Ker: Nun who took part in protest against rape-accused bishop Mulakkal expelled

Kochi: A Kerala nun who took part in a protest against former bishop of Jalandhar diocese in connection with a rape case has been expelled by the Franciscan Clarist Congregation for 'failing to give a satisfactory explanation' for her lifestyle "in violation of the proper law of the FCC."

Sister Lucy Kalappura had also published poems, purchased a car and taken part in a protest against a rape accused former bishop of Jalandhar dioecese. The congregation, under the Roman Catholic Church, said the nun was issued "proper canonical warnings", but did not show the needed remorse.

In its August 5 letter to her, head of the Aluva based congregation, Ann Joseph said "you are hereby dismissed from the Franciscan Clarist Congregation as you failed to give a satisfactory explanation for your lifestyle in violation of the proper law of the FCC".

The "unanimous decision" to dismiss the nun was taken at the congregation's General Council on May 11 this year.

This was sent to the Congregation for the Oriental Churches in the Vatican through the Nuntiature in New Delhi. On August 5 the congregation received the communication from the "Apostolic See" that the dismissal decree had got the needed confirmation.

The letter by the Vatican said the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, by virtue of the faculty given to it by Pope Francis, had considered everything seriously.

The Congregation, however, said she was entitled to make "recourse against the decree" within 10 days from the day on which she receives the communication, in which case the decree of dismissal would have suspensive effect.

Sister Lucy Kalappura termed as "100 per cent wrong" the decision taken by the congregation. Talking to reporters at Mananthavady in Wayanad district, she sought help from all who love her to come together and think of the steps to be taken. Indicating that she would fight the issue legally, she hoped legal experts would help her overcome the situation.

In its notice to the nun early in January,the congregation had termed as "grave violations", Sister Lucy having a driving licence, buying a car, taking a loan for it and publishing a book and spending money without the permission and knowledge of her superiors.