Catholic nuns in India are leading efforts to tackle issues of sexual abuse, poor mental health, and suicidal tendencies through a series of specialized training programs. The Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI) recently concluded its 10th workshop in Goa, held from April 1-5, where about 50 nuns from across the country participated. The workshop was conducted in collaboration with Christ University in Bangalore.
Sr. Molly Mathew, who leads the initiative, said the aim is to strengthen the resilience of religious sisters, enabling them to cope with the challenges they face in their roles while promoting community support for mental well-being. The CRWI represents approximately 103,000 nuns working across India.
The workshop, coordinated by Sr. Renjitha Ravi, focused on topics such as understanding distress, assessing emotional strain, identifying individuals in need, risk and protective factors, and counseling ethics. In November, the CRWI launched the Training of Trainers program on Basic Counselling Skills for Mental Health and Wellness, which has so far benefited around 350 nuns.
This program, developed with Christ University’s Department of Psychology, also assists in assessing the need for updates in religious formation, according to Sr. Mathew, a member of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians.
The Church’s response comes in the wake of several troubling reports involving the abuse and suicides of nuns. In recent years, media have reported incidents of sexual abuse by clergy members, including a bishop, as well as cases of rape, murder, and suicide among nuns. At least 20 nuns have died by suicide in India between 1997 and 2021.
Mathew acknowledged that gender discrimination and sexual abuse have contributed to some tragic outcomes. In response, the CRWI has been proactive in addressing these issues. In March, 565 major superiors and religious leaders participated in a workshop to draft an action plan aimed at improving the mental health of nuns.
Earlier in January, a program brought together 240 nuns from 78 congregations, where they shared their personal struggles and proposed revisions to religious formation. The group also created a “Wellbeing Self-Care Kit” and a Mental Health Action Plan to support the mental wellness of Catholic sisters in India.
The action plan provides practical guidance on identifying mental health issues, addressing them, and safeguarding nuns from abuse. Additionally, Mathew emphasized the CRWI’s establishment of a Grievances Redressal Cell in 2022. This cell, comprising lawyers and lay activists, addresses complaints from nuns, ensuring they can voice concerns without fear of retaliation from superiors.
“This cell is a critical step toward improving the well-being of religious sisters,” Mathew said. The cell has already resolved several cases involving nuns and clergy.
Patrick Jude, assistant professor at Christ University’s Department of Psychology, remarked that mental health is now a central concern for religious congregations across India, as religious sisters face numerous challenges in their work.
These ongoing initiatives aim to empower nuns, provide emotional support, and ensure that mental health issues and abuse are addressed with the seriousness they deserve.
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