Expelled nun Sr Lucy writes to Vatican challenging congregation's decision


Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi (SHP)

Kochi, Oct 29: Expelled nun Sr Lucy Kalappura has written a letter to the Vatican to provide her with an opportunity to appear before a tribunal to make a case against the congregation's decision. The Franciscan Clarist Congregation had expelled her after she took part in a protest which sought the arrest of Bishop Franco Mulakkal for raping a fellow nun.

In her letter to Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, Prefect, Congregation for the Oriental Churches, Sr Lucy also requested an opportunity to present her case before Pope Francis.


Sr Lucy Kalappura

However, the Congregation for the Oriental Churches in the Vatican dismissed Sr Lucy’s first appeal where she challenged the Congregation’s decision for “failing to give a satisfactory explanation for her lifestyle in violation of FCC laws”. But, the Vatican has now allowed her to present a new recourse before the Supreme Tribunal of the Segnatura Apostolica.

Responding to this, Sr Lucy stated she was grateful for the opportunity and would try to convey her side of the situation effectively.

“It is requested, further, that I be granted an opportunity to present my case to Pope Francis, whom I venerate and in whose sense of justice I have absolute faith”, Sr Lucy mentioned in her letter to Sandri.

Sr Lucy was expelled early in the year on August after she took part in the protest by the Missionaries of Jesus Congregation.

“I wish to urge strenuously that the actions initiated against me, and the vindictiveness it reeks of, cannot be understood aright if they are seen in isolation from the Franco Mulakkal matter as the trigger," she said.

Further, she claimed that she was collateral damage in the Franco Mukkal scandal. Sr Lucy demanded that justice be delivered or it will forever question the integrity of the Catholic Church.

“The only thing that will salvage the credibility of the Catholic Church in this context is to be seen as committed to truth and justice, without fear or favour. Attempts to the contrary are sure to be self-condemnatory; a concern that I cannot disown”, she added.

Earlier in January, Sr Lucy was sent a notice for violating code of conduct relating to possessing a driving licence, buying a car, taking a loan for it, publishing a book and spending money without the permission and knowledge of her superiors.

However, Sr Lucy claimed the allegations against her by the congregation were an attempt to slander her image. The FCC also alleged the nun violated its dress code in public without any permission and caused grave external scandal and harm to the Church by participating in the protest of ‘Save Our Sisters Action Council’ on September 20, 2018, at Kochi, which sought the arrest of Bishop Franco Mulakkal, accused of raping a nun in Kerala.

The FCC claimed that Sr Lucy was issued ‘proper canonical warnings’, but did not show the needed remorse.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Sunil Dsouza, Mangalore

    Thu, Oct 31 2019

    Extremely pleased with the decision , thanks to BJP.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • George, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    “Christ was yesterday, today & forever and will not change ...
    Fully agreed.
    Franciscan Clarist order was started by St Clare while St. Francis of Assisi started, Franciscan order, whose PRIMARY GOAL was strict poverty, having no wordly posessions , begging for livelihood was their life. Coarse gunny clothing was their attire”
    Fully agreed. I am still searching to those begging with gunny clothes for their livelihood.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alex, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    To many in here who want the things to go pleasant and according to one's whims and fancies.
    They want the life to be bed of roses.
    Finally as the proverb from John Milton's book Paradise Lost - Book II and says that it is better to rule in hell- be like a king in hell , than to serve God as a servant in heaven.
    How ironic.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alex, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Does not matter which age we live in.
    Christ was yesterday, today and forever. He will not change. Black will not become white.
    For a person's sake no Religious order will change, they have strict rules.
    We have a lot more secular priests/nuns ) in our Diocese. Of course some of them have stories around them.
    We have also Religious orders (where the priests and nuns have to take 3 vows strictly).
    This is not for Sister Lucy alone, even St Padre Pio was in house arrest for 4 years, St Bernadette Subirou ( Lourdes Saint ) was given many strict orders, St Theresa of Lissieux had many strictures from her order even though she was suffering from TB. They calmly endured all hardships, and they are Saints.
    Jesus did not protest, he said " If I told what is right where is the offence", it was kind of objection. However, Jesus had not taken vow he will not object or protest to any one. But Sr. Lucy has openly taken a vow to be obedient to her Superiors. Breaking that, even after warning, makes her liable for expulsion.
    Sr. Lucy, however she may be right in truth, can not go against dictates of the Franciscan Clarist order if she had wished .
    Franciscan Clarist order was started by St Clare while St. Francis of Assisi started, Franciscan order, whose primary goal was strict poverty, having no wordly posessions , begging for livelihood was their life. Coarse gunny clothing was their attire.
    Sr. Lucy surely does not belong to this kind of life. So let her have her freedom to do what she wants, not within the binds of a congregation. God gives us freedom to do what we want, whether we want heaven or hell, it is our choosing.

