Kottayam: In a distressing revelation made in a letter to the Apostolic Nuncio, Giambattista Diquattro, a nun has alleged sexual abuse by Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal. She has said that the priests from her parish have stopped coming for holy mass in the community where there are more than twenty inmates which also include senior citizens. This allegation was made in a letter dated September 8.

The Apostolic Nuncio is the representative of the Vatican in India.

She said that ever since they filed this case (rape case), they have been cut off from the church and society and that they feel neglected from every side. She would like to know if there is any provision in the Canon law to protect the dignity of nuns and women. She also feels that the priests and sisters in many places treat her and the other nuns as enemies of the Catholic church.

She has also asked why the Catholic church only concerns itself with bishops and priests and not with nuns and sisters. “Prolonged silence from the church is leading to further humiliation and character assassination,” she said urging the church for a speedy inquiry in her case and pressing for removal of Bishop Franco from his responsibility as spiritual head.

The Nun has pointed out that the priests and bishops are allowed to spend nights in the convent when they already have various facilities like parish houses and pastoral centres available to them for their stay.

In the letter, she has also alleged that Bishop Franco is trying to manipulate the investigation by providing false information, with his political influence and money.