Jyotir Bhavan is the Institute of Theology and Spirituality belonging to the Order of the Discalced Carmelites of Manjummel Province. The Sanskrit epithet ‘Jyotir Bhavan’ means ‘Abode of Light’. Being true its name, the Institute is aimed at radiating the light of perennial truth and spiritual wisdom to thousands of seekers of light and life. Jyotir Bhavan is working under the auspices of ‘Teresianum’, Pontifical Institute of Spirituality in Rome since 1981. It is entitled to confer B.Th. Degree (three year course) to its students, consisting of candidates to priesthood from Religious congregations, Consecrated Nuns and Laity. It also offers nine-month ‘Diploma’ and three-month Certificate Course to Consecrated women in Christian Spirituality paying attention to four consecrated domains: Renewal, Formation, contemplation & community building. There are other certificate short-term courses offered in this Institute in Bible, Spiritualty, Psycho--spirituality, Formation, Contemplation, Carmelite Studies.
Three-year Theology Course was started in 1994. With the Degree of the Roman Congregation for the Catholic Education (C.C.Ed.), dated 25th October 1996, JB:ITS was officially affiliated to Pontifical Faculty of Theology “Teresianunm’, Rome. Accordingly, those who successfully complete the prescribed Theology Course at JB can obtain the BTh (Bachelor in Theology) degree. At present JB:ITS is open to women and men religious and to lay persons. In due time JB:ITS is hoped to be raised to an autonomous Faculty of Theology.
On 28th of February 2004, A Carmelite Study Center for Asia (C.S.C.A.) was opened. The main aim of C.S.C.A is to make known to the people of all walks of life and religions the rich heritage of the Carmelite way of life. This shall be carried out in three directions: a) a Diploma Course in Carmelite Spirituality, Short term Courses and Seminars; b) Promotion of a Carmelite Library; c) Publications.
Apart from these a bunch of crash courses conducted here for Consecrated women, lay people, priests and seminarians like: Certificate programs on formative spirituality; Courses on Mindful Religious Living; Psycho-spiritual Intensive Program for superiors, animators, formators, teachers; on Prayer, Meditation, Contemplation & mystic prayer; on Carmelite Saints and Spirituality; Summer Course on Consecrated Renewal; Programs for Novices-Aspirants; Correspondence course on Christian Spirituality; Directed Retreat; Final Profession and Jubilee preparation; Foreign languages.
