The Congregation of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) is the first indigenous religious congregation within the Catholic Church of India, founded at Mannanam on 11 May 1831. On 8 December 1855, the Congregation received canonical approval and the first eleven fathers made their religious profession. Blessed Chavara, the only surviving founder, was appointed the first Superior of the Congregation. In 1967, the Congregation was granted pontifical exemption.

The CMI’s religious life is deeply rooted in Indian, Oriental and Carmelite spiritual traditions. Its members have actively contributed to the Church in Kerala by addressing various needs. They conducted retreats, managed seminaries for training local clergy, provided education for the youth, disseminated Christian literature, promoted the faith, worked toward the reunion of separated brethren, undertook acts of mercy and established charitable institutions.

The CMI’s mission expanded as new mission areas emerged in four North Indian dioceses: Jagdalpur, Bijnor, Rajkot and Adilabad, each headed by CMI Bishops. Administratively, the Congregation is divided into 13 provinces, one Vice Province, one Region and nine sub-regions, highlighting the CMI’s significant progress and recognition by the Apostolic See. Additionally, many members are involved in apostolic work across the globe, serving in countries such as the United States, Germany, Kenya, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Ghana, Italy, Ireland, Madagascar, Namibia, Peru, the Philippines, South Africa, Sweden and the UK.