Sister Dorothy as a Peacemaker

Reflection Site #6: International Peace Museum
(Group reflection/reading best done in the entrance lobby off of Ludlow, with all visiting the museum afterwards.)

Introduction: The International Peace Museum was founded in 2004 by local Daytonians. It emerged from a commitment to peace and nonviolence inspired by Dayton’s legacy in global diplomacy. It is dedicated to inspiring peace, understanding, and positive change through education, art, and community engagement. Shortly after her death, the International Peace Museum curated a permanent digital exhibit featuring Sister Dorothy. Several items that once belonged to her are also on display.   

Reflection: Timber ranches and sawmills had sprung up near the small town of Anapu. Yet, there was little work in the town, and scores were pushed further into the forest. Dorothy followed right along. She moved to the outskirts of the town and, with her charismatic style, built more communities. A sister and two laywomen inspired by her work came to live with her. They divided into teams. Dorothy began the process by gathering settlers into communities, the other sister taught religious education to adults and the laywomen taught the boys and girls.

In a short time, Dorothy had hundreds of farmers willing to stand up and fight for their rights. During the summer of 1991, Dorothy, with leaders from local organizations, mobilized a large group to demand more financial aid for Anapu. Prices were rising, and jobs were few. One young farmer cried, "I can't celebrate our annual Field Workers' Day (July 25th). Even with my rice crop, I can't... buy a change of clothes. I am destitute."

In October, 360 families boarded buses and traveled the Trans-Amazonian Highway for more than 600 miles, accompanied by Dorothy and other supporters. First, they went to Belém, and then moved on to Brasilia, the country’s capital. They carried flour, beans and rice, pots and pans, and wood for fires; they did all their own cooking along the way. 

By day, they marched in front of government buildings; they held colorful homemade banners and signs. At night, they ate together and sang songs of unity and hope such as: 

This struggle is ours. This struggle is the peoples. 

It is with justice that we will build a new world. 

They slept in tents in the parks. They washed in the fountains, hanging shower curtains on poles so that people might have privacy.

One day, in Brasilia, the men lay down on the sidewalk and, with their bodies, spelled out, "Transamazonica will not wait anymore." The radio and television reporters loved it, and eventually, the Brazilian president and the various ministers of health, education, roads, and finance responded to the people’s demands. When the farmers of Anapu received funding weeks later, Dorothy heaved a sigh of relief.

Beatitude: Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called children of God.

Pope Francis: If everything is related, then the health of the society’s institutions has consequences for the environment and the quality of human life. …Within each social stratum and between them, institutions develop to regulate human relationships.  Anything which weakens institutions has negative consequences, such as injustice, violence, and loss of freedom. (QA #23)

Sister Dorothy: We are a global people – one family. A deep Christian value is sharing. I am an instrument to help them come together. I am a person free to do that.

Together we pray: Sister Dorothy and all martyrs, pray for our courage to respond to the needs of our day and time. As God’s children, may we always choose the way of justice, peace and Creation Care.