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17 Apr 2026

WATCH: Derry’s emotional 'Our Lady of Knock' tribute to Sr. Clare Crockett

Derry unites in song to celebrate a decade of inspiration following the heroic sacrifice of the Brandywell native

A powerful sense of devotion filled the air on Thursdy night at St Columba’s Church, Long Tower, to honour the 10th anniversary of the death of Servant of God Sister Clare Crockett.

The solemn concelebrated Mass, served as the emotional heart of the week-long Sr. Clare Retreat (April 13–19).

The service reached its poignant peak with a collective rendition of 'Our Lady of Knock', a hymn that has come to symbolise the world's enduring tribute to the Derry-born nun whose life of "all or nothing" devotion ended on August 16, 2006, after the school in Playa Prieta, Ecuador, which she was teaching in, collapsed during an earthquake.

In the years since then, thousands of people from around the world have expressed their deep devotion to Sr. Clare, particularly in Derry and across Ireland.

Born in 1982 in the Brandywell area of Derry, Sr. Clare was a charismatic and talented performer.

In January 2025, the Catholic Church officially opened Sr. Clare’s cause for beatification in Madrid, declaring her a 'Servant of God'.

The Sr. Clare Retreat continues through Sunday, 19 April, concluding with a final Mass celebrated by Bishop Donal McKeown.

Special word of thanks to Chris McMonagle for sharing this poignant performance of 'Our Lady of Knock' taken during last night's 10th anniversary commemoration for Sister Clare Crockett.

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