Sister Dorothy Stang dedicated her life to fighting deforestation and advocating for small farmers in the Amazon. She was assassinated in 2005 at age 73 but left a lasting legacy, with communities continuing her fight for land rights and sustainable living. Sister Dorothy remains a symbol of hope and resilience, despite ongoing violence in the region.
Sister Dorothy Stang, a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, dedicated decades of her life to combating deforestation and advocating for the rights of small farmers in the Amazon region. Her tireless efforts placed her in peril, culminating in her assassination at the age of 73 on 12 February 2005, as she held a Bible in her hands.
According to Sister Jane Dwyer, a long-time collaborator of Sister Dorothy, her legacy continues to resonate, with numerous people attributing their farming success to her, often saying, “I got this cocoa plant from Dorothy. This is Dorothy’s palm.” The impact of her work has left a lasting impression in the hearts of the impoverished communities she served.
Sister Kátia Webster, also an SNDdeN sister, reflects on Sister Dorothy’s love for both humanity and nature, emphasizing that her spirituality revolved around protecting the environment. She stated, “To protect nature and connect with all creatures was the central focus of her spirituality.” Sister Dorothy arrived in Brazil in 1966, where she devoted herself to serving underserved populations in the Amazon basin.
During her early years, Sister Dorothy helped marginalized farmers prepare their land. Driven by compassion, she followed migrant workers escaping military dictatorship promises and subsequently lived with impoverished families in Anapú, a settlement near Rio Xingú. Together with her religious companions, she worked to secure promised resources and rights for these communities.
Despite their efforts, community demands were often neglected, favoring large landowners over small farmers. The struggle for land ownership was perilous; large landowners’ resistance resulted in violence against the farmers trying to establish their rights, as highlighted by Sister Dwyer. However, Dorothy’s support enabled many families to stake claims to their land.
Life improved for residents, who began practicing organic farming and coexisting peacefully with nature, but the situation escalated after the state recognized their land in 2004. Following this, Sister Dorothy was attacked and murdered by gunmen while en route to a new settlement on 12 February 2005. Witness accounts noted that she shared a passage from the Sermon on the Mount with her assailants before her death.
Despite her tragic passing, her community vigil remained unbroken; locals upheld their promise to stand by her side until the authorities arrived hours later. In the aftermath of her funeral, mourners expressed a sentiment of perseverance, stating, “We are not burying Dorothy. We are planting her.” Two decades later, her influence lives on in new settlements and communities that emphasize harmonious living with nature.
Although justice for Sister Dorothy has not been fully realized, her legacy continues to inspire hope in those who remember her sacrifices. Eighteen murders related to land disputes have occurred in Anapú since her death, indicating ongoing tensions. However, the impact of Sister Dorothy Stang’s life and work remains a powerful force for change in the region.
Sister Dorothy Stang’s enduring legacy is marked by her commitment to the environment and the rights of the marginalized. Her assassination serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by advocates for justice in land rights. Despite the violence and ongoing challenges in the Amazon, her influence persists, inspiring individuals and communities to continue fighting for a more equitable existence and caring for the earth. Sister Dorothy’s life work represents a powerful narrative of resilience, hope, and dedication.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
