Our Carmelite Heritage

The roots of the Carmelite Order trace back to the holy slopes of Mount Carmel, where the Prophet Elijah and his followers lived in the presence of God, dedicated to prayer, contemplation, and zeal for God’s glory. The Carmelite tradition sees in Elijah a model of contemplative life, fraternal communion, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, Elijah is often regarded as the spiritual father of the Carmelite Order.

Historically, the Carmelite Order received its formal Rule of Life from Saint Albert of Jerusalem during the 13th century. Over the centuries, the Order developed and expanded while remaining faithful to its contemplative charism.

A new chapter began through the reforms of Saint Teresa of Ávila and Saint John of the Cross. Their renewal emphasized prayer, contemplation, community life, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebration of the Eucharist, and missionary zeal. From this renewal emerged the worldwide mission of the Discalced Carmelites, including their arrival in India.

Carmelite Mission in India

The Discalced Carmelites played a significant role in the growth of the Church in India through various ecclesiastical jurisdictions:

Malabar Vicariate (Varapoly) – 1659
Mogul Vicariate – 1720
Quilon Vicariate – 1845

The missionaries dedicated themselves to evangelization and the formation of indigenous clergy. While the Spanish Carmelites in Varapoly encouraged local vocations, the Belgian Carmelites took pioneering steps in establishing novitiates and formation houses for Indian candidates.

History of the Varapuzha Unit

A significant milestone occurred on 10 April 1981, when ten Latin Carmelite friars from the Malabar Province were assigned to St. Joseph Monastery to establish an independent community under the General Definitory. This new foundation became known as the Varapuzha Unit.

In 1982, the Unit received permission to promote vocations throughout the Latin dioceses of Kerala. As vocations increased rapidly, an Aspirants’ House was established at Chittattumukku, Trivandrum, in 1984. The Novitiate was opened at Varapuzha on 8 December 1983 and later transferred to Perumkulam on 4 December 1989.

Rise of the Provincial Delegation

On 28 December 1987, the Varapuzha Unit was elevated to the status of a Provincial Delegation, marking the beginning of a new era in its growth and mission.

As the number of professed members increased, the need for higher formation became evident. This led to the establishment of Juan Jyothi Carmelite Theology College at Ayroor on 12 September 1992, providing theological formation for future priests and religious.

Formation of the South Kerala General Delegation

In 1992, a territorial reorganization between the Manjummel Province and the Varapuzha Provincial Delegation resulted in the transfer of several monasteries and apostolic responsibilities. The Delegation was entrusted with the southern region of Kerala for expansion and vocation promotion.

Recognizing its remarkable growth and vitality, the General Definitory elevated the Delegation to the status of General Delegation of South Kerala on 21 December 1992.

Growth into a Province

The establishment of a new Philosophy College at Ambalapuzha in March 1996 strengthened the formation structure of the Delegation. During the Provincial Chapter of the same year, the General Delegation was declared a Commissariate.

The journey reached its historic culmination when the General Definitory officially elevated the Commissariate to a Province on 29 May 2001. The Province was solemnly inaugurated on 15 October 2001 under the patronage of St. Joseph, becoming the South Kerala Province of St. Joseph OCD.

Our Mission Today

From its humble beginnings, the South Kerala Province has grown into a vibrant missionary community serving the Church in various parts of India and abroad. The Province extends its ministry beyond Kerala to:

West Bengal
Assam
Arunachal Pradesh
Meghalaya
Mizoram

The Province also serves in Germany and Italy through pastoral and parish ministries.

Today, the Province carries forward the Carmelite mission through:

Formation houses for priestly and religious vocations
Parish ministry and pastoral care
Educational institutions
Boys’ and girls’ homes
Social service centres
Retreat and spiritual renewal ministries
Support of Carmelite cloistered communities

Inspired by the spirit of Elijah and renewed by the vision of St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross, the South Kerala Province continues its mission of prayer, contemplation, evangelization, and service to the People of God.

Motto

“With Zeal for the Lord of Hosts”
Following the Carmelite tradition, we strive to live in God’s presence, foster fraternity, deepen prayer, and proclaim the Gospel with missionary enthusiasm