Sister Lucy Kalappura from Kerala, who joined the protest demanding the arrest of rape accused former bishop Franco Mulakkal, has been reportedly banned from church activities and relieved of her duties.
Speaking to ANI, Sister Lucy demanded that the Church explain the reason behind her expulsion.
Before expelling me from duties, explain what’s my mistake. I’ve been very active till date in fulfilling my responsibilities. So, it must be made clear why I am expelled?Sister Lucy Kalppura
She said she was “pained” that the Church did not come in support of the nun who was allegedly raped 13 times.
What pained me is that the Church couldn’t raise its voice when Franco raped a nun 13 times. I felt I should go and support her. How speedy action comes against me while everybody was silent on rape. Maybe it’s a team of the Church vicars who took the decision.Sister Lucy Kalppura
‘Informed Orally by Mother Superior’
Sister Lucy Kalapura, who returned to her parish in Wayand from Kochi on Sunday, 23 September, claimed she was informed orally by the Mother Superior that she should keep away from holding catechism classes, conducting prayers and other activities related to the Syro Malabar Catholic Church.
Indulekha Joseph, one of the leaders of the Kerala Catholic Church Reformation movement, alleged the action against Sister Lucy was an attempt to silence the voices of protests against any form of unjust activities within the Church.
No written orders were given to me. I was only informed orally by the Mother Superior not to participate in any church-related activities.Sister Lucy Kalapura told PTI
Church Headquarters Sends Letter to Priest, ‘Warns’ About Disciplinary Action
For coming out in support of the Kerala nun who accused Franco Mulakkal of rape. a Jacobite priest has been warned of disciplinary action.
According to the letter, Father Yuhanon Ramba’s involvement and public speeches supporting the Catholic nuns were seemingly more than the envisaged living style of church priests. It further said his activities had caused 'disgrace' to the status of Monasticism, and warned that disciplinary measures would be taken if he continued with such deeds.
The priest alleged that some local bishops had conspired against him and sent wrong information to the Church higher-ups in Syria, based on which they had issued the warning letter.
Social activist Swami Agnivesh condemned the action against Sister Lucy and the Jacobite priest for supporting the nuns.
Church Denies Retaliatory Measures Against Nun
Meanwhile, Father Stephen Kottakkal, vicar of St Mary's Church Karakkamala in Wayanad, said in a statement that Sister Lucy had been asked to keep away from duties in view of certain concerns expressed by the parishioners.
He denied the Church had initiated any retaliatory measure against Sister Lucy for participating in the nuns’ protest in Kochi.
“The believers had informed us that they had some difficulties in Sister Lucy participating in the church activities relating to Holy mass and taking classes for their children.”Father Stephen Kottakkal, Vicar of the St Mary’s Church Karakkamala
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