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.

Despite facing legal challenges, including being directed to vacate a convent, Sister Lucy remained resolute. She even argued a case herself when her lawyer withdrew. Now a lawyer, she aims to provide legal support to women enduring injustice, particularly those lacking representation within powerful institutions. Bishop Mulakkal was acquitted in January 2022, a verdict Sister Lucy criticized.