The sister of a much loved Derry nun who died in an earthquake in Ecuador eight years ago has spoken of her pride that she has taken the first step toward sainthood.
Sister Clare Crockett died after a school collapsed in Playa Prieta in April 2016.
The 33-year-old has now been declared a Servant of God by the Catholic Church, the first step towards being officially recognised as a saint.
Her sister Shauna Gill told BBC Radio Foyle: “We are very proud. We could never have imagined this happening,” .
Sr Clare and another Irish nun injured in the quake, Sr Thérèse Ryan from County Limerick, had been teaching guitar and singing with five young women postulants – who were entering the religious order – when the earthquake struck in South America.
It is believed they became trapped on a stairwell as they ran out of the building.
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake killed at least 480 people and injured more than 4,000.
The title Servant of God means an investigation will now open into her life that could see her declared “venerable” and later beatified – the next steps towards sainthood.
An opening ceremony is due to take place in Madrid in January 2025.
About 50 people – including 10 member of Sr Clare’s family – are planning to travel from Derry to Spain.
“It is a wee bit surreal, we have waited many years for this, for the decision that they are going to go for it,” Ms Gill said.
Sr Clare had never initially wanted to be a nun, her sister said, instead harbouring dreams of being an actress and of having her name in lights.
Instead she “gave up everything” to devote her life to the Church.
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