Kerala Conference of Major Superiors (KCMS) is the Kerala Regional body of CRI (Conference of Religious India). KCMS intends not only the unity among the Catholic Religious Congregations and Institutions of Kerala but also stands for the cooperation and coordination between the Local Hierarchs and the Diocesan Clergy. It was established on September 15, 1971, for this purpose.
read moreHowever, while these numbers may seem promising, the influence of materialism, secularism, and individualism in society has contributed to a notable decline in religious vocations in Kerala. Many religious training houses, particularly those for women, are experiencing low enrollment rates.
Kerala is home to 355 religious congregations and 470 major superiors, comprising 267 women's congregations, 71 priestly congregations, and 17 brothers' congregations. In total, there are approximately 117,000 religious personnel from Kerala, with 52,026 working within the state, 48,974 serving in other Indian states, and 16,000 working abroad. Despite Kerala's small geographical size—accounting for only 1% of India's total area and about 3% of its population—it provides more than 75% of Indian religious clergy and missionaries.
The vision of the Kerala Conference of Major Superiors (KCMS) is to foster unity and spiritual renewal among Catholic religious congregations in Kerala, promoting collaboration with diocesan clergy and addressing vocational challenges. By doing so, KCMS aims to strengthen the Church's mission and presence in the region and beyond.
Given this challenging situation, KCMS has taken a firm stance to revitalize its mission and strengthen its relationship with the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) to reinvigorate the Church's presence in the region. KCMS extends heartfelt gratitude to the bishops of Kerala for their guidance and inspiration, as well as to the major superiors who actively support and participate in KCMS activities.
Foster Shared Experiences and Mutual Enrichment: To bring together the major superiors of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, facilitating the sharing of experiences, challenges, and concerns of their religious commitment for mutual enrichment.
Respectful Collaboration: To make combined efforts to achieve the purposes of each Institute, while respecting the autonomy, nature, and spirit of each (CIC c. 708).
Address Common Concerns and Foster Cooperation: To deal with matters common to all Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, particularly those affecting consecrated life in India, and to work towards establishing suitable coordination and cooperation with various Episcopal bodies and individual bishops (CIC c. 708).
Promote Fellowship and Service: To promote fellowship at all levels of the Christian community in a spirit of humble service and collaboration with all sections of the people of God and all people of good will.
The Kerala Conference of Major Superiors (KCMS) is headquartered at the Pastoral Orientation Centre (POC) in Palarivattom, Kochi. The POC serves as a central hub for various ecclesiastical and pastoral activities in Kerala, offering a space for meetings, training programs, and collaborative efforts among different religious entities. This central location in Kochi facilitates the coordination and administration of KCMS activities, meetings, and initiatives across the state, ensuring effective communication and cooperation among the Catholic religious congregations and institutions in Kerala. The POC's strategic location in Kochi allows KCMS to efficiently manage its diverse programs and maintain strong connections with local hierarchs and diocesan clergy.
The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) Religious Team collaborates closely with KCMS to support and guide religious congregations throughout Kerala. The KCBC Religious Commission includes:
For any inquiries or information about the Kerala Conference of Major Superiors (KCMS), please feel free to contact us using the details below: