Love Without Limits: Sister Clare Crockett
A Memorable Summer
I was blessed to spend two weeks with Sister Clare Crockett on a mission trip to Ecuador in 2013. I’ll never forget how she made us laugh and feel at ease, how passionately she played her guitar and sang, and especially her desire to help us deepen our relationship with God.
She was relatable and very intentional in the way she treated each person she encountered. I’ll always remember her energetic joy that made holiness so attractive.
From Sin to Surrender
Born in Northern Ireland in 1982, Clare dreamed of becoming a movie star. As a teen, she began an acting career—she loved the spotlight, partying, and having boyfriends.
At 17, Clare took a free trip to Spain, expecting a fun vacation. To her surprise, it turned out to be a Holy Week retreat led by religious sisters. There, she had a profound moment where she suddenly knew Jesus had died for her and deeply loved her. “That simple event… had such a strong impact on me,” she wrote. It sparked a desire in her to live for God.
However, when Clare returned home, she struggled to leave behind the party scene and her acting career. The more she clung to worldly pleasures, the emptier she felt. After a night of partying she had a life-changing experience where she felt Jesus ask, “Why do you keep hurting me?” This brought her a deep sorrow and an unshakable desire to do something for Him who had given His life for her. This led Clare to leave everything behind to become a nun at 18 years old.
A Heart Transformed
When Sister Clare first joined religious life she didn’t like manual labor and still craved attention. But over time, her love for God deepened and her intimate relationship with Him transformed her. She became selfless, humble, and fully dedicated to loving the Lord by serving others.
She used her gifts to glorify God and draw others to Him—teaching and sharing her faith with contagious enthusiasm. She led by example and inspired youth to embrace holiness. Her ability to connect with even the most rebellious students and encourage them in holiness was truly remarkable.
Radiating God’s Love
Sister Clare relied on God’s grace to joyfully give of herself, even when she was tired or unwell. After long, exhausting days of teaching, she would still choose to energetically run around and play with children in the sweltering heat.
Few knew that she suffered from frequent migraines because she never complained and didn’t let the pain or nausea diminish her joy. She was charitable and patient with anyone in need.
People sought her out for mentorship because they knew they could talk to her about anything without fear of judgment. They felt seen, heard, and understood by her.
She would correct with firmness, but much love—emphasizing that the world will never satisfy and that the most important thing in this life is to do God's will.
Whenever someone was struggling, she’d remind them that every hardship we face is for the salvation of our souls, and that we can offer our sufferings for the benefit of others.
No task was too small, no person unimportant—Sister Clare gave her all, every single day.
A Holy Death
In April 2016, Sister Clare was serving in Ecuador, when a devastating earthquake struck. The school where she and five other young women were collapsed, taking their lives.
Just hours before, Sister Clare had shared that she was not afraid of death—that she was ready to meet God. One survivor stated that the last thing they heard before the earthquake was Sister Clare playing guitar and singing the song “I Prefer Paradise.” Sister Clare’s life, and even her passing, was a testimony of her deepest desire: eternal union with God, her greatest love.
Her magnanimity continues to inspire people worldwide and she is now a Servant of God, the first step in the process of becoming a canonized Saint.
What Sister Clare Taught Me
Sister Clare became who she was by saying “yes” to God daily, especially when it was hard. Her joy came from starting every day in prayer and continuing to pray throughout the day. This is what gave her peace and perseverance to play with children during a migraine or joyfully scrub a muddy disaster after a flood.
She will always be someone I look up to—because her love was steady and selfless. She was patient in stressful circumstances and joyful in the midst of suffering. However, that kind of love didn’t come from willpower—it came from God.
The same God who longs for us. Who thirsts for our love. Who delights in every moment we spend with Him.
When we cultivate an intimate relationship with Him and experience His unconditional love, we are transformed by it.
This divine love empowers us to love others selflessly—not out of a need for recognition, emotional reward, or self-validation, but as an overflow of the love we've received. It becomes a sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's own: freely given and expecting nothing in return.
Even on our busiest days we can think of Him and be aware of His presence. We can internally converse with Him as we go about our duties. We can ask for the grace to do every single thing for love of Him.
Sister Clare’s life is a reminder that the frustrating, uncomfortable, or painful parts of our days aren’t wasted. When we offer them to God, He can use them to stretch us in humility, patience, and charity. Every cross—big or small—becomes an opportunity to grow in holiness when placed in the hands of the One who knows what’s truly best for us.
As a mom, the end of the day is often my most difficult time to love well—when the kids are melting down and I’m running on fumes. But I’ve learned it’s in these exact moments that I need to pause and pray: “Jesus, help me love. Help me be patient and gentle.”
Whatever stage of life you’re in, God has given you gifts that can be used right now, to bless those around you. Even the smallest act, when done for love of God, carries eternal value.
Sister Clare lived by the motto “All or Nothing.” May we follow her lead and love with everything we’ve got—not by our own strength, but with hearts fully surrendered to the One who gave everything for us.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” —1 Peter 4:10
Watch the free documentary about Sister Clare to see more of her inspiring journey.