Sister M. Clara Okamoto
Born: October 12, 1930
Entrance: February 11, 1962
Professed: September 17, 1964
Died: July 21, 2024
From the Provincialate of the Japan Province, we received the following death message:
O Lord, because of Your mercy and truth, I thank you for your name.
Ps. 138:2
On July 21 at 4:24 p.m., our Sister M. Clara Kyoko Okamoto quietly passed away to the Lord with a peaceful face after only one night in the St. Mary’s Hospital. Sister was one of our Diamond Jubilarians this year in her 60th year of vows. We are respectfully announcing herewith that Sister M. Clara’s last days were spent in the presence of the Lord.
Sister M. Clara spent the last years of her life in good health and convalescence, traveling between Maria Villa and the convent since 2019, under the watchful eye of the sisters and the staff of the institution. On Saturday, the 20th, the day before yesterday, she developed a high fever and went to the emergency room of St. Mary’s Hospital in the afternoon. I was able to accompany her to the ward with Sr. M. Julia but was unable to enter her room due to the coronary disaster. I never dreamed that this would be our last conversation. When I met Sister lying on the stretcher in the emergency room, she said with a big smile and her usual bright voice, “It’s nice to see you! Thank you! I am so grateful for your help!” I cannot get out of my mind the look of gratitude on Sister’s face. I was able to receive this gratitude. I am sure this goes out to the sisters and their families, to the staff at Maria Villa who took care of them, and to the doctors and medical staff who watched over them from the outpatient area to the wards, even if it was just for one night. To all concerned, I am writing here to express my heartfelt thanks with my prayers.
Sister was admitted with her qualifications and experience as a nurse. In 1984, she became the Superior of Nagasaki Convent, and at the end of her term in 1990, she went to Korea to study Korean. In 1996, she was sent to Himeji Convent to complete her second term. She was then sent to Nibuno Villa in the Diocese of Osaka, where she served as Director of the Villa from 2002 to 2009. She returned to Himeji in 2012 and helped as much as possible in the laundry of St. Mary’s Hospital. Sister fully shared her dexterity and blessed talents with others.
Sister’s sister, Mrs. Michi Naito, is one of the Associates of the Japan Province. She was inspired by her sister, Sr. M. Clara, and has been a good collaborator and companion along the way. We thank her very much.
In 2012, she wrote an article entitled “Reflecting on my Calling”, which is transcribed at the end of this text.
The wake will be held on Monday, July 22at 6:30 p.m. with only the sisters to remember Sr. M. Clara.
The funeral mass and farewell service will be held on Tuesday, July 23, at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Litiro, conducted by Franciscan Father Keishiro Furusato, who will take the casket at 2:00 p.m. and cremate the remains at the Nagoyama Cemetery, where they will return to Litiro Chapel stay with the sisters for about one month, and be buried at our church cemetery in Nibuno. The remains will be buried in our church cemetery in Nibuno.
We entrust them into the hands of the Lord so that they may enter eternal rest in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom they have longed for all their lives. In thanksgiving.
Sister Maria Fidelis Furukawa, O.S.F.
In 2012, Sister Clara wrote:
“Reflecting on My Calling”
In April of 1950 I entered nursing school. Holding a dream in my heart of being a Catholic nurse, after graduation I was employed in St. Mary’s Hospital. I was given the grace to work here as a Catholic nurse. In the noon hour when I would go to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, the sisters were always offering prayers. I would slip quietly in the back bench and found nothing was more enjoyable than daily attuning my heart to the prayers of the sisters.
At this time, I was not thinking about a religious vocation, as it was just the greatest joy for me to join my heart with the prayer of the sisters. It seems that I was just touched by the prayer of the sisters and charmed by the sisters’ life as they spent the noon-hour happily walking and conversing together.
As for me I felt it difficult in approaching them, but one day I made up my mind and knocked on the convent door. It was Sister Clementia who opened the door. It was through that opportunity that God led me to think about religious life.
After entering, I became ill and needed a time of recovery, so had to give up religious life for a time. However, I received the grace to re-enter and to this day am here. That journey is long and there were many incidents to overcome, but not abandoning me, God heard my request.
This year I have reached my 48th year of religious vows. Everything works out in God’s love, and with the support of my sisters and people of good will I greet each day.
Thanks be to God!
