The Superior General of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation has sought, reportedly under threat of dismissal, an explanation from Sister Lucy Kalappura, one of its members, for what the congregation describes “repeated violation of the vows of obedience and poverty”.
Sr. Lucy, residing at the Franciscan Clarist convent in Wayanad, was in the news recently for making a Facebook post supporting the women’s wall highlighting the rights of women.
Earlier, in September 2018, she participated in a street protest in Kochi by five nuns belonging to the Catholic religious order Missionaries of Jesus demanding the arrest of Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar, who was accused of raping a nun.
Superior General Ann Joseph accused Sr. Lucy of leading “for the past few years” a life that was against the principles of religious life and the constitution of the congregation.
Sr. Lucy was ordered to render an explanation in person on Wednesday at Ashokapuram, Aluva, headquarters of the congregation.
The letter warned that if Sr. Lucy refused to explain it would be construed as “wilful refusal” to obey the order and the next canonical steps would be taken according to the rules of the congregation.
This was the first canonical warning with the “threat of dismissal”, the letter said.
Sr. Lucy’s stance
Reacting to the letter, Sr. Lucy told The Hindu over the phone that she had sought an explanation from the congregation on why it was trying to paint a negative picture of her through the media.
She said there had been an attempt to portray her as a person unfit for religious life. She said she would consider responding to the letter from the Superior General after she received the explanation she had sought.
