Sister Clare never waited to do anything. She just did it. I procrastinate a lot, especially whenever it comes to homework, so remembering that Sister Clare acted whether it was an enjoyable task or not inspires me to do the same. It is helping me a lot because I try to do my homework when I come in from school instead of leaving it until later. I am under less stress and my parents do not have to deal with me staying up late to finish schoolwork.
Sister Clare was always positive and never worried. She let God resolve her problems. The Bible says ‘Faith without work is dead.’ Everyone stresses out over things, big and small, but sometimes it’s good to relax a bit. I’m certainly not perfect but I’m trying to apply the ‘glass half full’ attitude to my life with God’s help just like Sister Clare did. She was always so joyful and I want to be the same and not complain about silly things. I try now to live with a grateful heart and count my blessings.
Sister Clare always helped people, even if it interfered with her own plans. She was humble, selfless and the best version of herself. My parents are very busy and give their all to me and my younger brother. Sister Clare helped me realise that I should repay them by helping out at home whenever I can. Seeing how much she did for others made me understand just how selfish I can be. I’m finding being selfless difficult. I try to help out more and I am praying to Sister Clare to help me with it.
I, like most people my age, am trying to figure out what career I want to pursue in the future. Sister Clare showed me, that you can be a ‘modern disciple’. She showed me that being a nun isn’t a job left in the past. Sister Clare is someone for me and other girls to look up to, instead of celebrities, money, makeup and technology. She wanted to be famous when she was young. She has completed her dream however instead of becoming another false idol or generic actor advertising products, she has made an impact by pointing others to God and His goodness. She has shown me that a good life is a life led by God and guided by the Holy Spirit. In a world that tells me fame, power and money are all that matters, Sister Clare is an inspiration to be who God created you to be and to please God in all that you say and do.
Sister Clare went to Spain originally to become a nun and had to learn Spanish from scratch. She showed me that it is important to grow as a person and have new challenges to make life interesting. I learn Spanish on my own and at times of low motivation while learning the language, I try to complete at least one more lesson for Sister Clare.
Sister Clare’s famous motto is ‘All or nothing!’. I do not want to look back on my life and wish I did more. So, I will do more. I’ll give my all in everything whether its praying, having fun, studying or helping others.
Sister Clare was always kind and loving. I’ve been trying to think about what I say before I speak and to be more patient with people. I’m trying to help when people need it. Mrs Mulhern, our school Principal’s, motto is to “be kind in what you say, what you do, what you write and what you post.” This is a constant reminder to me that like Sister Clare’s kindness is an important quality and it must be practiced so it can grow in your heart.
Like me, Sister Clare was a Saint Cecilia’s girl. She is a treasure to our school, and she inspires me to do the best I can in school. To put my head down and focus, to be kinder to teachers and students, to give my heart and soul in work and to be proud of the school I represent. We believe in Saint Cecilia’s that Sister Clare is always looking after us, praying for us and guiding us on the right path towards Jesus.
Sister Clare dedicated her entire life to Jesus and to drawing young people to Christ. She ran summer camps, organised pilgrimages, spoke at chapels, and went to various countries to teach children about Jesus. Sister Clare has left a legacy that won’t be forgotten. A lot of her influence is online, and her teachings and accomplishments are documented. Many young people nowadays are on internet and so they could find Sister Clare. It would be the nudge some young people need to bring them closer to God and perhaps affect them and the outcome of their lives. Sister Clare is a positive role model who can still inspire young people to change for the better through her selflessness.
I pray to Sister Clare for guidance on my faith journey. In the Sister Clare documentary, it says that she had great zeal for exposing lies sold to Christian young people. I want to avoid as many of these traps as possible.
I would like to finish with a quote from a letter Sister Clare wrote to a young person. She said, “I’ve said this to you many times: “It’s all or nothing, kiddo.” Of course you can’t do this by yourself, ask Him for help, and don’t say that you can’t pray, believe or whatever, when in reality the fact of the matter is you’re too afraid or too lazy. You know you need Truth; you know you need God.”
Bella is a Year 9 pupil in St Cecilia’s College. This was her talk at a recent retreat in Saint Mary’s Parish, Creggan, Derry.
