Sr. Marie Claire

19th Dec 2025

“Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our sister. You redeemed her, Lord God of truth.”(cf. Psalm 31:5)

Sr. Marie Claire was born in Calcutta on 13th October 1933. She began her education at Loreto Day School, Calcutta. When she was about twelve years old, India was passing through a turbulent period following Mahatma Gandhi’s call for the end of British rule. Calcutta, in particular, was affected by violence, fear, and unrest. As both her parents were working and had to travel daily across the city, concern for her safety grew.

Her mother, who had once been a student at the boarding school run by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Cuttack, contacted some Sisters with whom she had remained in touch. In a sudden turn of events, two Sisters who had come to Calcutta on a shopping trip took young Marie Claire with them to Waltair. Thus, she found herself travelling with two foreign Sisters—complete strangers—and entering a boarding school for the very first time.

Contrary to her fears, she found herself very happy at the boarding school in Waltair. The Sisters were friendly, kind, and approachable. It was there that she began to experience the gentle call of Jesus, inviting her to follow Him. However, her parents felt she was too young and lacked sufficient life experience, and so she returned home. For the next four years, she worked in various firms, yet a deep sense of unrest and dissatisfaction continued to trouble her heart.

Eventually, she took a month’s leave from work and returned to Waltair, where she shared her doubts and anxieties with the Sisters. Praying near the small statue of Our Lady in the garden, she found clarity and peace. With great courage, she decided to leave behind everything she held dear and respond wholeheartedly to God’s call.

At the age of 21, she bade farewell to her family and set out for Annecy, France, a place she had never heard of and whose language she did not speak. Initially, she joined the hospital community in Paris and was accepted as a postulant on 26th February. Later, she proceeded to Annecy, where she was entrusted to the Novice Mistress, who spoke English—much to her relief. She was especially supported by Sr. St. André, an Indian Sister who became her guardian angel during this formative period.

On 17th September 1956, Sr. Marie Claire made her First Vows and soon began her missionary journey. She was sent to Wales, where she pursued further training in secretarial skills at a technical college in Newport, learning to adapt once again to a new culture and way of life.

In 1959, she returned to Annecy for a period of deeper reflection and preparation for her Final Profession. As her parents had not been able to attend any previous celebrations, she chose to return to India for this important milestone. On 19th March 1960, she made her Final Vows, with the joy of having her parents and younger sister present. Her brother could not attend as he was completing his studies in England.

Apostolic Missions and Responsibilities

Over the years, Sr. Marie Claire served the Congregation faithfully in various capacities:

• 1960 – 1962: Office work, St. Joseph’s College for Women
• 1963 – 1969: Office Manager, St. Joseph’s High School, Bhubaneswar
• 1969 – 1970: Assistant Novice Mistress, Waltair Novitiate
• 1970 – 1973: Superior and Junior Mistress, Bangalore
• Later transferred to Visakhapatnam as Provincial Councillor and Superior, Fort Convent
• 1976 – 1982: Superior, Waltair Community; Provincial Councillor and Junior Mistress
• 1982: Appointed to the International General Council as Assistant; later Superior in Les Molasses

After returning to India, she was first missioned to Bhubaneswar, then to Jokalandi, and later to the Maryland Community, where she devoted herself to visiting and caring for the sick.

In 1997, she was sent from the UK to Banjul, where, fluent in both English and French, she served efficiently as Secretary to the Regional Superior. In 2002, she returned to England and was actively involved in parish ministry.

Once again, in 2006, she faced the question that had marked her life many times: whether to remain abroad or return to India. After much prayer and discernment, she decided to return to India in December 2006. She was missioned to Cuttack, in the newly formed Bhubaneswar Province, where she assisted in the novitiate.

On 15th August 2008, she moved from Cuttack to Waltair, so as to be closer to the hospital for medical care when needed. She became a member of the Provincialate Community, rendering simple yet valuable services with generosity and humility.

In all her responsibilities, Sr. Marie Claire carried herself with kindness, love, and understanding. She was a woman of compassion, deeply interested in others, eager to share information, and always ready to listen. She loved conversation and valued relationships.

On 6th January 2012, the Feast of the Three Kings, she came to St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged, where she lived peacefully and enjoyed generally good health. Recently, she developed a cold and cough, similar to others in the community. However, on the morning of 19th December, her condition suddenly deteriorated. She was admitted to the hospital and rushed to the ICU. In God’s infinite mercy, He called her to her eternal home at 11:30 am.

May she rest in Peace.