The Order of St. Clare Capuchin (OSCCap) Gunungsitoli is commonly known as the Poor Clare Sisters, who follow papal enclosure and live a contemplative life hidden from the world. This order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi.
St. Clare of Assisi was the first woman to follow St. Francis, precisely on March 18, 1212. She was determined to follow the poor Christ and live out the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the spirit of Francis. Within the Franciscan Family, the Poor Clare Sisters hold a place as the Second Order of contemplatives. They have a very close relationship with the First Order. Many writers often refer to St. Clare as the 'Little Plant' (*Piantacella* in Italian) of St. Francis of Assisi.
The Beginning of the Mission in Indonesia
In October 1976, three Poor Clare Capuchin Sisters from the St. Clare Monastery in Senden, Germany, were sent on a mission to Indonesia. They were Sr. M. Johanna Timmer, Sr. M. Ruth Neuhaus, and Sr. M. Gisela Oster. These three missionaries brought the contemplative spirit to Gunungsitoli, Nias Islands, North Sumatra.
Great challenges soon arose: the hot tropical climate, language barriers, and an unfamiliar culture. However, over time, they successfully laid a strong foundation for the contemplative life at St. Clare Monastery in Gunungsitoli. This was achieved through perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. In just three years, the profound appeal of the life of prayer inspired many young women to join. The monastery was then expanded to accommodate up to 30 Sisters.
The next major milestone took place on February 2, 1988, when the Holy See officially issued a Declaration Letter establishing St. Clare Monastery in Gunungsitoli as an autonomous monastery. A thanksgiving celebration was held on Sunday, February 28, 1988, with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Sibolga, Mgr. Anicetus B. Sinaga, accompanied by priests from the Diocese of Sibolga.
A Mission That Continues to Grow
The mission continued to grow. In 1991, the OSCCap Sisters from the Gunungsitoli community established a new branch in Sikeben, in the Archdiocese of Medan. Three years later, the Holy See approved and issued a Declaration Letter granting St. Clare Monastery Sikeben autonomous status.
On October 17, 2001, the OSCCap Sisters celebrated the Silver Jubilee (25th Anniversary) of the founding of St. Clare Monastery in Gunungsitoli. This Silver Jubilee celebration was a moment of thanksgiving, attended by the local parish community, the Bishop, priests, as well as religious brothers and sisters. A year after the celebration, the missionary spirit was reignited. The OSCCap Sisters established a new monastery in Sekincau, in the Diocese of Tanjung Karang, Lampung. This grace-filled journey reached its peak in 2012 when the Holy See officially recognized St. Clare Monastery Sekincau as an autonomous monastery.
The journey did not stop there. A new milestone was recorded on October 17, 2016, as St. Clare Monastery Gunungsitoli celebrated its *Panca Windu* (40th anniversary), marking four decades of faithfulness in prayer and service. With unwavering dedication, the Sisters sent nine members of the community to establish a new monastery in Aek Raso, Sibolga, in 2017. Five years later, the fruits of their efforts blossomed once again. In 2022, the Holy See issued a Declaration Letter officially recognizing St. Clare Monastery Aek Raso as an autonomous monastery.
Menuju ‘Emas“
On October 17, 2026, St. Clare Monastery Gunungsitoli will celebrate its Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary) with a thanksgiving celebration. This milestone will be even more special as it coincides with the beginning of the Holy Year – the Jubilee Year 2025. In the spirit of 'Pilgrims of Hope,' as proclaimed by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Poor Clare Sisters, together with the Church, look forward to this celebration with great hope, for hope never disappoints.
From Gunungsitoli to various regions, the mission of the OSCCap Sisters stands as a testament that the sacred calling continues to grow over time. With gratitude and conviction, the Sisters keep moving forward, carving new history in the spirit of service and love.
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