Sister Dorothy as an Environmentalist. The Death of the Forest is the End of Our Lives.

Reflection Site #7: Dorothy’s Marker at Calvary Cemetery

Introduction: As the St. Kateri Tekakwitha natural burial area was developed, a new road, named Sister Dorothy Stang Way, was built and the marker placed on the southern edge, overlooking the new Columbarium and dedicated natural burial space. 

Reflection: Did Sister Dorothy make a difference? Sister Jane Dwyer, who worked with Dorothy and continues to work in Anapa with Sister Katy Webster, says, "She definitely made a difference in the lives of these people. And they will all tell you that. Had Dorothy not come to this part of the Amazon, had she not built schools and taught the people how to read and to come together, I don't think the people would be as strong and committed as they are today, and Anapu would not be the viable community that it is."

Did she die in vain? Definitely not. The news of Dorothy’s murder on February 12, 2005 circled the globe. Sisters Elizabeth Bowyer and Joan Krimm in Ohio were barraged by phone calls from Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Many people would never have known of Dorothy's work with the people of the Amazon had she not been killed by ranchers acting illegally.

The publicity surrounding the trials shed light on a major unresolved conflict that Brazil still faces: how can poor farmers and other landless citizens gain the right to ownership of their plots of earth and uphold a responsibility to care for the Amazon? Can they live in harmony with large, neighboring agribusiness farmers and ranchers who seek to control all of the land?

The struggle between poor and disenfranchised people and the rich, powerful ranchers will continue. However, many organizations worldwide have recognized Dorothy Stang for her human rights efforts, giving greater testimony to the difference she made. Notable is the prestigious United Nations Human Rights Prize, which was presented posthumously to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and Dorothy's brother, David Stang, in December 2008. This award is given every five years to a small, select group of activists for justice, peace, and freedom. It is significant that this international body has recognized Dorothy's fight, and it calls attention to the worldwide struggle to preserve the environment and provide a just homeland for all peoples.

When someone so loved and respected dies a violent death, we try to make sense of it. In Dorothy's case — undoubtedly a terrible tragedy — it seems that her life on earth is only a part of the story. Dorothy, like a fire extinguished too fast, has left behind hot coals that send up sparks of inspiration. Books, curriculum guides, films, plays, songs, and even an opera have been written about her. And a few young women she taught in Brazil are now Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in the Brazil Unit.

Dorothy’s passion for justice never diminished; it is a beacon in a heartless world. In 2000, Dorothy expressed her vision in a letter to her sister Maggie: "If we keep working, helping our people to grow through education, they will have the ability to speak up, organize, and create within themselves a spirit — guided by The Spirit — and a new people." Did she know she would become a martyr? She wrote to her family, "I might not see this day, but with the help of all of you, our people will grow in their understanding and caring for others. I have to be with these people. If it means my life, I want to give my life."

At the Anapu funeral, one farmer shouted, "Dorothea vive!"— Dorothy lives! 

Dorothy Stang gave up her life for others. But her spirit lives in the struggle she kindled for equality, respect, and sustainability.

Call to Prayer: In this cemetery lie the remains and memories of many beloved of Dayton. Many of us know loved ones buried here or may plan to be buried here as well.  We pause in prayerful reflection, joining with all who are part of the communion of saints in praying for our planet and people.  We invite them to intercede for us as we care for our common home today. 

We lift our hearts in gratitude for the lives and witness of Indigenous peoples—those rooted in the sacred lands of southwest Ohio, those deep in the lush Amazon rainforest, and others in communities around the globe. We honor their deep harmony with Mother Earth, their resilience and reverence for all creation.

We remember especially St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the "Lily of the Mohawks," whose life was a testament to holiness amid suffering, and who showed us how to walk gently upon the Earth. Born of both Mohawk and Algonquin heritage, she embodied the beauty of cultural identity united with a profound love for Christ and creation. Her legacy invites us into deeper communion with God and the Earth.

In solidarity, we pray with all Indigenous peoples, giving thanks for their wisdom, their stewardship of land and water, and their prophetic voice calling the world to justice, balance, and respect for all living things and what they teach us. May we learn from their example, listen with open hearts, encounter the sacredness of creation and join in the sacred work of healing and protecting our common home.

Beatitude: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Pope Francis: Everything is related, and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each creature and which also unites us in fond affection with brother sun, sister moon, brother river and mother earth. (LS #92)

Sister Dorothy: I light a candle and look at Jesus on the cross and ask for the strength to carry the suffering of the people. Don’t worry about my safety. The safety of the people is what’s important.

Together we pray:  
Sister Dorothy and all martyrs, pray for our courage to respond to the needs of our day and time.  Like you, as followers of Jesus’ way, may we take risks and not fear persecution for just causes.