By Varghese Alengaden
Indore: Sister Loretta Pinto, who worked in Catholic Relief Services after becoming the first nun in India to pass MSW, passed on March 14 at Villa St. Joseph, Mysore, after prolonged age-related illness. The member of the Carmelite Sisters of St Teresa was 90.
The Hindi saying, “Manushya janam se nahi, karam se mahan hotha hai” (A person becomes great not by her birth, but by her actions), is true in the case of Sr. Loretta. After obtaining a doctorate in Sociology she taught in the prestigious St. Theresa’s College, Ernakulam, Kerala.
She was the youngest Councillor in the general team of her congregation for two terms. She was elected provincial of the Northern Province. She taught in Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth (JDV) and National Vocation Service Centre (NVSC), both in Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra state in western India.
The greatness of Sister Loretta was her willingness to learn from the book of life. Despite her daring, fearless stand against the priestly dominance she was compassionate to those who were in distress.
She was part of the Indore-based USM (Universal Solidarity Movement) from its inception and became a community member in 1998, and remained there for the next ten years. She was elected president of this inter-religious organisation for three terms.
Though firm in her convictions and communication, she was humble to learn from anyone who could present the views contrary to her stand. She was intelligent to critically analyse the sociopolitical issues. She was perhaps one of the first Carmelite nuns to change into sari as part of inculturation. When she understood the unique mission of USM she plunged into it and passionately promoted it because she was fully convinced of its vision and spirituality.
She was convinced of the USM mission to rebuild India and to renew the consecrated life in the Church. She was a strong pillar of strength to all who were in the USM mission. She was a towering personality who defended the movement as a fortified city against all kinds of negative publicity. She traveled throughout India to conduct animation programs for priests and religious.
With her knowledge of theology, scripture, sociopolitical issues, exposure to all parts of India and abroad, her eloquence, daring spirit and conviction she could challenge the mighty priestly class and the hierarchy like the fiery prophets life Amos, John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth Himself.
While she was a daring and empowered woman, she was also motherly with feminine ethos. She had compassion to all who were in distress and did not count the cost to reach out to them.
While dealing with issues we had heated arguments and disagreements. Yet she was the first to reach out and reconnect. She was truly motherly.
The Church in India, especially the Religious women, can learn many precious lessons from the saintly prophetic nun, Sister Loretta. The best tribute we can give to her would be to carry forward her legacy to renew our lives and restructure our institutions and systems.
(Father Varghese Alengaden is the founder director of the Universal Solidarity Movement.)