The Vatican has refused to support an Indian nun dismissed by her congregation after she called for the arrest of a bishop accused of rape. Sr Lucy Kalappura, a member of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation in Kerala, has been an outspoken advocate for a nun who has accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar of raping her several times between 2014 and 2016. The bishop vehemently denies the allegations.
Sr Kalappura, 54, was dismissed from the order in 2019 for “defiance, violating the norms of the congregation and infringing on the vow of poverty” and told to leave the convent.
Kalappura had been given the required canonical warnings but failed to show “needed remorse”, said a letter signed by Sr Ann Joseph, the superior general. Sr Kalappura appealed the decision to the Vatican, and was informed on 13 June that the Apostolic Signatura, the Vatican’s highest court, had upheld her dismissal.
“There are only three chances for appeal to the Supreme Tribunal. In all these they have rejected my appeal in an unjust manner … without listening to my part. They have taken a decision without trial. They have targeted me,” Sr Kalappura told New Delhi Television. “Everybody knows the congregation has taken this decision to dismiss me only because I joined protests against Franco Mulakkal, who allegedly sexually abused a simple, humble, poor nun. The support I gave the oppressed one is the particular reason for my dismissal.”
A retired judge and India’s National Commission for Women are calling for the reversal of the Vatican decision.
Justice Michael Saldanha, a former judge in Karnataka and Bombay, wrote both to the Vatican court and the nunciature in India calling for a “fair” hearing for Sr Kalappura “in keeping with the rules of natural justice which apply to every law”.
“I am prepared to assist her at the hearing as I happen to be a qualified and experienced lawyer and not one who can be bought over by Church funds or intimidated,” he said in a letter reported in India’s Telegraph newspaper.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is also calling on the state of Kerala to assist Sr Kalappura. “National Commission for Women is distressed with the continuous harassment of Sr Lucy. Chairperson Rekha Sharma has written to Chief Secretary, Kerala to provide all possible assistance to Sr Lucy. NCW has also sought an explanation from Sr Ann Joseph, Superior General, FCC on the matter,” the NCW said in a tweet.
The nun making the accusation is a member of the Punjab-based Missionaries of Jesus congregation, but said the attacks happened in Kuravilangad, the location of one of the order’s convents in Kerala.
Loading ...
