The CMI congregation is the living embodiment of the dream and vision of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara (1805–1871), a 19th-century educationist, social reformer, and visionary who revolutionised education and social transformation in Kerala. Born in Kainakary, Kerala, and ordained a priest in 1829, St. Chavara dedicated his life to the spiritual and educational upliftment of society, especially the marginalised.

In 1846, he established St. Joseph’s Press at Mannanam, near Kottayam—the first printing press founded by a Keralite without foreign assistance. From this press emerged Nasrani Deepika, the first Malayalam newspaper, which continues publication today as Deepika. The same year, he founded a school at Mannanam and pioneered the concept of midday meals through his innovative Pidiyari (handful of rice) initiative, a practice later adopted by the Travancore rulers and eventually by the Government of India.

As the Vicar General of the Syrian Catholics, St. Chavara issued a historic directive in 1864 to establish a school with every church, ensuring that education became accessible to all. This visionary initiative popularised the term Pallikudam (school) throughout Kerala and laid the foundation for inclusive education.

Alongside Fr. Palackal Thoma Malpan and Fr. Thomas Porukara, St. Chavara founded the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) congregation, dedicated to education, spiritual renewal, and social transformation. Recognising the importance of women’s education, he also founded the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC), the first religious congregation for women in India.

St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara entered eternal rest on January 3, 1871, at Koonammavu near Kochi. He was beatified on February 8, 1986, and canonised by Pope Francis on November 23, 2014, at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to education and social welfare, the Government of India issued a commemorative postal stamp bearing his image in 1986.

Today, with over 2,300 members serving across India and abroad, the CMI Congregation continues its mission of transforming society through excellence in education, healthcare, social service, and spiritual formation.

Though Christ Academy Institute of Law (CAIL) is a minority institution, it is committed to providing quality legal education to all, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, or background. Guided by the vision of St. Chavara, CAIL nurtures intellectually competent, ethically grounded, and socially responsible legal professionals. Through academic excellence, value-based legal education, and a commitment to justice and service, the institute upholds the enduring legacy and educational ideals of the CMI congregation.