CARMEL MONASTERY, (Estd. 1859)
Carmel Monastery
Vazhakulam P.O.
Muvattupuzha - 686 670.
Ph: 0485-2260240, 2260404, 2263238 (P)

Monastic life in Vazhakulam commenced on 21st May, 1859, on the eve of Feast of Pentecost. The first inmates were Rev. Fr. Jacob Kanatt, Rev. Fr. Mathai Kalappurackal, Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Palackal and two Rev. Brothers. Blessed Chavara visited this place in 1837 on his way to buy timber for Mannanam monastery, and later had recommended it for monastic life. He also appointed Rev. Fr. Jacob Kanatt as its first superior.
On 16th July, 1860, the then superior Fr. Jacob Kanatt laid the foundation for the new monastery and church. On this occasion Rt. Rev. Dr. Bernard, Bishop of Varapoly, presented a very beautiful statue of Mother Carmel which still occupies the prominent position in the Church. Since then the Feast of Mother Carmel has been celebrated annually with all solemnity and devotion. It may be recalled that Ayyanattu Parayil Avira Tharakan has rendered much financial assistance for the construction of the  church. The blessing of the newly built church was done by Bishop Leonard of Varapoly on  8th Feb,1879.
The annals of the monastery mark the privilege to house a seminary from 1866 to 1890. This seminary was instrumental in contributing a good number of eminent priests to the Kerala Church like late Mar Augustine Kandathil.
On 10th June, 1885  Rev. Fr. Jacob Kanatt, the founder of Carmel Monastery and Church and its prior from its very inception, slept in the Lord. On  8th Dec.,1905, the year in which Golden Jubilee of the canonical erection of the CMI congregation was celebrated. The golden jubilee of this monastery was celebrated on  16th July, 1909. The present
it had only a short life. Later attempts were being made for a school and finally  by the hard work of Fr. Hilarion and the prior Fr. Barnabas, an English Medium School with boarding house began in 1911. Recognition was obtained only in 1919. In 1938 it became a High School. The construction of the existing High School  began on 16th  July, 1938 and completed on 16th July, 1939.
An minor seminary was started in 1954 and it continued till 1979. Later it functioned as the boy?s home and boarding house for brief periods.
Now a flourishing CBSE School is functioning attached to this monastery which was started in 1995.

 St.Peters Minor Seminary (Estd. 1994)
 Carmel Monastery
 Vazhakulam P.O. , Muvattupuzha - 686 670
 Ph: 0485-2260579

St. Peter?s Minor Seminary was begun on 20th June, 1994 in the old seminary building attached to Carmel Monastery, Vazhakulam. The old building was demolished and new seminary building was constructed under the supervision of Fr.Joachim Puzhakkara,then provincial on 22nd January,2005.Now two batches of minor seminarians doing their plus one and plus two courses are staying here.

 A. Pastoral

      1.Mission Samaj (Estd. 1979)
      2.Altar Boys Association
      3.Charismatic Prayer Group

 B. Educational

      1.  Infant Jesus High School  (Ph: 0485-2260405)

      2.  Carmel Public School (Ph: 0485-2261233, 2261402)
           E-Mail  : carmelps@satyam.net.in
           Website  : www.carmelps.org
           Principal  : Fr. John Thalachira
           (Mob: 9447045467)

      3.  Carmel Nursery School: Ph: (0485 2260544)