Students from Mount Notre Dame High School have crafted powerful reflections on justice, service, and faith in action as part of their application to attend the historic honoring of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, at the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola in Rome. Sister Dorothy dedicated her life to serving alongside communities in Brazil that were made poor and advocating for preserving the Amazon rainforest. Her ultimate sacrifice on February 12, 2005, standing firm in her commitment to justice, continues to inspire people worldwide. We will share one student's essay daily as we count down to February 12, 2025, the 20th anniversary of Sister Dorothy's martyrdom.
Samantha F.
Getting to celebrate Sister Dorothy Stang in Rome would be an incredible and once in a lifetime experience for me. I have always found Sister Dorothy's story to be truly remarkable, and I would be absolutely grateful for the opportunity to deepen my understanding of her story and appreciation for everything that she had done. Also, I am a junior and have just finished reading a Journey of Courage: The Amazing Story of Sister Dorothy Stang. I feel that through the book, I got to learn so much more about her and everything she stood for, and I would love to further this by going to Rome to give praise and celebration to a very well-deserved person. In addition, as a member of Campus Ministry, I really enjoy being involved in experiences that allow me to deepen my faith. Therefore, this opportunity would allow me to bring a unique perspective to my Campus Ministry experience.
When I tell someone about the life and mission of Sister Dorothy Stang, I would share all the things that make her the extraordinary woman that she is. She is the pure definition of selflessness and has so much love for creation. No matter how hard things got in Brazil, Sister Dorothy refused to leave for her own safety because she felt that she couldn't leave behind all of the people who needed her help. Even though many people despised her and wanted her gone, Sister Dorothy remained for the people who loved her because they meant so much to her. Sister Dorothy also cared so much for the world around her as well. She was heartbroken by the fact that the Amazon was being destroyed so quickly, so she took it upon herself to stand up and advocate for change. Sister Dorothy Stang was a passionate and tenacious person who always fought for what she believed in. No matter how difficult the circumstances were, she always remained true in her faith, found love and support in the people around her, and held onto the hope that her actions were making a difference. Sister Dorothy Stang was a truly incredible person, and she is a fantastic role model for all young women around the world.
Personally, the fact that Sister Dorothy is getting recognized for all of the wonderful things that she has done means a lot to me. I had not heard of her before coming to MND. But after reading her story, I find her to be truly inspiring and I'm beyond happy that she is getting the recognition she deserves. As a student of the Notre Dame Community, it would be so special to witness this once-in-a-lifetime experience as we celebrate someone who is such an integral part of this community. Sister Dorothy dedicated her life to protecting and standing up for the people of Brazil. Her mission inspires me to advocate for justice and peace, especially in areas where many people don’t have a voice. This trip would allow me to learn more about Sister Dorothy and get a first hand experience on how her actions affected people. Through this, I will feel inspired to do the same.