AMERICA/ECUADOR - In January, the process for the canonization of Sister Clare Crockett will begin

Quito (Agenzia Fides) - On January 25, the cause for the Canonization of Sister Clare Crockett, an Irish missionary of the Congregation of the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother (‘Siervas del Hogar de la Madre-SHM), who died at the age of 33 in the earthquake that devastated the coast of Ecuador on April 16, 2016, will officially begin. The earthquake left hundreds dead and thousands injured, including Sister Clare and five postulants from her congregation in Playa Prieta, where the sisters ran a school that was completely destroyed (see Fides, 18/4/2016).

The opening of the cause is the first step towards the beatification, which is based on her testimony of life that has inspired many young people, as well as on testimonies of possible miracles attributed to her intercession.

According to Sr. Kristen Gardner (SHM), postulator of the cause, “over the last eight years, many people have asked for a study on the holiness of Sister Clare. This request of the faithful is a clear sign from the Lord.” The inaugural ceremony, presided over by the Bishop of Alcalá de Henares, Antonio Prieto Lucena, will take place on January 12, 2025, in the Cathedral of the Holy Children Justo and Pastore in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid).

Clare Crockett, born on November 14, 1982 in Derry, Ireland, would have turned 42 today. At the age of 18, she gave up a promising acting career - as a teenager she hosted a television program for young people and made her film debut shortly after - to dedicate herself entirely to God.

“Sister Clare met our community during Holy Week 2000 and entered as a postulant in August 2001. At that time I was a novice and the formation houses for postulants and novices were on the same property," Sister Maria Luisa Belmonte (SHM), a fellow sister, told Fides, who recalls: “When she made her first religious profession in 2005, she was transferred to Cuenca, Spain, where we lived together in the same house. Two years later we went together to the religious community in Jacksonville, Florida.”

She recalls the various encounters with Sister Clare: "I could see her human and spiritual development. She was very cheerful and open, but she had experienced great conflicts in her country and her training as an actress had made her self-centered and a little arrogant." "Before she became a candidate," continues Sister Maria Luisa, "she always sought the limelight. However, in the last encounters with her I noticed that she always tried to put herself in the background so as not to attract attention. She had become an example of obedience and availability."

Speaking of the last times she was with her, Sister Maria Luisa says: "She was always ready to give everything for the Lord, with a big smile, without seeking special recognition in any way. Clare was distinguished by her willingness to serve and her generosity, especially in Ecuador, where she was struck by the earthquake while caring for some girls in her community."

The investigations into her life will include testimonies from people who report receiving spiritual graces through her intercession, including healings and conversions, as well as the strengthening of the faith of young people. The testimonies come, according to the Congregation, from Spain, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela and Peru, among others. Sister Kristen Gardner, who is not only postulator of the cause but also author of her biography “Sr Clare Crockett: Alone with Christ Alone,” says: "Sister Clare's life was an example of joyful and complete service to God. She inspired many young people to realize that true happiness lies in God." "Her consistent way of life and her dedication in the various apostolates conveyed the message that only God can satisfy the human heart when it is given to Him completely and without reservation," said Sister Kirsten.

In 2018, the Congregation of the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother released the documentary "All or Nothing: Sr Clare Crockett", which has reached over 4.5 million views on YouTube. The story of Clare, who left behind a career as an actress to dedicate herself entirely to God, is a reminder of how the journey of faith can radically change a life. Her legacy of joy and dedication continues to touch hearts around the world, showing everyone where the treasure of true joy lies. (LGR) (Agenzia Fides, 14/11/2024)

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