Kerala Church in shock at nun’s killing in Jharkhand

(November 17, 2011) Major Archbishop and head of the Syro-Malabar Church, George Alencherry, after offering his condolences and paying tribute to the slain nun Sr Valsa John’s family, said that she had “given her life to the poor and fought a long battle to try and safeguard their rights. She had shown the world how to care for the poor and dedicated her life to the Church and her faith.” The 53-year-old nun from the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary was hacked to death at her home in the remote Pakur district of the East Indian state of Jharkhand. According to reports a mob of around 50 people gathered outside her home in the early hours of Wednesday morning shortly before her death. Earlier reports had said the nun had been shot dead. The Major Archbishop also called for those responsible for her death to be brought to justice. Offering his praise to the dead nun, Kerala regional Latin Catholic Council president, Archbishop Maria Calist Soosapakiam said: “With her exemplary life and courage to fight evil, Sr. John has shown us that we need to rededicate our lives for our faith and work for the poor.” Her family believes the nun was killed by people connected to a mining company she was campaigning against.