Well, I think if nothing else there's a deliberately designed parallel between Klonoa and Goddess Claire and Sorrow and Ancient Claire. They have some similar themes in their designs respectively, at least to my very rusty memory. And the bell that's apparently hidden in the Ancient Claire statue might give it some weight, too.
I'm not sure if there's a really concrete connection or just a subtle implied one, but I mean, I guess either could be possible. The purging of Claire might have something to do with the sealing away of Hyuponia, as well? Given that last bell's location? I'm just spit-ballin' now.