“A Rosary in One Hand, a Camera in the Other”: Sr. Lismy, the Camera Nun, Shares Her Journey and Dreams

Sr. Lismy of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) in Kerala is widely known as the “Camera Nun.” Her media ministry, spanning more than 25 short films, 250 video albums, 150 documentaries, and over 100 interviews, has inspired audiences in India and beyond.

This year, she has been chosen for the James Alberione Award by the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA), to be conferred at the 30th National Convention of Christian Journalists in Pune on September 20.

Speaking to RVA, Sr. Lismy reflected on her unusual vocation: “I am first and foremost a Carmelite nun. At the same time, I use the camera as a vital tool for evangelization. Through its lens, I strive to tell the stories of Jesus, Christian values, and messages of hope.”

Her path to becoming the “Camera Nun” began almost by accident. Searching online for devotional songs, she found the visuals poor in quality. “That inspired me to create one myself,” she recalled. Using YouTube tutorials, she produced her first music video, O Snehajwalaye. The encouragement she received gave her the confidence to continue.

Through her platforms, Nirmala Media TSR and the Camera Nun YouTube channel, Sr. Lismy reaches millions worldwide. “I consider myself a digital missionary. The younger generation lives online, so the Gospel must live there too,” she explained. Her productions, whether short films, documentaries, or reels, seek to inspire, educate, and bring people closer to God.

Her storytelling often highlights ordinary people with extraordinary courage: a 93-year-old mason still at work, or a divorced mother who built a business making soap. “Stories like these remind me of human resilience and the face of Christ in unexpected places,” she said.

In Thrissur, she built her own recording studio at the CMC Provincial House, without the help of an engineer. “It was a journey of trial and perseverance,” she admitted. The studio has since become the hub of her work, even assisting other congregations in launching their own media ministries.

The road was not without challenges. “At first, some of my superiors had concerns,” she said. “But when they saw the dedication and the positive impact, they encouraged me. Their support has made this feel like a shared mission.”

Her mission has also gained international recognition. In 2023, she was the only Indian participant at the Vatican’s Global Communication Gathering, where she met Pope Francis and served as a panelist. “Meeting the Holy Father was an immense blessing, and learning from global media leaders broadened my vision,” she said.

Looking ahead, Sr. Lismy hopes to make a full-length feature film rooted in Christian values. “It will need planning, collaboration, and my superiors’ blessing, but it is my deepest desire,” she shared.

With a rosary in one hand and a camera in the other, Sr. Lismy continues her mission, one story, one frame, one prayer at a time.