Action against Kerala nun kicks up debate

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, January 10

The matter pertaining to issue of notice to a nun from Franciscan Clarist Congregation for “offences” like buying a car, having a driving licence, having an account on Facebook, not returning her salary drawn as schoolteacher and donning civil dress when out of church has stirred a debate across the country.

Many supporting Sister Lucy Kalapura allege that she is being victimised because she had participated in the protest against former Bishop of Jalandhar Diocese Franco Mulakkal over an alleged rape case. They are also asking that while she is being penalised and singled out for using a private car, even Bishop Franco Mulakkal used a private car when he was to appear before the Kerala police.

Sister Lucy’s sympathisers say when some parishes, churches and diocese were present on social media and had been using Facebook, there is no reason why a nun could not. The pontifical congregation, of which Sister Lucy is a part, has a provincial house at Kartarpur in Jalandhar too. Siding with Superior General Sister Ann Joseph, who issued notice to Sister Lucy, Jalandhar Diocese spokesperson Father Peter Kuvampuram said: “Though the diocese does not have anything to do with the notice, we clearly justify it. In fact it was so important for the superior general to issue her notice that Sister Ann Joseph could have lost her own job for not taking action against the violator of Canon Law.”

Father Peter says all her actions, including going public on her views regarding the alleged rape case lodged by the nun, were wrong. “Even if she was to express her opinion, she should have used an appropriate forum. She should also have taken permission to lodge the protest.”