Sr Clare who died almost five years ago
Sister Clare, aged just 33, died on April 16, 2016, when an earthquake struck the home and school of Servant Sisters of the Mother in Playa Prieta, Ecuador, where Clare had been working for two years helping the poorer children of the region receive a higher standard of education.
Her death touched thousands across the world, and especially in her hometown of Derry.
Since then a mural has been painted on the gable wall at the junction of Deanery Street and Lecky Road, close to Sr. Clare’s family home, and a monthly Mass has been celebrated in the Carmelite Priory and Retreat Centre in
Termonbacca.
Her sister Megan Nicell said the family had been overwhelmed by the many messages of prayer and support they have received, as well as the testimonies from those who draw daily support from their devotion to the Derry nun.
She said: “This is an important anniversary for us, it marks five years since we lost Clare, and want this retreat to be a celebration of the life that she led and the great devotion that so many have to her.”
“The retreat will very much be focussed on Sr. Clare’s life, from her childhood growing up in Derry, her friendships, her great love of acting and drama, and her vocation and life with the Servant Sisters of the Mother.
“The Retreat will include a healing Mass on the Thursday night, and Bishop Donal McKeown will celebrate the final evening on the Sunday. Each evening we have a different priest leading the service.
“We know there will be a huge demand for tickets, and we will do our best to accommodate everyone, but we’d also encourage people to watch the Retreat from their own homes, as it will be available online.”
Father Stephen Quinn, from Termonbacca, who has been the driving force behind the Retreat, along with the committee, said the seven days of worship will be an opportunity for people to come to know the Lord in a more profound way, with the help and example of Sr. Clare.
He added: “This Retreat allows us to draw attention to Sr. Clare’s 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.
“We will come together to remember Sr. Clare on this special anniversary.”
The retreat will take place from Monday 19th April – Sunday 25th April at 7:30 pm each night in the Long Tower church (if places of worship are open by that date).
Due to Covid regulations, this will be a ticket-only event.
Tickets will be available on Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th March between 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. by ringing 07594849704, 07754360176, or 07594849689.
Please note, these lines will not open until Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th March at 6:00 pm on both nights. Please do not call the Long Tower Parochial house or Long Tower Church regarding tickets.
The event will be streamed live at http://longtowerchurch.org/webcam/ and on the Long Tower facebook page
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