Congregation of the Mother of Carmel

CMC in USA

The Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) was founded on February 13, 1866, at Koonammavu, Kerala, by St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the great reformer and saint of the Syro-Malabar Church, and co-founded by Fr. Leopold Beccaro, OCD. The foundation began with four members, marking the birth of the first indigenous religious congregation for women in India.

Inspired by a deep Eucharistic and Marian spirituality, the founders envisioned a community dedicated to contemplation and active service in the Church. From its humble beginnings, the Congregation gradually expanded its mission to include education, healthcare, social service, and pastoral ministries, with a special concern for the poor and marginalized.

Faithful to its charism of “contemplation and action,” the CMC has grown steadily over the years and today serves the Church both in India and abroad, continuing the vision of its founders through committed religious life and selfless service.

Our North American mission traces its origins to Msgr. Compagno, a friend of the Indian Papal Delegate of that time, who invited our sisters to minister at Boys’ Town, Indiana, in April 1975.

From this humble beginning, our ministries flourished and expanded into diverse areas, including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and parish ministries across the United States. Through Divine Providence, we received the support and resources needed to help our sisters adapt to a new culture and way of life while faithfully preserving our unique Syro-Malabar identity and traditions.

Today, our Congregation serves in two countries, encompassing 10 houses and 50 members, and is blessed with the gift of our very first American sister.