The Apostolic Carmel

Mother Veronica nee Sophie Leeves was born in 1823 in a cultured, English family. She was gifted with singular talents of mind and heart, which were nurtured by sound education and wide experience, as she was well travelled. God took possession of her heart so powerfully, that she first broke off her engagement to a marine officer whom she loved, and then responded generously to the call to Religious life.

Mother Veronica was open and generous in responding to God’s will, and after much struggle, she finally founded the Congregation of the Apostolic Carmel in Bayonne, France in 1868. Henceforth, her sisters across the globe would work enthusiastically for the upliftment of women through all round education.

The first group of Apostolic Carmelites arrived in India in 1870. The first Convent was established at St,Ann’s Convent, in the diocese of Mangaluru, Karnataka.

Today the Apostolic Carmel has spread its branches in 9 countries including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Africa, Bahrain and Italy. In 181 convents in 75 dioceses, we now have nearly 1620 sisters working in Degree and postgraduate Colleges, B.Ed & M.Ed Colleges, D.Ed Colleges, Higher Secondary Schools, Special Schools, Nursery Schools, Play Schools, Technical Schools, Women’s Welfare Centres, Créches, Healthcare Centres, Hostels and Boarding Houses and Children’s Homes.

Besides the above it also has a number of Literacy Centers and National Open Schools. The sisters work for the training and rehabilitation of women and children in prison as well as working for the integral development of the poor and needy in rural and tribal areas.

Mother Veronica’s heroic obedience to the will of God, her life of faith and prayer, her wholehearted commitment, her outstanding humility and courage, remain an inspiration to all, who seek to dedicate themselves to the transformation of Society, through the loving service of humanity, especially the less privileged. Mother Veronica has been declared ‘venerable’ by His holiness Pope Francis on July 7, 2014.