Fr. Paul Achandy Re-elected Prior General of CMI Congregation

Kochi, March 20, 2026: In a significant development for one of India’s largest religious congregations, Fr. Paul Achandy has been re-elected as Prior General of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), marking a rare return to the congregation’s highest office.

The election took place on March 19 during the 39th General Chapter held at Chavara Hills in Kochi. Fr. Achandy, 62, had previously served a six-year term beginning in 2014—the same year Pope Francis canonised the congregation’s founder, Kuriakose Elias Chavara.

His re-election comes at a pivotal moment as the Kochi-based congregation prepares to celebrate its bicentenary in 2031. Founded in 1831, the CMI has grown into a global missionary body with nearly 3,000 members serving in education, healthcare and social outreach across more than 30 countries.

Following his earlier tenure as Prior General, Fr. Achandy held key academic and administrative roles, including Chancellor of Christ University and Rector of Dharmaram College, the congregation’s major seminary in Bengaluru. In recent years, he has also been engaged in missionary service in Kenya.

Commenting on the development, Fr. Johnson Palappilly noted the symbolic significance of the moment. “When Chavara was proclaimed a saint, he was the Prior. Now, as the congregation approaches its 200th jubilee, he is again entrusted with leadership,” he said, adding that such re-elections are uncommon in religious congregations where leadership transitions typically follow fixed terms.

Observers within the congregation see the decision as a sign of continuity and institutional trust amid evolving pastoral and administrative challenges facing global religious communities.

Born on May 19, 1963, and ordained in 1992, Fr. Achandy combines academic expertise with pastoral leadership. He holds an MBA from North Maharashtra University and a doctorate in management from Indian Institute of Technology Madras, specialising in strategic human resource management. His earlier roles include heading the Department of Management Studies at Christ College, serving as Provincial of the Devamatha Province in Thrissur, and directing the Amala Institute of Medical Sciences.

Members of the congregation have credited his previous tenure with strengthening internal systems and fostering unity. Fr. Biju John Vellakada described the re-election as “a fruit of deep discernment,” noting that his leadership brought “stability and direction.”

Similarly, Fr. Augustine Kochuvely highlighted his collaborative leadership style. “He shapes direction without imposing ideas, encouraging excellence while remaining rooted in values,” he said.

Many also point to his personal simplicity as a defining trait. Fr. Tomy Kapiarukudy described him as “a leader after the mind and heart of the Good Shepherd,” while Sr. Sonia K Chacko praised his humility, noting that despite holding high office, he remains close to ordinary people.

The re-election has also been welcomed by former members of the congregation worldwide. Mathew Nampudakam of the Paradise Fraternity, a global collective of former CMI members, called the development “very welcome news,” reflecting the enduring bonds within the CMI family.

As Fr. Achandy begins his second term, the congregation looks ahead to its bicentenary with renewed focus on mission, formation and global outreach.

Courtesy: Matters India