Church meet tells nuns, priests to consider it as a time of suffering

Kochi: Monasticism is not what those who have gone out (from a congregation) says but the life that those inside lives, said Fr Mathew Chandrankunnel while delivering the keynote address at a meet of nuns and priests held at Ernakulam Town Hall.

The nuns and priests were from the dioceses of Ernakulam-Angamaly, Varapuzha, Cochin, Kottapuram and Muvattupuzha dioceses.

According to Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council ( KCBC ), the gathering was organized to respond to forces which malign religious persons and to highlight the positive values of consecrated religious life.

Though the speakers did not directly refer to Sr Lucy Kalappura, who was served a dismissal order from the Fransiscan Clarist Congregation, most of the speeches were in reference to comments made by activists against the church on the issue of Sr Lucy and alleged media trial on the issue.

“What is happening today? Even the media is speaking the version of those who have gone out (of religious life). But I am saying that monasticism is not what those who have gone out says but those who stay inside lives,” said Chandrankunnel.

Bishop of Cochin Joseph Kariyil urged the nuns and priests to consider the present as a time of suffering. “Just consider it as an eclipse. The time when the religious life will display itself in its full brightness is not far. Let us all move together for it,” said Kariyil.

Meanwhile, supporters of Sr Lucy Kalappura will hold a gathering titled ‘Justice for Sr Lucy’ at Vanchi Square, Ernakulam, on Saturday. Apart from the nun, former principal of St Stephan’s College, Delhi, Valson Thampu is slated to attend the event which would begin at 8.30am.