From Pau, France to Kankanady · A heritage of prayer since 1870
The story of the Carmel of the Sacred Heart at Kankanady is a story of courage, sacrifice and fidelity to a contemplative vocation. Its roots reach back to Pau in southern France and to the initiative of Mgr. Marie Ephrem, who sought to transplant the life of Teresian contemplation to India.
A story of faith, courage and perseverance, unfolding across the years that brought Teresian contemplative life to Mangalore.
In August 1870, six Discalced Carmelite nuns, together with Carmelite priests and Sisters of the Third Religious Order, set out from Pau in France for India. After about three months of travel, the pioneering Sisters reached Mangalore on 19 November 1870.
On 21 November 1871, the Arab novice Sister Mary of Jesus Crucified made her religious profession in Mangalore—the first Carmelite to make her profession on Indian soil. Her presence became an enduring part of the spiritual heritage of the Carmel.
After the early years in Mangalore, a permanent site for the Kankanady foundation was purchased in June 1879. The foundation of a dedicated cloister could now take shape.
The foundation stone for the Kankanady Carmel was laid on 15 August 1880. A Gothic church and a spacious two-storied Carmel were subsequently built.
On 18 March 1882 the community was transferred to Kankanady. On 19 March, the feast of St Joseph, the new Carmel was solemnly opened. The Carmel of the Sacred Heart thereby took root in its permanent home.
The source records that the Carmel of the Sacred Heart subsequently contributed to the establishment of Carmels at Shembaganur, Tiruchirappalli and Hassan. The heritage begun in 1870 continues through a life centred on prayer and contemplation.
More than a date in history, Carmel is a continuing vocation: prayer, contemplation, silence, penance, work and self-giving offered for the Church and the world.
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