Sister Dorothy as an Educator

Reflection Site #8: Butterfly Garden at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School - (or other appropriate location of your choice)

Reflection: Sister Dorothy was sometimes overcome with a terrible sadness.  How can people do this to the rainforest? Anger boiled up when she viewed the vast loss of greenery - the "lungs of the world" — and when she thought about the slaughter of animal species and the destruction of plants that held healing potential. It nearly made her physically ill.

"How to help the people recapture a relationship with Mother Earth that is tender and kind?" she wrote to her sister Maggie. She was determined to convince both the government and the small farmers of their responsibility for saving Brazil's Amazon. She sympathized that the people’s everyday needs made it hard for them to plan for the future. But they must, she thought.

While studying in California, Dorothy talked with new friends about the environment. She wept when she told them about the farmers' struggles and the destruction of the surrounding forest. Like indigenous peoples in many cultures, Dorothy believed that the forest and land are sacred and must be cared for. What the ranchers did was sinful. 

There was no disagreement. Dorothy felt so happy to be among like-minded friends. She relaxed, prayed with the group, swam in the ocean, and dabbled in art. Before she returned to Brazil, she visited her sister Maggie. Maggie said that, despite the cold weather, Dorothy took an hour walk each day. "I think that was part of her faith," she said, “to be out reflecting and reveling in nature.”

Beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Pope Francis: Let us sing as we go. May our struggles and concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope. (LS # 244)

Sister Dorothy: My heart screams joy, but I’m needing patience as reform can’t happen overnight. How to maintain hope alive has been a challenge. I have to be with these people. If it means my life, I want to give my life.

Together we pray: Sister Dorothy and all martyrs, pray for our courage to respond to the needs of our day and time.  Good God, deepen our humility and patience.  We offer our lives in service of the Gospel, trusting that new growth, like a garden and forest will happen in your time and way.

Questions for Reflection at the end of your Pilgrimage: 

• What insights do you take from this pilgrimage? 
• How might your life be different as a result of this journey?  
• What action steps can you take?  
• If in a group - share a blessing, or something you’re grateful for from this experience.

LIVE LIKE DOROTHY - wherever you are!

Dorothea Vive!  Dorothy Lives !