Nestled in the scenic hills of Vettinadu, Trivandrum, Mount Carmel Retreat Centre is a Syro Malankara Church that falls under the jurisdiction of the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum. The centre is led by Rev Fr. Daniel Poovannathil and his team, who are passionate about spreading God’s love to the far reaches of the world through the Word.
The Mount Carmel Apostolic School is one of the many ministries of the centre that aims to draw people to God.

The story behind MCRC.

It all began when a group of enthusiastic youngsters from St. Mary’s Cathedral Church in Pattom, Trivandrum, began organising evening retreats with the support of their parish priest in 2008. The retreats were held on the first Saturday every month for working individuals.

Soon, Fr. Daniel Poovannathil from the Holy Family Malankara Syrian Catholic Church in Karette, Trivandrum, was invited to lead the retreats. This gradually led to the blossoming of the Mount Carmel Retreat Centre at Vettinad, Trivandrum.

The Holy Spirit's presence grew stronger, and blessings flowed abundantly. Powerful intercessory prayers were offered at the Mar Ivanios Tomb Chapel to support the retreats. This led to the birth of the ‘Carmel Catholic Ministry’. The ministry quickly became a beacon of hope and faith.

A year later, inspired by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, night vigils began on the second Friday of every month. In 2011, the Malankara Catholic Church Assembly discussed the pressing need for a Catholic retreat centre in Trivandrum. The community got together, recognising the importance of this spiritual haven. Their dedication laid the groundwork for what would become a cherished place of spiritual direction and reflection.

In 2016, during a Pentecost preparation retreat at the Malankara Catholic Church in Attingal, Cardinal Cleemis laid his hands on Fr. Daniel Poovannathil, prayed three devout Hail Marys, and declared the retreat centre open. Remarkably, this declaration was made even before a location was found and without a single penny in hand. This act of faith marked the true beginning of MCRC.

In April 2017, the first foundation stone, blessed by Pope Francis, was laid at the construction site by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos. The first structure built was the small Divine Mercy Marian Chapel, where the miraculous fragrance of Mother Mary drew many to Jesus. By God's grace, the retreat hall and ground floor block were completed within a year. On April 8th, 2018, the Feast of Divine Mercy, the Mount Carmel Retreat Centre was blessed and inaugurated.