Why was Sister Lucy Kalapura expelled from her congregation?

Sister Lucy was expelled for leading protests against Bishop Franco Mulakkal and for alleged "lifestyle violations" by church authorities.

What is Sister Lucy Kalapura's new career at age 60?

At 60, Sister Lucy Kalapura has enrolled as a lawyer with the Kerala High Court Bar Council.

What are Sister Lucy Kalapura's goals as a lawyer?

She aims to provide legal support and a voice to women who have endured injustice and stand alone before the judiciary.

Home / Crime and Justice / Nun Becomes Lawyer at 60 After Church Expulsion

Nun Becomes Lawyer at 60 After Church Expulsion

11 Jan

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Summary

Sister Lucy Kalapura, 60, enrolled as a lawyer with Kerala High Court.
She was expelled from her congregation for protesting against Bishop Mulakkal.
Lucy aims to provide legal aid to women facing injustice.

Nun Becomes Lawyer at 60 After Church Expulsion

Sister Lucy Kalapura, at the age of 60, has successfully enrolled as a lawyer with the Kerala High Court Bar Council, marking a significant personal triumph. This accomplishment follows her retirement as a mathematics teacher and her pursuit of legal studies from Sree Narayana Law College, Ernakulam, which began in July 2022. She received her certificate on Saturday, a moment she describes as the fruit of her arduous struggle.

Her path to law was intertwined with her public confrontation with church authorities. In August 2019, she was expelled from the Franciscan Clarist Congregation for her leadership in protests against Bishop Franco Mulakkal, who faced rape allegations. Church officials cited "lifestyle violations," including learning to drive and publishing poetry, as reasons for her expulsion. The Vatican later upheld this decision.