Bishop calling shots, priests back nuns’ charge

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 12

Some priests falling under Jalandhar Diocese on Tuesday endorsed the view of five Kerala-based nuns that rape accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal was interfering in the working of the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Jalandhar, Bishop Agnelo Ruffino Gracias.

The priests, while speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Bishop Franco was putting up in the same Bishop House where the administrator was residing. How could there be no interference, they questioned. “We were happy that Bishop Agnelo had finally used his powers to send a consolatory email to the nuns, who were being threatened with showcause notices after they protested against Franco in support of the victim at Kochi. However, it was immediately countered by way of clarification from the Diocese spokesperson,” said a priest.

The three priests, who have spoken to The Tribune, said there could be no bigger direct evidence of Bishop Franco’s interference than the one that came out immediately on last Saturday. “Hours after the nuns made the email content public, Diocese spokesperson Father Peter, who is Bishop Franco’s right hand man, sent across a clarification that transfer orders stand. We all know that Father Peter writes what Bishop Franco dictates to him.”

When contacted, Bishop Agnelo said, “There is no clash between what I have written and what Diocese PRO Father Peter Kavumpuram later clarified. There are no transfer orders. The nuns had only been asked to go back to their communities. It was a part of Mother General’s duty to tell them to do so. I only said if they don’t accept the Mother’s orders, we will not push them out.” When asked if he too felt that Bishop Franco was interfering in his working, he denied it.

Bishop Agnelo’s email to the five nuns on February 1 stated, “I was surprised and dismayed at seeing the letter to Sister Neena Rose. I am giving a directive to the General that she will not issue any letter to the five of you without my explicit permission. This will be an order to her from me as Apostolic Administrator in charge of the congregation- since it is of Diocesan right. It comes under me. I like to assure you that there will be no move from the Diocese of Jalandhar to oust you from Kuruvingalad Convent as long as you are needed for the court case.”

However, Father Peter countered Agnelo’s stand by writing, “Even though the Congregation is of Diocesan right, the internal running of congregation is left to the General and her council.”