KOCHI: Sister Lucy Kalapura, the nun who stood against Bishop Franco Mulakkal, has been dismissed from Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) for 'violation of norms of FCC'.
The decree of dismissal, issued by Superior General of the Congregation Sr Ann Joseph on Monday, came in based on the General Council held on May 11 this year.
The decree of dismissal, unanimously voted by the members of the Congregation in the general council, sent to the Congregation for the Oriental Churches in the Vatican through Nunciature in New Delhi was approved by the Holy See on Monday.
In the letter, Sr Ann said that "You were given the required canonical warnings, however you did not show the needed remorse and you failed to give a satisfactory explanation for your lifestyle in violation of the proper law of the FCC," said the letter.
"The Congregation of Oriental Churches, by virtue of the faculty given to it by the Supreme Pontiff Pope Francis, having considered everything seriously, has granted the confirmation, as per the request, so that the same professed one remains freed from her religious profession and other obligations and separated from her religious Congregation, and to be considered dismissed from her religious life, and be considered as a simple layperson, the other things to be done that are to be done according to the law," mentioned Sr Ann in the letter citing the relevant part of the letter from Vatican.
However, Sr Lucy, who stays at Karakkamala convent of Mananthavady Diocese in Wayanad, is given an option to recourse against the decree within 10 days from Wednesday. "In case you want to make recourse to the Apostolic See, you may do it either by writing directly to the Prefect of the Oriental Congregation or through the good offices of the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi," said Sr Ann.
If Sr Lucy accepts the letter she is entitled to leave the congregation within 10 days. "In case, you accept this decree of dismissal without any recourse, as per the canon law and as per the decree of confirmation, you are to leave the community within 10 days from the reception of this communication, after having handed over your religious habit to the superior of your local community," said Sr Ann.
Meanwhile, Sr Lucy said that she will fight the battle legally and will be sending a letter to the Vatican showing her innocence. "They cannot make me move out of my home. I have not done anything wrong, I will make an appeal to the Vatican and will move legally against FCC," said Sr Lucy.
Earlier Sr Lucy was sent sent several warning letters and was accused of disobedience and breaking the vow of poverty for a list of other ‘wrongdoings,’ including publishing her book ‘Snehamazhayil’, taking part in TV channel discussions, registering the car in her own name, taking loan without seeking permission and publishing her articles in non-Christian weeklies and dailies. She was also accused of learning driving and getting a license without the permission of Superior General.
In September last year, Sr Lucy was banned from church activities and was relieved from her duties for taking part in the protest of the nuns demanding the arrest of Bishop Franco in the nun rape case.