Franco Mulakkal rape case: Vatican rejects Sister Lucy's appeal against her dismissal

In a severe setback to Sister Lucy Kalapura, Apostolica Signatura - highest judicial authority in Catholic Church has rejected her appeal against her congregation's decision to strip her of sisterhood after her protest against rape-accused ex-Bishop Franco Mulakkal. A letter from Franciscan Clarist Congregation, dated 12 June, res that ' appeal of Lucy Kalapura is rejected by Apostolica Signatura and dismissal is confirmed'. With this move by Vatican, Sister Lucy Kalapura has been dismissed from Church with finality. She was dismissed and me to vacate premises in August 2019 for seeking justice for victim and participating in September 2018 protest.

Vatican rejects Sister Lucy Kalapura's appeal against dismissal

Sister Lucy reacts to dismissal

Shocked at her dismissal, she said, "I don't know what is happening. I am going to tell truth to world. Vatican did not even conduct a trial in my case. I will stay here in Convent. I don't know how this is happening," in an exclusive interview to Republic. Sister Lucy has been at forefront of activism on atrocities against nuns, urging m to voice out ir experiences.

v. A. M. Sodder, Association of Concerned Catholics, expressed his concern over issue saying, "Is this what Christianity is all about? superior general is rejoicing at Sr. Lucy's dismissal. Better if such people are not nuns forget about being Superior Generals."

He furr questioned as to "why has Vatican letter not been written in language a person understands and that too reaching after a year from its issue?"  ding that it indeed is a 's day' for Catholic Church in India.

What is Kerala nun rape case?

Franco Mulakkal, ex-bishop of Jalandhar diocese has been accused of raping and forcing unnatural sex on a nun multiple times between 2014 and 2016 at Kuruvilangu convent in Kottayam. As complainant came forward, nuns of congregation came out in support for victim, demanding CM Pinarayi Vijayan's intervention. After being arrested by Kerala police, he was later released by Kerala High Court on unconditional bail in October 2018 which was later extended. Anor nun has now come forward alleging that Franco was sending her lewd messages and h called her in his room and misbehaved with her. nun is 14th witness in rape case. 

Kerala Police has filed a charge sheet against Franco Mulakkal under various sections ranging from Punishment for wrongful confinement, Sexual intercourse by a person in authority to Carnal Intercourse against order of nature. Sources h told that if charges against Franco Mulakkal is proven, he might get life imprisonment or imprisonment of not less than 10 years. Four nuns -sister Anupama along with sister Alfie, sister Josephine, sister Ancitta and sister Nina Rose who h protested against rape accused, h expressed church authorities' pressure to transfer m and splitting m up to dilute ir protest. Meanwhile, victim too has written about harassment from Mulakkal's aides to withdraw her case. Recently, Supreme Court rejected Mulakkal's review plea stating that he would stand trial in case.