Kerala nun who protested against Jalandhar bishop faces expulsion

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sister Lucy Kalapura, who supported the protest for the arrest of Jalandhar bishop Franco Mullakkal on sexual assault allegations, has been asked to leave the vocation immediately by the Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) or be defrocked.

The nun, however, has challenged the congregation to expel her, saying most of the charges raised against her were baseless.

Two d a y b a c k , s h e h a d appeared before the Mother General of FCC congregation in Aluva in Ernakulam district to explain her position.

She had sought police protection to go to the congregation headquarters, fearing threat to life.

“You have consciously and willfully violated the vow of poverty repeatedly. You uploaded a photo of yours in lay dress on Facebook and tried to justify your action by criticising the FCC religious habits in your channel discussions. You also bought a car in your name. I should remind you that you must petition the indult to leave the FCC,” said the letter signed by superior general of FCC Sister Ann Joseph.

Sister Kalapura said she was issued four show-cause notices and s he r e pl i e d t o al l and appeared before the superior general in person.

“I denied all charges. I will not go on my own. Let them expel me,” she said.

She said her fight was not against the church but against some people who support unjust and corrupt practices. She has also expressed her desire to meet Pope Francis.

THE FRANCISCAN CLARIST CONGREGATION HAS ASKED THE NUN TO LEAVE THE VOCATION OR BE DEFROCKED, ACCUSING HER OF ‘WILLFULLY’ VIOLATING THE VOW OF POVERTY