Sr. Lucy Kurien

Sr. Lucy Kurien is the founder and director of Maher (“Mother’s Home”), an interfaith community of hope, healing, and belonging based in India. A Catholic sister from Kerala, Sr. Lucy founded Maher near Pune in 1997 after witnessing the devastating consequences of domestic violence. What began as one safe home for women in crisis has grown into a network of more than 70 homes across seven Indian states, serving women, children, and men through residential care, education, community outreach, vocational programs, and opportunities for greater independence.

At the heart of Maher is a commitment to the dignity of every person, regardless of religion, caste, gender, or background. Its work is intentionally interfaith and caste-free, reflecting Sr. Lucy’s guiding conviction: “Love is my Religion.”

Sr. Lucy has shared Maher’s story internationally, including at the Parliament of the World’s Religions, and has had two audiences with Pope Francis, participated as a special delegate at a Clinton Global Initiative meeting, and met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Her work brings together service to people who are vulnerable, interfaith cooperation, human dignity, ecological sustainability, and lasting social transformation.