History of the Congregation of the Carmelite Religious

The Congregation of Carmelite Religious was founded by Mother Veronica of Passion on July 16th, 1868, in France. Mother Veronica (Sophie Leeves) was born on October 1, 1823, Constantinople of English Anglican parents. The atmosphere of love in her home culminated in her outstanding love for God which was expressed in her tendency to serve the helpless, the afflicted and the sick. She received a liberal education in this happy, religious cultured atmosphere. Thus, we have in Mother Veronica, a highly accomplished woman of strong faith, fluent in Greek, French, German, her native English and several other languages. She came to India as Sister of St. Joseph of the Apparition. She concentrated on education of girls, empowerment of women and the less privileged. Her strong desire for a life of contemplation led her to opt for the Cloistered Carmel of Pau. Prior to her entry into Carmel she trained young Sister at Bayonne, France to work in India. She was a great visionary and she braved many hardships to fulfill her dreams. Following the footsteps of Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ and our foundress Mother Veronica, her daughters, seek to enkindle the fire of Divine Love in the hearts of all God’s children. Through education and other works of mercy, they seek to promote the Kingdom with Values of Justice, Fellowship and Freedom, thereby bringing harmony in the society, especially to the ‘target group’ of the locality.