By Verghese V Joseph –
In the quaint village of Enamakkal, nestled near Thrissur in the southern Indian state of Kerala, a beacon of light entered the world, bringing joy and hope to the Lonappan family. Born to Mr. Lonappan Chiriyamkandath and Mrs. Catherine, C.L. Clare emerged as their first daughter, destined to play a remarkable role in the lives of many.
Baptised in the serene ambiance of Mount Carmel Church of Enamakkal, Clare’s spiritual journey commenced amidst the serene surroundings of her ancestral village. However, life took a turn when her family relocated to Bangalore, the capital of neighbouring state of Karnataka, expanding to nine children in total, amidst the bustling cityscape. Her younger sister Philomena too is a nun.
Growing up in the embrace of faith, Clare’s formative years were deeply rooted in the ethos of service and devotion. Her early communion at Bangalore’s Sacred Heart Church, alongside her elder brother C L Antony, marked the inception of a profound connection with spirituality. She actively engaged in parish activities, from the Legion of Mary to the church choir, Clare’s dedication to serving others flourished.
Bishop William D’MelloDespite familial apprehensions, Clare harboured a fervent desire to dedicate her life to religious service. Undeterred by initial resistance, she persevered, immersing herself in prayer and discernment. Her parents finally relented and guided by the wisdom of the then parish priest, Late Bishop William Leonard D’Mello, Clare found solace in her vocation, eventually joining the Daughters of St. Paul in 1968.
The Daughters of St. Paul, renowned as media apostles, became Sr. Clare’s conduit for spreading the gospel’s message of love and light. From Bombay to Bangalore, Calcutta to Gujarat, Sr Clare’s missionary endeavours traversed diverse landscapes, touching countless lives along the way. Her tenure as Director of the Catholic Enquiry Center (CEC) in Bangalore Archdiocese exemplified her unwavering commitment to evangelization.
Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, Sr. Clare’s steadfast resolve found a new purpose, revitalizing the Archdiocesan Catholic Enquirers. Embracing her role with zeal, she endeavoured to reignite the flame of faith in the hearts of many.
In December 2023, amidst reverent celebrations, Sr. Clare’s marked the golden jubilee of her religious life, a testament to five decades of unwavering devotion. Presently, she graces the St. Paul’s Book Center in Bangalore, continuing her sacred mission with humility and grace.
On February 10, 2024, the family of Lonappan’s celebrated her Golden Jubilee. His Grace Most Rev Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, presided over the Eucharistic celebration at St Patrick’s Church, followed by a fellowship lunch at the Community Hall.
Beyond her accolades and achievements, Sr. Clare epitomises compassion and empathy, extending a helping hand to all in need. Her infectious smile and boundless warmth resonate deeply, embodying the essence of selfless service.
For the Lonnapan family, Sr. Clare is more than a sibling; she is a divine blessing, enriching their lives with her unwavering faith and love. As they join in commemorating her golden jubilee, they stand in awe of her remarkable journey and unwavering dedication to the Lord’s work.
In the hearts of her siblings, in-laws, extended family, and a multitude of admirers, Sr. Clare’s legacy shines brightly, a beacon of hope in a world yearning for compassion and grace.