Remembering Sr. Dorothy Stang: Two Decades After Her Legacy Endures

Sister Dorothy Stang dedicated her life to environmental advocacy and the rights of small farmers in the Amazon. Tragically murdered in 2005, her legacy lives on through the communities she served. Her commitment and sacrifice continue to inspire ongoing efforts for justice and environmental protection in the region.

Sister Dorothy Stang, a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, dedicated her life to fighting deforestation and advocating for the rights of small farmers in the Amazon region. Tragically, she was murdered at the age of 73 on February 12, 2005, while holding a Bible. Her devotion to the land and her support for the underprivileged left an enduring legacy. Sister Jane Dwyer recalls the impact Dorothy had in her community, where people still honor her memory.

Sister Dorothy’s deep commitment to both humanity and nature defined her spirituality. “To protect nature and connect with all creatures was the central focus of her spirituality,” stated Sister Kátia Webster. Upon her arrival in Brazil in 1966, Sister Dorothy began her mission on the outskirts of the Amazon, serving migrant workers and impoverished families who sought land promised to them by the government.

During her ten years of pilgrimage with these communities, Sister Dorothy worked tirelessly to establish a mission station in Anapú. Working closely with her fellow sisters, she assisted local farmers in advocating for their rights to land that was oftentimes usurped by large landowners. Sister Dwyer emphasized that their efforts were met with violence, stating, “Even the police were against us.” Despite this, they persevered in their fight for justice.

In 2004, with formal recognition of their rights to the land, the community felt a sense of victory. However, this recognition incited retaliation from powerful landowners, leading to Sister Dorothy’s tragic assassination. On that fateful day, she was confronted by gunmen but managed to read a biblical passage to them before being killed. Witnesses noted that the community remained close by, honoring her memory even in their grief.

Posthumously, Sister Dorothy is revered in Anapú, where her name symbolizes hope amidst ongoing struggles for land rights. “The people here will never forget her because she gave her life for them,” stated Sr. Dwyer. Although her murderers faced charges, they were quickly released, culminating in ongoing violence in the area, including 19 murders since Dorothy’s death.

Sister Dorothy Stang’s legacy continues to inspire communities to advocate for environmental protection and social justice twenty years after her tragic death. Her dedication to the marginalized and her steadfast belief in harmony with nature are remembered by those who continue to fight against deforestation and for land rights in the Amazon region. Despite her murderers evading justice, Sister Dorothy’s spirit endures, motivating future generations to uphold her mission.

Original Source: www.vaticannews.va