Kottayam: The six rebel nuns of M.J. convent at Kuravil-angadu, who raised their voice against bishop Franco Mulakkal, are facing mental harassment from the administration, it is alleged.
Sister Anupama of the congregation told Deccan Chronicle that the authorities were trying to isolate them and interfere in their affairs.
The congregation gives them only Rs 500 each per month as pocket money, and they have to depend on their homes for their many needs. The food and the medical expenses are being met by the congregation.
Four nuns supporting the official faction were transferred to the congregation on December 18 and they have taken over the functions of the convent, including the care of an old age home and a women's hostel.
The rebel nuns have been barred from calling someone even for minor maintenance work. A gardener was sent back with a warning not to come to the convent again. “From the next day onwards he has stopped coming for the work," Sr. Anupama said.
However, the nuns are determined to stay at the convent till the case against the bishop ends.
Sr. Anupama said that bishop Agnelo Gracious, the new apostolic administrator of Jalandhar, was sympathetic towards them.
Though the police had advised the congregation to install night vision cameras on the compound of the convent for security, it did not oblige citing lack of funds.
