KL-NUN-ARTICLE

A catholic nun, who took

part in a street protest here against a rape-accused bishop

some months ago, continued to draw flak with a pro-church

daily slamming her Thursday for violating norms, even as she

dubbed it as an "attempt to humiliate" her.

This comes days after the Franciscan Clarist Congregation

(FCC) served a notice to Sister Lucy Kalappura accusing her of

leading a life, which was against the "principles of religious

life".

The warning notice was issued after the nun had posted

her photo wearing a 'Salwar Kameez' on her Facebook page,

bought a car and published a poetry collection, even after she

was denied permission by the church authorities.

Reacting to the article published in the Malayalam

newspaper, the nun said she had no regret over whatever she

had done.

"I am a person observing all vows and I have no regret in

whatever I have done," the nun, belonging to FCC, said.

"The article is an attempt to humiliate me through the

media. But, I will not give up," she said.

The daily predominately, run by Catholic priests and lay

persons, carried a lengthy article in its editorial page

against the actions of the nun without naming her.

The article, penned by a Noble Parakkal, accused the nun

of insulting the church through her acts, taking part in the

protest against the bishop without seeking permission, posting

her photo on social media and grabbing media attention by

spreading lies.

Sister Lucy had invited the wrath of the Church

leadership by participating in a street protest here by five

nuns belonging to the Catholic religious order Missionaries of

Jesus demanding the arrest of Bishop Franco Mulakkal, who was

accused of raping a nun.

The nun said the article accused her of violating the law

and disciplines of the church at a time when several male

priests were continuing to live an "unethical" life, she said.

In its notice sent earlier this week, the FCC had accused

Sister Lucy Kalapura belonging to FCC's St Mary's province in

Mananthavady, of leading a life, which was against the

"principles of religious life" and the rule of congregation.

The congregation termed as "grave violations" a nun

taking license, buying a car, taking a loan for it and

publishing a book spending money without permission and

knowledge of her superiors.

The provincial superior had denied permission to Sister

Lucy to publish her collection of poems.

She, however, published her book "Snehamazhayil" without

seeking permission from her superiors.

The congregation had also called as "grave scandal" the

Nun participating in discussions in TV news channels and

writing articles for non-Christian newspapers "making false

accusations against Catholic leadership and belittling it."

PTI LGK UD

ROH ROH