Accused still interfering: Nuns

We doubt whether Bishop Franco still wields power in the [Jalandhar] diocese SISTER ANUPAMA, protestor

KOTTAYAM: Rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal, who was relieved of his pastoral responsibilities by Pope Francis, still interferes with the administrative matters of Jalandhar diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, nuns protesting against him alleged here Sunday.

“We believe that Bishop Angelo is the apostolic administrator of Jalandhar diocese. But when we see the kind of letters (being issued by the diocese public relations officer (PRO) and Missionaries of Jesus congregation head), we doubt whether Bishop Franco still wields power in the diocese,” Sister Anupama, a representative of the protesting nun, said.

Their statement comes a day after Jalandhar diocese PRO Fr Peter Kavumpuram, who is allegedly close to Bishop Mulakkal, issued a clarification statement countering an e-mail sent to nuns by its apostolic administrator Bishop Angelo Ruffino Gracias.

Bishop Angelo had assured the five nuns, who are staying with the rape survivor nun, that “there will be no move from the diocese of Jalandhar to oust” them from the Kuravilangad convent in Kottayam district as long as they are needed for the court case. Another nun, Sister Neena Rose, who is staying with the rape survivor, was asked to report to the Missionaries of Jesus congregation’s Jalandhar convent on January 26.

Kavumpuram issued a clarification statement countering Bishop Angelo hours after his e-mail communication was made public, saying even though the congregation of Missionaries of Jesus is of diocesan right, the internal running of the congregation is left to the Superior General and her council.

“The Bishop of Jalandhar does not normally interfere unless the overall interests of the church demands such interference. By this clarification the Apostolic Administrator has not interfered in the internal affairs of this congregation, therefore the order to return to their rightful communities by the Mother General is not cancelled but stands,” the statement quoting Fr Kavumpuram had said.