First Sunday of Lent, 2025

There was a nun named Sister Clare Crockett. She was born 1982 in Ireland. Growing up, she desired to be a famous actress and, having early success, was encouraged by professionals that she had real hopes of going to Hollywood.

During that time, prior to her conversion, she was living a life that reflected how millions live theirs: For the moment; for the weekend; for fun, with over drinking and casual relationships.


One day, her friend invited her on a trip to Spain. Clare thought it was for fun, but it was actually a religious trip. And, it just so happened they were going to be there during Holy Week. So, on Good Friday, when the group went to church, she was encouraged to kiss the feet of Jesus on the crucifix. She reluctantly went up to the altar and, as she kissed the Lord’s feet, she had this epiphany that her sins are what nailed Jesus to the cross; that Jesus died for her…She returned to her pew and wept.


After her trip, at home in Ireland, her life didn’t change much except for having that memory. Well, one night, she was out at a bar and drank herself sick. And, as she was hunched over in a bathroom stall, she felt this intense feeling that someone was watching her. So, she looked up and around but saw no one. All of a sudden, she heard these words in her heart: “Why do you keep hurting me.”


Soon after, she made the decision to become a nun, and she used her charisma, exuberance, and self-confidence to draw young people to Jesus…While serving in Spain, Florida, and, then, Ecuador, she affected the lives of numerous young people, encouraging them to run from sin and to draw close to Jesus and Mary. 


In 2016, while serving in Ecuador, a strong earthquake hit the town she was in. Sister Clare was on the third floor of a school building, singing and playing the guitar with a few children. The building collapsed, taking her life and the lives of those with her. She was 33 years old…The cause for her canonization began January 12th of this year and miracles are being attributed to her intercession.


…The Gospel reading is about temptation; the temptations that Jesus himself felt. Yes, Jesus did not fall once to temptation but we might fall a billion times, and that might make us feel like we have no hope. Sister Claire battled with the same temptations but she kept choosing Jesus. You must do the same: Keep choosing Jesus, even after you fall for the billionth time and, like He did with Sister Clare, Jesus will keep picking you up and lead you in the direction that He wants you to go.

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