On behalf of the General Formation Commission, Fr. Noel Rosas, O.Carm., the Administrative Secretary of the Commission went to India to attend in the geographical area student friars gathering. This biannual international formation program took place in Carmel Bhavan, Karukutty - Kerala, a retreat house owned by St. Thomas Province of India, from October 22 to 28, 2017. There were 39 students participating from Indonesia, Vietnam, and India. Fr. Mathew Neendoor, O.Carm., the Prior Provincial, and the members of the Provincial Council, Fr. Jose Alex Valavanattu, O.Carm., a member of the General Formation Commission, some respected speakers and guests and also formators participated in this important program.

This program, which was a balanced combination of spiritual, intellectual and cultural activities, strengthened the Carmelite life and the brotherhood among the students in the geographical area.