Claretian Missionaries

Fr. James Patteril CMF Appointed Bishop-designate of Belthangady

cmf — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:44:06 +0000

Karukutty: August 28, 2025 — Fr. James Patteril CMF has been appointed as the new Bishop-designate of Belthangady. He was born on 27th July 1962 in Battiyal, Mangalore, as the son of Late Mr. Abraham and Mrs. Rosamma Patteril. He has four brothers and two sisters and belongs to St. Mary’s Church, Battiyal, in the Eparchy of Belthangady. After completing his secondary education, he joined Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad on 18th June 1978 for priestly formation and pursued his Philosophy and Theology at St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore. He made his First Profession on 12th June 1982 and his Final Profession on 12th June 1988 at Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad, and was ordained a priest on 26th April 1990 by Archbishop Emeritus Mar George Valiyamattam. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Christ University, Bangalore and completed research studies in Pastoral Theology at the Pastoral Theological Institute, Freiburg, Germany. He served as Assistant Parish Priest in Udane and Shirady Parishes, Belthangady, and later as Provincial Procurator of the Province of Germany in Würzburg, where he was also in charge of the Syro-Malabar community. Originally belonging to the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Province of the Claretian Congregation, it was during his service in Germany that he was elected as the new Bishop of Belthangady.

Mount Carmel Chapel Blessed at Kaghaznagar

cmf — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 08:54:43 +0000

Kaghaznagar: The newly constructed Mount Carmel Chapel, a sub-station of Our Lady of Fatima Forane Church, Kaghaznagar, was blessed on August 6, 2025 by Bishop Prince Antony Panengadan, Administrator of the Adilabad Diocese. The occasion was graced by Rev. Fr. Siby Njavallikunnel, Provincial Superior, along with Claretian confreres, priests, sisters, and faithful from nearby parishes. The blessing marked a joyful milestone for the local Catholic community, bringing together clergy and laity in thanksgiving and celebration.

Mary Matha School, Marthidi Relocated and Inaugurated

cmf — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 08:41:03 +0000

Marthidi: Mary Matha School has begun a new era in its mission of education with its relocation to the spacious premises of Claret Sadan House in Marthidi. The new building was inaugurated on August 7, 2025 by Palvai Harish Babu, MLA, and blessed by Fr. Siby Njavallikunnel, Provincial Superior of St. Thomas Province of the Claretians. The shift brings enhanced facilities and a better learning environment compared to the former location. Claretian confreres from nearby communities joined in celebrating this milestone for the school.

Wasa Mission Officially Hands Over to Claretians for 50 Years

cmf — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:27:16 +0000

Wasa Mission, Maharastra: The official handing over of the Wasa Mission to the Claretians took place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM, marking a significant moment for the Diocese of Chanda and the St. Thomas Province of the Claretians. The transition follows an agreement signed on March 19, 2025, granting the Claretians pastoral and administrative responsibility for the mission for 50 years. The ceremony was held at Wasa Church in the presence of several dignitaries and clergy members, including Fr. Vigil, Chancellor of the Diocese of Chanda; Fr. Dominic Koottiyaniyil CMF, Provincial Councilor; Fr. Kurian Panayalil, Forane Vicar; Fr. Jijo Machukuzhiyil CMF, Superior of the Chimur Community; Fr. Robin Kanjirathinkal, Principal of St. Claret School, Chimur; Fr. Naveen Varghese, Parish Priest of Kurkeda Church; Fr. Anoop Arimattam, Parish Priest of Chincholi Church; and Fr. Sanu Pulivelil CMF of Dhanora Mission. Sr. Pushpa Maria FCC, Sr. Maggi FCC, Sr. Lissy FCC, and catechist Mr. Eknath Ghokare were also present.
Following the verification and signing of documents, all gathered in the church for a brief prayer service. The key of the Tabernacle was then ceremoniously handed over to Fr. Manu Parayanickal CMF, the newly appointed priest-in-charge of the Wasa Mission. The handover includes the parish, school, boarding facilities, convent, and other mission-related institutions. The occasion concluded with congratulations extended to Fr. Manu as he assumes leadership of the mission.

First Profession and Renewal of Vows Celebrated at Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad

cmf — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:10:36 +0000

Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad: A day of deep spiritual significance and joy was celebrated at Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad, as six students made their First Religious Profession after completing their novitiate, and twenty-one students renewed their vows for one more year. The solemn celebration was presided over by Very Rev. Fr. Henry Babatunde Omonisaye, Vicar General of the Congregation and the General Canonical Visitator to the Province. He received the professions in the presence of Fr. Siby Njavallikunnel, the Provincial Superior of the St. Thomas Province.The ceremony was witnessed by the parents of the newly professed, along with religious, family members, and well-wishers, all gathered in prayerful support and thanksgiving.

