‘Stand by me’: Ostracised by congregation, 3 Catholic nuns rebuild their lives, one stitch at a time

In Kottayam district of Kerala, a chapel stands adjacent to a corridor where three Catholic nuns are diligently working on their sewing machines. They create elegant dresses and functional bags that cater to each customer's unique preferences. The nuns, Sister Ranit MJ, Sister Alphy, and Sister Ancitta, are affiliated with the St Francis Mission Home, a home for women in their community.

Recently, they launched a clothing brand named 'Stand By Me' to provide a source of income after being ostracized by their congregation. The sisters started stitching clothes as a distraction from the trauma they faced, but it soon evolved into a necessity for their survival. Their brand name, 'Stand By Me,' was inspired by a popular song and represents their commitment to supporting survivors of gender-based violence.

The nuns grow vegetables and rear poultry, using both their own resources and materials provided by well-wishers. They also earn some income by selling their clothing and by selling milk from their cow. Despite their efforts, the sisters face financial challenges, with expenses like water pumps adding to their financial strain. However, they remain focused on their mission and are hopeful that their clothing brand will continue to grow and support them in their journey towards independence.