the leading lights of the 20th century re-union movement. Yet another notable member of the CMI congregation was Placid J. Podipara who also played a key role in the re-union of Geevarghese Ivanios (Mar Ivanios) and Mar Teophilos towards the establishment of Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Contribution to society A Sanskrit school was started in Mannanam in 1846; the St. Ephraim English school was begun there in 1890 and converted to a high school in 1903. Similarly in 1844, the first printing press in the Syro-Malabar Church was started at Mannanam. Deepika, the first newspaper of Kerala, was begun at Mannanam in 1887. After running it for more than a century, it was handed over to a registered company. Global mission The CMI Congregation began its global mission in 1938 with the Iran Mission. The Iraq mission was undertaken in 1960. The priests worked in parishes and seminary formation. The missions to Europe and North America too began in the 1960s with involvement in pastoral ministry. The focus was shifted to Africa with the opening of Peru mission in 1975. In 1977 Missions were opened in South America and Kenya. Gradually missions were opened in African countries like Ghana, Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia and South American countries like Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Paraguay. The priests also serve in Australia, Philippines and in Indonesia. Organisation There are 15 provinces in the CMI Congregation. The congregation has about 3,000 members from Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara and Latin rites from India and Kenya with 10 bishops, 1917 priests, 19 lay brothers and 1200 brothers in formation. The priests are actively involved in pastoral services in 30 countries around the world. Leadership A Prior General, with a team of four general Councilors, and a general auditor administer the congregation. A General Chapter of the congregation elects them every six years. As of August 2020, the Prior General is Father Thomas C Mathew, C.M.I. See also Abel Periyappuram Darsanalaya Ashram The Indian Priest Kurian Kachapally Mar Gregory Karotemprel Kuncheria Pathil Placid J. Podipara References External links CMI Devamatha Province, Thrissur Palackal Thoma Malpan Prior Generals of the CMI Congregation Syro-Malabar Catholic Church Third Order Regular of Discalced Carmelites Religious organizations established in 1831 Carmelite spirituality Eastern Catholic orders and societies 1831 establishments in British India