    DisAgree [18] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    I condemn your views based on some fictional stories!!!

    DisAgree [6] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh. D., Manglore, Dubai.

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Alex baab

    Come out from old testament standards and Roman law. Follow New Testament specially Acts and letters form Paul, you will understand how you are fooled.
    People who followed policy and Law strictly are the one who crucified Jesus. Hence do not talk about discipline and order if it applies to only one section of the society.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Eustace, Mumbai

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Why fight, just leave. Join a political party. You will be respected by all crooks and indisciplined.

    DisAgree [15] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sanjay, Hebri

    Wed, Oct 30 2019

    Just like few who are supporting

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alex, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    She has gone against the vows she took during her ordination.
    She should not have been Franciscan Clarist order, where the nuns have to vows of Chastity, obedience and poverty.
    Why didnt she join a secularist nuns order.
    Even St. Padre Pio had been issued strict order not to meet people, say mass to the public for 4 years according to Franciscan Capuchin order.
    Having gone against Franciscan Clarist order superior's dictates makes her broken the vow of Obedience.
    Having own personal car is against vow of Poverty she has taken.
    Now she can join a secularist nun's order if she wishes where only Chastity vow matters.
    Franciscan clarist order is almost 900 years old.
    Haven't we Fr. Jerry Sequeira in Mulky who has been expelled from SVD order, for going agaisnt the order.

    DisAgree [21] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • George, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Strange.
    Is this applicable only to Sr. Lucy alone?
    Which century we are living in now?
    Even Jesus protested when was slapped without reason,
    There is also an obedience called ‘Blind Obedience’
    I wish the humble innocent accused, god fearing soul, the bishop should be raised to Sainthood even when he is alive, thereby calling him Living Saint.

    DisAgree [21] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • George, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Let God strengthen your sincere & honest fight against injustice.
    May you be blessed with strength, courage and perseverance.
    I would not allow my own sister to join convent at any cost.

    DisAgree [17] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • AD, Mangaluru

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    And so preached Jesus 'Blessed are those who are percecuted for righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • vishnu bhat, bangalore

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    May you win this fight, Sr. Lucy!

    DisAgree [15] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Wed, Oct 30 2019

    Vishnu Bhat Bangalore,No chance dear friend.she may win in a way only to appear before court to explain her views.

    But she will not be accepted in congregation again.She has violated rules and will do in future too when taken in.What she said is right in certain things ,same time she self has done wrong against convent rules.Now it is left to her to interpret why she has done.

    when one violets rules ,then others too will start one by one.It is like in school children.what she wants to achieve by appearing in court ,I dont understand.

    To protest against her raped sister and arrest of Bishop was done nothing more happened Thats sad.He is not punished as per law.Other lay person will be in jail for many years.Here nothing happened.she is right.No justice .

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Narendra Kumar, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    By the way who are WE to judge her? Is it anybody's business or ARE WE the supreme authority in this case?

    DisAgree [7] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • KERENG JENARA PARISHAD, BAJPE

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    These kind of issues should be settled amicably
    Religion , cast , creed issues should not been publicly fought

    DisAgree [3] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dakshina Kannada Salvador ( DKS), Bajpe

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    God taught us to forgive those who did wrong things , Hope everyone forgive her , may god bless her and protect her ,

    D K Salvador
    Bajpe

    DisAgree [24] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Atlanta

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    You are Innocent until you are proven Guilty ...

