A former actress and self-proclaimed “wild child” from Northern Ireland is on the path to sainthood, nearly nine years after her tragic death in an earthquake.
Sister Clare Crockett, who died at age 33 during the Ecuador earthquake on April 16, 2016, transitioned from a budding career in entertainment to a life of religious devotion. Known for her role in the 2002 TV movie Sunday and a brief stint as a presenter, she turned down an opportunity with Nickelodeon to join the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother in 2001.
On Sunday, January 12, a ceremony was held at the Cathedral of Alcalá de Henares in Madrid, Spain, to officially open her case for beatification. The event, attended by over 100 people and live-streamed online, marked her recognition as a “Servant of God,” the first step toward sainthood.
Crockett’s sister, Shauna Gill, expressed pride and amazement, telling BBC News Northern Ireland, “Never in a million years did we think she’d become a nun, let alone be on the road to sainthood.” Gill also shared that Clare’s vibrant personality and dramatic nature made her “destined for a life in the spotlight,” even if Sister Clare herself would have preferred to stay out of the limelight.
Born in Londonderry, Crockett made the life-changing decision to join the convent at 18, leaving behind her acting ambitions. She later took her first vows in 2006, adopting the name Sister Clare Maria of the Trinity and the Heart of Mary, and her perpetual vows in 2010. She served in various communities across Spain, the U.S., and Ecuador, where she ultimately lost her life while teaching music in Playa Prieta.
The beatification process involves multiple stages, including being declared “venerable” and later “blessed.” Gill noted the uncertainty of the timeline, saying, “It could take years or even decades, depending on how things progress.”
Sister Clare’s journey has already inspired many, with her family, friends, and admirers cherishing her memory and the legacy of her selfless devotion.