General Assembly 2025 of St. Thomas Province Held at Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad

cmf — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 03:48:44 +0000

Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad: The General Assembly 2025 of the Province of St. Thomas was conducted on the 29th and 30th of May at Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad. The two-day event brought together around 100 participants, including priests and professed brothers, whose active presence added meaning and colour to the Assembly. This year’s Assembly featured reporting sessions, deliberations, and personal sharings. Departing from the usual group discussion format, the sessions focused on common presentations evaluating the fulfilment of the Province’s shared dreams as outlined in the V Provincial Chapter Document. These presentations were followed by interactive feedback and responses from participants. The discussions were marked by a strong sense of synodality, with members engaging deeply in participatory dialogue and communal reflection. The gathering served as an opportunity to assess progress, discern future directions, and strengthen fraternity among the members of the Province. The Assembly concluded at 4 PM on May 30^th.

Golden and Silver Jubilees Celebrated at Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad

cmf — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 03:39:59 +0000

Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad: A day of joy, gratitude, and celebration unfolded at Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad, as four distinguished members of the Claretian community marked significant milestones in their religious life. Fr. George Lanithottam CMF was honoured on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of his First Religious Profession, celebrating 50 years of faithful service and commitment to the Claretian mission. Fr. Jose Koonamparambil CMF also celebrated his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee, commemorating 50 years of dedicated priestly ministry. Joining in the celebration were Fr. Tony Thannikal CMF and Fr. Jijo Machukuzhiyil CMF, both marking the Silver Jubilee of their Religious Profession, completing 25 years of consecrated life. The celebration was graced by the presence of numerous priests, religious, family members, relatives, and well-wishers, all gathered to offer their congratulations and prayers. The Eucharistic celebration was held in thanksgiving, followed by a felicitation program that reflected on the journey, contributions, and spiritual legacy of the jubilarians. The event was a profound testimony to a life lived in service to God and His people, inspiring the younger generation to walk in faith and dedication.

“I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15)

cmf — Tue, 13 May 2025 04:37:11 +0000

The year 2025 was a year of immense joy and profound gratitude to God as the province of St. Thomas was gifted with three new priests. After years of discernment, accompaniment and studies three of our deacons received the Order of Ordination. On the 05th of May 2025, Dn. Ajin (Mathew) Pottananiyil CMF was ordained to Priesthood by His Excellency Mar Joseph Kallarangattu, the Bishop of Palai Diocese at Adukkom. On the 06th of May 2025, Dn. Tojith (George) Pallipurathu CMF received the Sacred Order from the Hands of His Excellency Mar Joseph Kallaragattu, the Bishop of Palai Diocese at Paduva, Kottayam District. Dn. John Kodakkanal CMF was ordained on 8th of May at Elangulam by His Excellency Mar Jose Pulikal, the Bishop of Kanjirapally. Thanks to God for His Mighty deeds and wonders.

Indian Talent Olympiad’s Best Principal Award

cmf — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 03:13:10 +0000

St. Claret Public School, Kaghaznagar: Fr. Dominic Kunnapally CMF, Principal of St. Claret Public School, Honoured with Indian Talent Olympiad’s Best Principal Award
Mumbai, March 2025: Fr. Dominic Kunnapally, the esteemed Principal of St. Claret Public School, Kaghaznagar, was recently conferred with the prestigious “Best Principal Award” by the Indian Talent Olympiad (ITO). The award was presented by renowned badminton champion, Saina Nehwal, during a special ceremony held in Mumbai. The event celebrated the accomplishments of school principals who have played a pivotal role in fostering academic excellence and motivating students to excel in Olympiad exams. The Indian Talent Olympiad, an initiative led by the Olympiad Team based in Mumbai, saw an impressive participation of 10 lakh students from across India this year. The competition provided a platform for students to showcase their academic talents in various subjects. In recognition of their exceptional leadership, 150 school principals were awarded with a cash prize, a memento and a certificate. Fr. Dominic Kunnapally’s leadership at St. Claret Public School has been instrumental in the school’s outstanding performance in the Olympiad exams. Under his guidance, the school has nurtured a culture of academic excellence and encouraged students to pursue their potential in various disciplines. Fr. Kunnapally’s recognition reflects the significant impact of dedicated educators in shaping the academic journey of their students.

Quinquennium Program for St. Thomas Province 2025

cmf — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:00:21 +0000

Claretian Provincial House in Karukutty: The Quinquennium Program for 2025, organized by the St. Thomas Province, was successfully conducted at the Claretian Provincial House in Karukutty from February 10th to 14th. Eighteen priests participated in this enriching event, which provided an opportunity for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and deeper understanding of their priestly vocation.
The program featured moments of self-evaluation, group dynamics, and sharing, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. The sessions covered a range of topics including the meaning of consecrated life and vows, digital discipleship, and the importance of ongoing formation. These classes provided valuable insights into contemporary challenges and opportunities for priests in the modern world, enriching their spiritual journey.
A highlight of the program was an open session with the Provincial Council, which allowed the participants share concerns, and discuss ways to strengthen the province’s mission.
The program was not all work and study; it also included recreational activities such as games, outings, personal sharing, and group discussions. These activities helped the priests relax and bond with one another, reinforcing their sense of unity and deepening their appreciation for their shared calling. The four days were filled with happiness, joy, and a renewed sense of wonder, as the priests reflected on their own priesthood and the path they have chosen to follow.
The Quinquennium Program was an enriching and transformative experience for all who participated, leaving them with a strengthened commitment to their priestly vocation and a deeper understanding of their mission within the Church.