One small seed thrown in the rich soil of India and destined to grow, was the beginning of our Congregation. It was founded in Bayonne, France on July 16th, 1868 by Mother Veronica of the Passion.
In 1870, on the 19th of November, the congregation was established in India at Mangalore where Bishop Marie Ephrem, OCD, was Vicar Apostolic of the Missions. Mother Veronica sent Srs. Marie des Anges, Mary Elias, Mary of St. Joseph as pioneers and after a few months Srs. Agnes and Cecile though she was denied having the joy of living in India with the sisters of congregation she founded. The foundation of the Apostolic Carmel at Bayonne faced significant trials and difficulties, ultimately leading to its closure. The nascent Congregation encountered opposition from local ecclesiastical authorities. There were also financial constraints which plagued the foundation, making it difficult to sustain the community and its mission. There were misunderstandings and disagreements within the community about the direction and administration of the Congregation. These internal and external pressures became insurmountable, and in 1873, the decision was made to close the foundation at Bayonne and Mother Veronica returned to the Carmel at Pau. Mother Veronica continued to instruct and guide her daughters in India from distant Pau in France. Despite all this setback, the spirit and mission of the Apostolic Carmel lived on, finding a new and enduring home in India and abroad. Today the Congregation has six provinces, and a region spread over India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Kuwait, Italy, France, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Germany.
Rooted in prayer and filled with prophetic zeal, the Apostolic Carmel continues to serve the church through education and other Apostolic Works.
