A priest from Sister Clare Crockett’s local parish has said her family are ‘hugely relieved’ to be getting her home after a prolonged wait.
The young Derry nun who died over two weeks ago in the Ecuadorian earthquake that claimed around 650 lives will be laid to rest in her home town next Monday.
The 33-year-old died when a huge tremor struck Playa Prieta in the South American country on Sunday, April 10.
Thanks to assistance from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, Sr. Clare’s body is due to arrive home late tonight, with the funeral taking place at noon on Monday.
Fundraising efforts were launched in Derry and via a JustGiving account to help cover the costs of bringing Sr Clare home for burial.
It is believed the former Nazareth House Primary School and St Cecilia’s College pupil was helping children to safety when a building collapsed, killing her and a number of other people.
Father Eamon Graham from Long Tower parish said: “I was speaking to Fr. Brendan Collins earlier who attended the family and he said they are happy and hugely relieved to be getting her home after such a long wait.
“It is relief for them with Clare being so far away, the loss was hard enough but the fact they didn’t have her here made it worse.”
He added: “The community has also expressed relief about the news she will be coming home.
“People have been very sad for the family and have been praying to get her home so there is a great sense of relief.
“The community has shown huge sympathy, with many turning out to sign the book of condolence, so I would expect a big turn out on Monday for the funeral.”
Sister Clare’s remains will be removed her family home at Iona Court in the Brandywell at 11.20am on Monday next for 12.00 noon Requiem Mass in St Columba’s Church, Long Tower.
She will be laid to rest immediately afterwards in the City Cemetery.
Sr. Clare is survived by her parents Gerard and Margaret, and sisters Shauna and Megan.
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