Sr. Lismy, a member of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) in the southern Indian state of Kerala, has been chosen for the prestigious James Alberione Award in recognition of her pioneering contributions to media ministry. The honor will be conferred during the 30th National Convention of Christian Journalists, organized by the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA), in Pune on September 20.
Widely known as the “Camera Nun,” Sr. Lismy has built a prolific career in media, producing more than 25 short films, 250 video albums, 150 documentaries, and over 100 interviews. Her works often address pressing social issues while also inspiring moral living and fostering social responsibility among audiences.
In an email interview with Nirmala Carvalho, freelance writer for RVA, Sr. Lismy reflects on her journey as a nun, with the rosary in one hand and a camera in the other, her creative process, her early struggles and apprehensions, the recognition she has received, and her hopes for the future.
You run Nirmala Media TSR and the “Camera Nun” YouTube channel. Can you tell us about these platforms, their mission and the types of content you produce?
I consider myself a digital missionary. Both Nirmala Media TSR and the Camera Nun YouTube channel were born from my desire to use modern media as a means of evangelization. Through these platforms, I share the Gospel, Christian values, positive social messages, and real-life stories, especially in a way the younger generation can relate to.
Since young people today prefer shorter content, I also began producing YouTube Shorts, Facebook Reels, and Instagram Reels under the name Sr. Lismy CMC. Our productions include short films, documentaries, music videos, interviews, and catechetical programs. Each piece of content is created with the hope of inspiring, educating, and bringing people closer to God.
What kinds of stories or messages are you most passionate about sharing?
The stories that touch me the most are those rooted in real life. I believe every person carries within them a message of resilience, hope, and faith that can inspire others.
For example, I once met a 93-year-old woman who still worked as a mason by the roadside. Even at her age, she continued building houses, digging wells, and doing manual labor with strength and dignity. Her inspiring journey became one of my stories.
On another occasion, I met a divorced woman who had learned soap-making through YouTube to support her daughter. After I featured her in one of my vlogs, her small business grew, and she eventually opened her own shop. I believe Jesus made me His instrument to give her, and many like her, hope through such stories.
Stories like these remind me of human courage in the face of hardship. Through my films and vlogs, I aim to bring these voices to the wider world, because in them we often glimpse the face of Christ.
What does your creative process look like? Do you write, shoot, and edit everything yourself?
My creative process usually begins with reflecting on a theme or a real-life story that moves me deeply. I plan the script, visuals, and flow of the production. Most of the time, I handle writing, directing, filming, and editing myself, though I also collaborate with others whenever needed.
It’s inspiring to hear that you established a media studio on your own. Can you tell us about that?
Yes, I built a fully functional digital recording studio, Nirmala Media Digital Recording Studio, in our Provincial House at Kolazhy, Thrissur, without the assistance of an engineer. It was truly a journey of learning, trial, and perseverance. Today, the studio has become the heart of my media productions.
I also help other religious congregations set up their own media units, enabling them to use modern technology for evangelization. Through these initiatives, including Nirmala Media TSR, the Camera Nun YouTube channel, and my social media platforms, we have now reached more than 9.3 million viewers worldwide.
How has your religious community supported your media apostolate? Were there any initial doubts?
I draw inspiration from Pope Francis and from Mother Angelica, the foundress of EWTN, who showed how powerfully media can serve the Gospel. At first, some of my superiors had concerns and hesitations. But when they saw my dedication and the positive impact of the content, they offered encouragement and guidance. Their support has made this journey feel like a shared mission, and it has been invaluable in sustaining my work.
You were the only representative from India at the Global Communication Gathering at the Vatican, where you also served as a panelist. How did that opportunity come about, and what was the experience like?
That opportunity came purely by God’s grace. It was both humbling and inspiring. Meeting the Holy Father was an immense blessing, and connecting with media professionals from around the world broadened my vision. Serving as a panelist gave me the chance to share insights from my work while also learning new perspectives and innovative approaches in religious media.
Your short film “Pidakozhi” has received much appreciation. What inspired this production, and what message were you hoping to convey?
While working in orphanages, I witnessed the struggles of children burdened by painful past experiences. Pidakozhi was inspired by these encounters. It tells the story of a young girl who, while trying to support her education and livelihood through a loan, is brutally attacked by a group of youths. Amid her trauma and despair, she finds unexpected hope when a group of nuns rescues her.
The nuns not only shelter her but also counsel, inspire, and empower her to reclaim her dignity and rebuild her life. The film carries a message about resilience, solidarity, and the transformative strength of community support.
Looking to the future, what are your hopes and plans for your media apostolate?
Looking ahead, I hope to expand my apostolate by creating a full-length feature film centered on Christian values. Of course, such a project will require significant planning, collaboration, and resources, and I will seek the approval of my superiors before taking it on.
This year, I have been transferred to an interior convent, which I believe will give me more time for reflection. I see it as an opportunity to think about how best to use my camera to tell meaningful stories and explore new ways to engage audiences through media.
Finally, what message would you like to give to young Catholics, especially women, who feel called to serve the Church in creative and unconventional ways?
To young Catholics, especially women, I would gently encourage you to listen to God’s call and trust the gifts He has given you. There are many ways to serve the Church, not all of them are traditional or well-known. Your creativity, whether through media, the arts, storytelling, technology, or other skills, can be a powerful instrument of faith and inspiration. It is natural to feel hesitation or uncertainty at first. But small steps, taken with sincerity and dedication, can have a lasting impact. I would also stress the importance of seeking guidance from superiors, mentors, and your faith community, whose wisdom can help you stay rooted in the mission of the Church.
Do not be afraid to take initiative and learn through experience. Obstacles will come, fear, lack of resources, or self-doubt, but these are also opportunities for growth, humility, and perseverance. Let us not shy away from the challenges of the modern world. Instead, let us rise to the call, embracing every opportunity to be God’s messengers.
