hand and heart

The recent post office troubles have impacted our regular fundraising efforts. Please consider supporting the Register and Catholic journalism by using one of the methods below:

  • Donate online
  • Donate by e-transfer to accounting@catholicregister.org
  • Donate by telephone: 416-934-3410 ext. 406 or toll-free 1-855-441-4077 ext. 406

Nun hacked to death in eastern India

By  Catholic News Service
  • November 17, 2011

NEW DELHI - Church leaders in Kerala state have expressed shock and outrage over the killing of Sr. Valsa John, who campaigned for tribal rights in eastern India.

Sr. John, 53, a member of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, was hacked to death at her home in a remote area of the east Indian state of Jharkhand. Earlier reports had said the nun had been shot dead.

The Asian Church news agency UCA News cited unspecified reports that a mob of around 50 people gathered outside Sr. John's home early Nov. 16, shortly before her death.

Church officials in Kerala visited Sr. John's family in Vazhakkala, near Cochin, Kerala's commercial hub, to offer condolences. Then Archbishop George Alencherry, major archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, paid tribute to the slain nun and called for those responsible for her death to be brought to justice.

Sr. John gave "her life to the poor and fought a long battle to try and safeguard their rights," the archbishop said. She showed "the world how to care for the poor and dedicated her life to the Church and her faith."

UCA News said family members believe the nun was killed by people connected to a mining company she was campaigning against.

Archbishop Maria Soosa Pakiam of Trivandrum said of Sr. John: "With her exemplary life and courage to fight evil, Sr. John has shown us that we need to re-dedicate our lives for our faith and work for the poor."

More in this category: « Quebec Franciscan will remain in Haiti despite robbery Lapse in handling remains of war dead surprises military chaplains »

Please support The Catholic Register

Unlike many media companies, The Catholic Register has never charged readers for access to the news and information on our website. We want to keep our award-winning journalism as widely available as possible. But we need your help.

For more than 125 years, The Register has been a trusted source of faith-based journalism. By making even a small donation you help ensure our future as an important voice in the Catholic Church. If you support the mission of Catholic journalism, please donate today. Thank you.

DONATE