Bishop of Derry Dr. Dónal McKeown says Sister Clare Crockett modelled ‘God’s crazy generosity’

Dr. Dónal McKeown said the Derry nun, who was tragically killed in an earthquake in South America in 2016, had epitomised ‘God’s crazy generosity.’

In a homily at the weekend he said: “A mural is being unveiled this evening in Derry to a young woman, Sr. Clare Crockett who died four years ago in an earthquake in Ecuador. It is perhaps symbolic that the large painting is on the gable wall of a bookie’s shop! She had a remarkable story of teenage dreams of fame and fun followed by a conversion to give all for Jesus – without ever losing her energy and sense of joy or love of people. Love of Jesus does not diminish who we are.

“It offers a new way of being more true to ourselves. This week we also celebrated Clare of Assisi and Maximilian Kolbe. From their lives it is clear that Church is renewed in every generation, not by condemning but mainly by modelling God’s crazy generosity. Sanctity lies in self-sacrifice as we reach out in humility, never in arrogance. Unless prayer and piety generate generous practical engagement with people where they are, it can be a faith that risks being smug. Today’s first reading as well as the Gospel is clear that the heart of Jesus reaches out. He does not shut out.”