Scandals and controversies surrounding the mysterious death of Sr Abhaya 17 years ago are taking a heavy toll on her congregation, says Sisters of St Joseph Congregation superior general, Sr Annie John. “Much energy and time is being wasted fighting the case,” Sr Annie John told UCA News.
The body of the late nun Sister Abhaya was found in the well of the congregation’s Pius X Convent in Kottayam on March 28, 1992.
The Central Bureau of Investigation, India’s top investigating agency, on Nov. 18, 2008, arrested an SJC nun, Sr Sephy, and two senior priests Fathers Thomas Kottoor and Jose Poothrukayil of Kottayam archdiocese, accusing them of murder.
Sr John says several investigating bodies have tried to solve the “mysterious death,” but “we don’t know the exact cause.”
The superior general says her congregation “strongly believes” Sr Sephy and the two priests are innocent.
The Central Bureau of Investigation says Sr Sephy hit Sr Abhaya with an axe and the priests helped her dump the body in the convent well.
The priests and nun, who are on bail, have denied the charges.
Sr John said the protracted case has made her Indian-foundded congregation known internationally, but it would have preferred to be left alone to spread the Gospel and serve society.
She says the media have sensationalized the case and accused the Church of trying to protect the culprits.
She said her congregation’s reputation was dented further when some television channels telecast on Sept. 14 alleged video footage of CBI interrogations of the accused.
Those video became mired in controversy amid questions of their authenticity. “No one has the original recordings,” said Sr John.
The allegations and humiliations have affected “our work and vocations,” Sr John said. The congregation has more than 60 convents and institutions in India and overseas where 375 members are engaged in social work, especially serving the physically and mentally handicapped.
The nun says she is worried now as fewer girls opt to join her congregation since the scandal broke. “Only four have joined us this year.”
Despite the pain caused, the congregation views these travails as blessings in disguise.
“We have taken these humiliations and sufferings as opportunities to share in Christ’s passion,” Sr John said.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to us or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that we agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
SIC: CTHAS