Devotion surges for Derry Nun as Vatican Investigates Path to sainthood
ROME, ITALY – A growing wave of devotion is surrounding the late Sister Clare Crockett, a Derry native, as the Vatican formally investigates her life for potential sainthood. The Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother order initiated the process in January,spurred by numerous reported miraculous events following her death a decade ago.
Sister Clare entered the religious order in 2001, taking her first vows in 2006 and her perpetual vows in 2010, fully dedicating her life to God and the community. Her remains are currently interred in a manner that prevents full public display, according to reports.
Sr. Kristen, a colleague of Sr. Clare at the House of the Mother, is leading the investigation. She told the Irish Examiner that the order has received “dozens of claims of interceptions” – reported instances of answered prayers – since Sr. Clare’s passing.
“I am the postulator in charge of the opening of the investigation,” Sr. Kristen explained. “It is a civil process…and I am tasked with studying Clare’s life and that includes talking to her family, friends, and the sisters here as well as her community in Ireland, Spain, and Ecuador.”
The process is rigorous, involving a tribunal review and eventual examination by a bishop before the case reaches the Vatican.Ultimately, the pope will decide if Sr. Clare “really did give herself to god and her community.” However, Sr.Kristen emphasized, “God will have the final say, only he can decide and he will give us a demonstration she is in heaven - that miracle is an approval by god, who decides yes, she is now a saint we can all pray to.”
The path to sainthood requires demonstrable events that defy scientific clarification. Currently, investigators are focusing on two potential miracles attributed to Sr. Clare’s intercession.
One case involves a four-year-old boy who suffered a fall from a height of four metres, landing directly on his head. Witnesses reported notable bleeding and hemorrhaging. While en route to the hospital, the boy’s parents prayed to Sr.Clare. Subsequent MRI scans and medical tests revealed “no damage at all,” according to Sr. Kristen. This case will be supported by medical records and interviews with the treating physicians.
A second, more complex case involves a cancer patient who, after praying to Sr. Clare, experienced a complete remission. Though, due to the potential for cancer recurrence, investigators are continuing to monitor the patient’s condition.
“we have to show this was god’s direct intervention through Sr Clare,” Sr. Kristen stated.
The investigation is expected to be a lengthy process, but the growing devotion to Sr. Clare Crockett signals a strong belief among many that her life exemplified extraordinary faith and virtue.
