Sister Lucy, Who Participated In Protest Against Rape-Accused Bishop Mulakkal, Dismissed By Congregation

The Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) has dismissed Sister Lucy Kalapura. Sister Lucy was one of the participants of the protest in Kochi against rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal.

The dismissal letter, issued on August 5, said that Sister Lucy’s lifestyle violated the proper law of the FCC. The dismissal letter mentions that her offences are learning to drive, buying a car and protesting against Bishop Mulakkal.

Sister Lucy’s Dismissal

In the letter issued, Superior General of FCC Ann Joseph said, “You were given the required canonical warnings, however, you did not show the needed remorse and you failed to give a satisfactory explanation for your lifestyle in violation of the proper law of the FCC.”

On May 11, 2019, the General Council voted unanimously to dismiss her from the FCC. This order was further sent to the Congregation for Oriental Churches through the Vatican representative in New Delhi. The letter said that the dismissal was confirmed by Apostolic See.

Sister Lucy, who stays at Karakkamala convent of Mananthavady Diocese in Wayanad, has been given the option to recourse against the order within 10 days from August 7. Sr Ann has written that if Sister Lucy chooses the option to recourse, she may do so by ‘writing directly to the Prefect of the Oriental Congregation or through the good offices of the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi.”

Alternatively, if she accepts the letter, Sister Lucy would have to leave the congregation within 10 days “after having handed over your religious habit to the superior of your local community.”

In response to the decree, Sister Lucy has said that she has done nothing wrong and would be taking the legal course of action. “They cannot make me move out of my home. I have not done anything wrong, I will make an appeal to the Vatican and will move legally against FCC,” she said.

It is not the first time that Sister Lucy has come under scanner from the congregation. She has been accused of breaking the vow of poverty, disobedience, publishing her book ‘Snehamazhayil’, among others. Last year, she was banned from the activities of the church and relieved from her duties after she took part in the protest of nuns, demanding action against rape-accused Bishop Mulakkal.

Also Read: Kerala: Chargesheet Filed Against Rape-Accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal; To Go On Court Trial