Life

Retreat to remember Sister Clare

Sister Clare Crockett, who died five years ago tomorrow, is commemorated in a mural in the Brandywell area of Derry near her family home. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Sister Clare Crockett, who died five years ago tomorrow, is commemorated in a mural in the Brandywell area of Derry near her family home. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Sister Clare Crockett, who died five years ago tomorrow, is commemorated in a mural in the Brandywell area of Derry near her family home. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

A week-long retreat to mark the anniversary of the death of Sister Clare Crockett, who died five years ago tomorrow, begins in Long Tower Church in Derry on Monday.

Tickets were distributed last month but the retreat, which continues until Sunday, can be followed online.

Sr Clare, aged 33, died on April 16 2016, when an earthquake struck the home and school of Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother in Playa Prieta, Ecuador, where she was working.

Her death touched thousands across the world, and in her home town of Derry a mural has been painted on a gable wall, near Sr Clare's Brandywell family home.

Sr Clare's sister Megan Nicell said the family had been overwhelmed by messages of prayer and support.

"This is an important anniversary for us, it marks five years since we lost Clare, and we want this retreat to be a celebration of the life that she led and the great devotion that so many have to her," she said.

Sister Clare Crockett died in an earthquake in Ecuador in April 2016
Sister Clare Crockett died in an earthquake in Ecuador in April 2016 Sister Clare Crockett died in an earthquake in Ecuador in April 2016

Fr Stephen Quinn OCD from the Carmelite Priory and Retreat Centre at Termonbacca, which has a close association with Sr Clare, said the retreat "allows us to draw attention to her life and the holiness she showed in that life.

"It's astonishing to see the devotion to Sr Clare and how much her life, and all she did, has been an example to others."

Information about viewing the retreat online and the times of each day's events can be found on the Long Tower Church website and Facebook page.