Apostolic Carmel
Sisters
An Indian congregation of Sisters, rooted in the spirit of Carmel and devoted to the education and integral formation of young people, especially girls.
The Apostolic Carmel Congregation
A congregation born in France for the mission of education in India, and now present in many parts of the world, including Kuwait.
The seed of the Apostolic Carmel was sown in the heart of a woman who little realised the greatness of the mission God was entrusting to her. Born as Sophie Leeves, the daughter of an Anglican minister, she was led by God first to the Catholic faith in 1850 and then to the religious life as a Sister of St. Joseph of the Apparition, taking the name Sister Mary Veronica of the Passion.
Sent to India in 1861, she felt an interior call to Carmel. At the same time, Carmelite bishops on the West Coast of India perceived the need for a teaching Order of Carmelite Sisters to further the work of the missions. Mother Veronica’s call to Carmel was a providential answer to this need, and under the guidance of Father Marie Ephrem she came to accept her mission to found a new congregation.
After many struggles, Mother Veronica entered the novitiate of the Carmel of Pau, where she imbibed the spirit of Carmel as though born to it. The Apostolic Carmel was founded at Bayonne in 1868 and established at Mangalore, India, in 1870 by Bishop Marie Ephrem OCD.
Rooted in Carmel, Sent to the World
From a small beginning, the Apostolic Carmel has grown into a congregation serving in many countries through education and works of mercy.
Early Superiors & Expansion
The work begun by Mother Veronica was carried forward by Mother Marie des Agnes, the first Superior General and one of the pioneers from Bayonne. In time, the congregation grew in number and stability as a teaching institute of active Carmelites and was aggregated to the Order of Discalced Carmelites.
Under Mother Aloysia, who succeeded Mother Marie des Agnes, the congregation was further stabilised and became of pontifical right in 1925. During her tenure, the Apostolic Carmel took root in Sri Lanka in response to the request of the Bishop of Trincomalee, who sought the sisters’ educational services in his diocese.
Today’s Presence & Mission
The Constitutions of the Apostolic Carmel received pontifical approval in 1949. The little seed planted in Mother Veronica’s heart has grown into a mighty tree whose branches now extend across India and Sri Lanka and reach even to Pakistan, Kuwait, Rome and Kenya.
Rooted in the contemplative spirit of Carmel and nourished by prayer and missionary zeal, the congregation expresses the vitality of the Church through fruitfulness in education and many other works of mercy.
Visit Congregation WebsiteCarmel School Kuwait
Established in 1969 by the Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel, Carmel School has served generations of students in Kuwait through value-based education.
Early Years & Foundations
On 27 March 1969, a pioneering band of four Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel — Srs. Fridolin, Irmina, Amelle and Felicita — arrived in Kuwait at the invitation of Indian expatriates and the then Bishop of Kuwait, Msgr. Victor Sanmiguel OCD.
On 8 April 1969, Carmel School opened with just four students in a small apartment at Shamiyeh, sponsored by Mr. Abdulaziz Saleh Al Mutawa. As enrolment grew, the school moved to a larger apartment in Dasman on 19 September 1969. With the strength reaching 350, three more sisters arrived, and on 10 October the school began to function as a regular primary school with kindergarten and classes I–IV, as well as a separate English class for the Czech community.
Through the sponsor’s efforts, the school received recognition from the Ministry of Education on 15 September 1970. The doors were opened to students of all creeds willing to follow the Indian curriculum, and the school shifted to a more spacious building across the road.
Recognition, Growth & Permanent Campus
In 1972, Class VIII was opened and the CBSE syllabus introduced. After inspections, the school was recognised by the Delhi Board and, in 1977, affiliated to the CBSE. The Ministry of Education in Kuwait sanctioned the opening of Class X in 1974, and Class XI in 1975. The first Class XI students performed excellently in the All India Higher Secondary Examination.
On 10 April 1979, a contract was signed to build a large school building, giving Carmel School a permanent campus with facilities for approximately 2500 students. The school was recognised as one of the five best schools in Kuwait by the Ministry of Education and received a trophy and Certificate of Merit. In 1979, Mr. Hamad Al-Ateeqy became the school’s sponsor and continues in this role.
War, Restoration & Present Day
The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait took a heavy toll: the school building was occupied and much equipment and material were destroyed. After liberation, the sisters were invited back to restart the school. With the encouragement of the sponsor, the Indian Chargé d’Affaires, the Bishop in Kuwait and many well-wishers, the building was repaired and reopened in August 1991 with about 250 students.
Today Carmel School has returned to full strength, with over 2500 students in kindergarten, primary, secondary and higher secondary sections. After liberation, boys were once again admitted since Carmel School was the first to reopen in Kuwait. In March 1993, the first batch of Grade XII students appeared for the CBSE board exams, achieving 100% success, with one student topping the Gulf Schools.
The school provides modern laboratories, a well-stocked library, computer facilities and sports infrastructure. Moral and spiritual development is nurtured through regular moral science classes, orientation programmes and value-based activities, fostering respect for all religions, love for lasting values and a spirit of service.
School Location & Contact
The Carmel School (Est. 1969) — Khaitan
The Carmel School has shifted its location to Khaitan.
Tel: 4727226, 4728119 Fax: 4727553
Visit School Website