Carmelite presence in Shillong can be traced to the missionary efforts of the Church in North-East India. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the Salesian missionaries have played a significant role in evangelization and faith formation throughout the region. As the local Church continued to grow, many dioceses welcomed new religious congregations to strengthen the mission and promote Christian values.

Recognizing the need for a Carmelite presence in the region, *His Grace Most Rev. Dominic Jala, Archbishop of Shillong, warmly invited the Carmelite friars to establish a foundation in the Archdiocese. Responding to this invitation, **Rev. Fr. Bernardine M. Louis OCD, then Provincial of the South Kerala Province, sent theology students in **2002* to pursue their studies at Sacred Heart College, Shillong, conducted by the Salesians. This initiative marked the beginning of the Carmelite mission in Meghalaya.

In *2003, Fr. Bernardine M. Louis acquired a plot of land near the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) with the vision of establishing a permanent Carmelite community and formation center. The foundation stone for the monastery was blessed and laid by **Archbishop Dominic Jala* on *19 March 2007. On the same occasion, a temporary residence near the construction site was blessed, where **Fr. Joseph Shibu Fernandez OCD* and *Fr. Prathas OCD* began residing to supervise the construction work.

The new monastery, named *Lum Karmel Monastery, was completed and solemnly blessed in **2008. Since then, it has served as the Theology House of the Vicariate, providing formation for theology students who pursue their studies at **Oriens Theological College and Regional Seminary, Shillong*. The monastery has become an important center for intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral formation of future Carmelites.

A significant development in the growth of the mission occurred on *2 March 2006, when **Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Miranda OCD* purchased approximately ten acres of land at *Nongsder, near the famous Umiam (Barapani) Lake. The property was acquired with the vision of establishing a **Prayer Centre and Novitiate House* for the Vicariate. Located amidst the natural beauty of Meghalaya and near important institutions such as NEHU, ICAR, and the Umiam Dam, the site provides an ideal atmosphere for prayer, contemplation, and formation.

Today, Lum Karmel Monastery continues to play a vital role in the formation of future Carmelites and in promoting the rich spiritual heritage of Carmel in North-East India. Through prayer, study, fraternity, and pastoral service, the community remains committed to forming dedicated religious and priests for the service of the Church.

## Mission

* Formation of Theology Students
* Promotion of Carmelite Spirituality
* Academic and Pastoral Formation
* Spiritual Direction and Retreats
* Service to the Local Church
* Preparation of Future Carmelite Priests and Religious

*Motto:* Prayer • Fraternity • Mission

Read more : https://southkeralaprovinceocd.com/meghalaya/