Derry's Sister Clare Crockett remembered and honoured on 10th anniversary of her death
The devoted family of Sister Clare Crockett has paid tribute to her on the 10th anniversary of her passing.
The much-loved Derry nun died on August 16, 2006, after the school in Playa Prieta, Ecuador, which she was teaching in, collapsed during an earthquake.
In the years since then, thousands of people from around the world have expressed their deep devotion to St Clare, particularly in Derry and across Ireland.
The Annual Sr Clare Crockett Retreat has been taking place since April 13 and will conclude on April 19.
In 2025, Sister Clare was declared a ‘Servant of God’ and the cause for her beatification opened at a ceremony in Madrid.
In a tribute posted to the Sister Clare Crockett page on Facebook, which is dedicated to her memory, her family told how the date of April 16 is one that is embedded in their ‘minds and hearts forever’.
“The day our world was shattered and our lives changed forever
“The day our beautiful sister Clare left this world leaving behind a broken family, although left heartbroken we cannot be anything but absolutely beaming with pride at the legacy that our beautiful sister has left behind not just in our town but throughout the world
“Sitting in a packed Long Tower chapel this week and watching the crowds that sister Clare has brought back to their faith brings comfort, peace, pride and joy
“Although our hearts are aching today we cant help but smile that our Clare has made such an impact on the lives of so many people
“Sr Clare was never just going to leave this world quietly she was destined to have her name known and what a powerful job she has done
“How blessed are we
“We never feel alone
“Today we will celebrate Sister Clare’s life with smiles and stories and the odd wee tear
“She has left us with an extended family that we could never have done this journey without we are so grateful for the constant love and support today and always.”
The Home of the Mother order, where Sr. Clare was a member, has paid tribute to her with an online dedication series titled "10 Years, 10 Moments: Sister Clare, Memories Left to Tell.” which can be viewed on Youtube here.