Nun commits suicide unhappy with convent life

A Catholic nun from Quilon diocese in Kerala was found hanging at the St Mary's Convent, which police confirmed was a case of suicide.

Anupa Mary, 22, member of the Vimala Hrudaya Franciscan congregation was found hanging in the bedroom of the convent around 4 p.m.

Pallithottam police have recovered a suicide note from the convent, written by the deceased, expressing her difficulty to adjust to convent life and the new environment.

She had also recorded, in the suicide note, her disagreement with the Mother Superior of the convent.

According to a Catholic news source, "Sister Anoopa was missing at the dining room for evening tea. Though many called out for her, there was no response. They went searching to her room and found her hanging. They immediately informed the police."

The incident has raised protests from the local parishioners, who in large number gathered at the hospital premises and the convent.

Recently the Women’s Commission in the state proposed a law to refrain girls below 18 years of age from joining convents. They also urged the govt. to protect their property rights.

On June 3, the Commission chairperson D Sridevi said, "parents who force their children who are not yet adults to nunnery in the churches in Kerala need to face legal action.” She suggested women who decide themselves to be Catholic nuns should be at least of 18 years of age.

Kerala, which renders about 60 percent of the country's 120,000 sisters and priests, consists of over 20% Christians.