    DisAgree [9] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Derek, Balmatta

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    You are GUILTY until proven innocent...that's under the INDIAN Law ( carried from the British rules and way of governance)

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Santosh Santhu Vas, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    It is ironical that Sr. Lucy is being targeted for speaking out the truth., In connection with the alleged Bishop Mullackal episode's. While we cannot cast aspersions on somebody's character, there cannot be Smoke without fire, apparently the Church seems to be supportive of the Bishop, where's the nuns seem to be victimised for seeking justice. Fact's shouldn't be suppressed, Sr. Lucy needs to be given a fair hearing. All allegations against her are superfluous, as in the congregation hasn't found her moral ethics suspect. If she has broken a few rules she can be warned , but expelling her from her vocation is too harsh. Today the Church needs to introspect and understand the changing needs of Society. Only then will the laity have faith. My support for Sr. Lucy.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwin, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Some of the attitude of sister is not right direction. There can not be compromise in discipline of congregation. The nun has open all Gates of congregation to go out. She is disturbing peace of congregation

    DisAgree [51] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pundi VV, Kateel Road , Bajpe / Bahrain

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    There is internal discipline in any congregation of priesthood and nuns
    I am sure sister Lucy crossed

    DisAgree [40] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sanjay, Hebri

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Our legal system is failings sister lucy.

    DisAgree [17] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sanjay, Hebri

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    She will not get justice...for that she should write to SC...

    DisAgree [16] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Frankly speaking Franco was allowed to we wriggle out of the hole he dug for himself.
    This is what happens when you fight a powerful Institution. You hardly have any support as Sr.Lucy finds out now.She is all alone with the TRUTH now.It will matter if not now then at the end.

    DisAgree [14] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • JNB, Bejai,Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Equal rights should be provided.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh D., Mangalore, Dubai

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    This Nun might have crossed limits at some stage to prove her side of the story.

    If Priests can have their own car why cant Nun has her own ? Both are working for God right ?

    Why action was not taken when Nun lodged the complaint in the beginning.

    After the initial investigation how come only Bishop was taken in to confidence and Nuns were left out with out giving any satisfactory reply.

    Catch hold of the person who took the initial complaint lightly. Truth will come out.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • CHRISTINE, MANGALORE

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    You would have did this first know sister. Now after damaging the catholic church you want to go to Pope Francis. World saw your drama.

    DisAgree [60] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Neelkanth, Manjeshwara

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Did in india sister received justice...?? You people are busy in welcoming bishop with rose petals. When nuns leave everything behind for sake of church..why delay to get propper justice. Most of each homes one person go to become nun.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jrome, Angalore

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    World no doubt saw the drama...but who is the victim, who is the villain and who is being shielded? We are good in supressing the weak and the oppressed.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • PenMightierThanSword!, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Well done Sr Lucy!

    DisAgree [14] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • Neelkanth, Manjeshwara

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Present Pope is very very nice person. He always tell the truth. He definitely will order to probe the matter from the beginning.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [61] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sanjay, Hebri

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Its a criminal case, pope has no say in indian criminal justice. Law should protect sister lucy

    DisAgree [10] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Eustace, Mumbai

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    @Sanjay, Hebri this nun was not raped. This nun was subordinate. You take vows, and u r a spiritual soldier for God. Just be loyal to the vows taken. Almost like a soldier of a country.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Neelkanth, Manjeshwara

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    At last only truth wins..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [54] Reply Report Abuse

  • James Fernandes, Barkur/Chicago

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    Truth gets crucified

    DisAgree [6] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • James Fernandes, Barkur/Chicago

    Tue, Oct 29 2019

    To the lone one who disagrees, just recall that even Jesus Christ was crucified. Resurrected after three days but took off. Will return but we know not when.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Expelled nun Sr Lucy writes to Vatican challenging congregation's decision



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