After facing severe social and financial isolation following the Bishop Franco Mulakkal case, three nuns in Kerala have launched a clothing business to reclaim their lives.

  • Three nuns from the St. Francis Mission Home have launched a small clothing venture named 'Stand By Me'.
  • The initiative follows years of hardship and isolation after protesting against Church hierarchy.
  • The business produces items like nighties, co-ord sets, and bags to ensure financial independence.

In the quiet surroundings of St. Francis Mission Home at Kuravilangad in Kottayam, the rhythmic hum of sewing machines tells a story of resilience. For three nuns, sewing is no longer just a convent skill; it has become the thread that is stitching together a new life of dignity and self-reliance.

After years of living in isolation and struggling to meet even the most basic necessities, these women have transitioned from victims of circumstances to entrepreneurs. Their new venture, 'Stand By Me', is a testament to their survival instinct following the high-profile controversy involving former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal.

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Historical Background: The Catalyst of Change

The journey began in 2018 when a nun accused Bishop Mulakkal of rape, sparking a massive nationwide debate regarding the power dynamics within the Catholic Church. The subsequent legal battles and the eventual acquittal of the Bishop in 2022 left the protesting nuns in a vulnerable position within the ecclesiastical structure.

As the legal proceedings unfolded, the nuns faced mounting pressure. By 2023, their financial support was withdrawn, leaving them in a state of extreme poverty. It was only through the intervention of the Kerala government, which provided them with ration cards in early 2026, that their basic survival was secured.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this transition from religious life to micro-entrepreneurship highlights a significant shift in how marginalized individuals within institutional frameworks are finding agency. It underscores the power of vocational skills in overcoming systemic exclusion.

Economic independence is often the final, most crucial step in reclaiming personal agency after institutional trauma.

The products from 'Stand By Me'—ranging from nighties and churidar tops to table mats—are now being sold at exhibitions across the state. The venture has already grown enough to employ two additional workers, and the nuns are currently preparing to launch their brand online to reach a wider audience.

Did You Know?: The name 'Stand By Me' was suggested by the very well-wishers and friends who supported the nuns during their most isolated years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What inspired the name 'Stand By Me'?
Answer: The name was suggested by the community of friends and supporters who stood by the nuns during their period of hardship.

Question 2: What products does the venture offer?
Answer: They specialize in nighties, churidar tops, co-ord sets, bags, and various home textile items like table mats.