Day 9: Sr. Dorothy Stang Novena

Wednesday, February 12, 2020, marks the 15th anniversary of the murder of Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and graduate of Julienne High School (1949).  To celebrate the anniversary of her martyrdom and to carry on her legacy, the Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School community will be praying a novena in her honor.  The daily text is below.  To learn more about Sr. Dorothy, click this link.

February 12

Today is the 15^th  anniversary of the death of Sr. Dorothy Stang.  

From the Gospel of Matthew we hear: “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven.”

Sr. Dorothy said: "My heart screams joy. But I need patience as it [reform] can't happen overnight. How to maintain hope has been a challenge. I have to be with these people. If it means my life, I want to give my life."

Dorothy, they did speak lies about you, and persecute you and eventually murder you. They tried to silence you, but through your death, you became the "seed that fell to the ground." And your passion for the earth and love for the poor has sprouted! Your life and work are known worldwide and continue to provide a spotlight on injustice in the rainforest and continue to be an inspiration to many.

Today’s Suggested Action:

Choose one act of kindness today – either for another person or for the earth – and go and do it in memory of Sr. Dorothy and as a way to proclaim “How Good is the Good God!”

Prayer:

God of All Goodness,

At Sr. Dorothy’s funeral, it was remarked that she was not buried, but planted. 

Take the seed that was Sr. Dorothy’s life and death, and let it grow into a great harvest of justice for the poor and oppressed.  May her life serve as an example to each of us, so that we may hear the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth and work to protect all people and all creation.  Like Sr. Dorothy did in her life, may we work to build up the Kingdom of God here on earth as it is in heaven.  May Sr. Dorothy continue to inspire us, and may her life’s work carry on through each of us.  This we ask through Christ, Our Lord.  Amen.

May the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.  Amen.

[The text of this Novena is adapted from https://www.sndohio.org/sister-dorothy/dorothy-stang-novena]

Day 8: Sr. Dorothy Stang Novena

Wednesday, February 12, 2020, marks the 15th anniversary of the murder of Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and graduate of Julienne High School (1949).  To celebrate the anniversary of her martyrdom and to carry on her legacy, the Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School community will be praying a novena in her honor.  The daily text is below.  To learn more about Sr. Dorothy, click this link.

February 11

From the Gospel of Matthew we hear: “Blessed are those persecuted for holiness' sake; the reign of God is theirs.”

Sr. Dorothy said: "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."

Sr. Dorothy lived in the shadow of death, knowing that there were many who wanted to stop the good work she was accomplishing.  But she chose not to live in fear.  Rather, she lived with courage.  She always wanted to be a missionary, and in Brazil she was a light that radiated God’s goodness in the midst of great darkness.  Her light continues to shine in the people whose lives she touched and in our own lives. 

Today’s suggested action:

Dorothy stepped out of her secure American mid-western world to accompany the farmers of the Amazon. What small step can you take outside of your comfort zone to accompany someone in need?

Prayer:

Today’s prayer is a reflection on Psalm 130

Out of the depths, I call to you –

out of the hunger of the poor, out of their thirst

out of their dying

out of the fear of families forced

from their homes and farms

out of the patience of those

working for justice.

May your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

Hear my cry!

If you mark our sins, who can stand?

If you mark our greed and restless search

for more than what we need?

If you mark our silent complicity in the wars

of our world?

If you mark our racism and tribalism

however crude or subtle?

But with you is forgiveness

and in forgiveness is our healing

for to be forgiven is to learn to forgive.

We wait with longing for you.

We wait for your healing words.

More than sentinels for daybreak, we look for you.

For with you is kindness and full redemption.

You will redeem us from our darkness.

May the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.  Amen.

[The text of this Novena is adapted from https://www.sndohio.org/sister-dorothy/dorothy-stang-novena]

Day 7: Sr. Dorothy Stang Novena

Wednesday, February 12, 2020, marks the 15th anniversary of the murder of Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and graduate of Julienne High School (1949).  To celebrate the anniversary of her martyrdom and to carry on her legacy, the Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School community will be praying a novena in her honor.  The daily text is below.  To learn more about Sr. Dorothy, click this link.

February 10

From the Gospel of Matthew we hear: “Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called children of God.”

Sr. Dorothy said: "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."

In 1992, Dorothy experienced a sense of this world community when she met other "green" advocates from around the world. "She returned to [Brazil] bursting with passion and full of fresh ideas. The world was finally concerned about the destruction of the rainforests around the globe—or so she thought. She spoke enthusiastically in the villages and communities."[1]

Today’s suggested action:

Choose one thing that you can change in your daily life so that you will be gentler on the earth.  Then, go and put it into practice.

Prayer:

Lord God, sometimes I ask myself:

Who will speak for the poor and the broken and for the peoples oppressed? Who will speak so these voices are heard? Who will speak if we don't? Who will care for the forests and the creatures? Who will protect the precious land, the great rivers, the birds and the plants? Who will act if we don’t?

Lord God, help me be an instrument of justice and peace. Help me to speak and act, for I am a person free to do that.  Amen.

May the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.  Amen.

[The text of this Novena is adapted from https://www.sndohio.org/sister-dorothy/dorothy-stang-novena]

---

[1] (Excerpt from: "A Journey of Courage: The Amazing Story of Sister Dorothy Stang" by Michele Murdock)

Day 6: Sr. Dorothy Stang Novena

Wednesday, February 12, 2020, marks the 15th anniversary of the murder of Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and graduate of Julienne High School (1949).  To celebrate the anniversary of her martyrdom and to carry on her legacy, the Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School community will be praying a novena in her honor.  The daily text is below.  To learn more about Sr. Dorothy, click this link.

February 9

From the Gospel of Matthew we hear: “Blessed are the single-hearted: for they shall see God.”

Sr. Dorothy said: "I know they want to kill me, but I will not go away. My place is here alongside these people who are constantly humiliated by persons who consider themselves powerful."

Sr. Dorothy’s single-heartedness came from always keeping her gaze on Jesus Christ crucified. In seeing Jesus on the cross, she saw all the “crucified people” whom she loved, lived beside and worked to protect.  This gave her courage to forge ahead when meeting opposition on every side. 

Today’s suggested action:

Take time to listen to nature communicating with you. Delight in a bird’s song. Stand still and feel the wind caress your face. Look at and be bathed by the beauty of a sunset. While doing this, ask yourself: Who do I need to reach out to and walk beside this week?

Prayer:

Jesus, you too were constantly humiliated and challenged by the powerful. Yet, you always spoke the Truth. We ask for the grace to speak up on behalf of the powerless. We pray for the grace to continue to "see," understand and act on behalf of environmental justice.  Be with us, Lord, as we continue Sr. Dorothy’s work today.  Amen.

May the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.  Amen.


[The text of this Novena is adapted from https://www.sndohio.org/sister-dorothy/dorothy-stang-novena]

Day 5: Sr. Dorothy Stang Novena

Wednesday, February 12, 2020, marks the 15th anniversary of the murder of Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and graduate of Julienne High School (1949).  To celebrate the anniversary of her martyrdom and to carry on her legacy, the Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School community will be praying a novena in her honor.  The daily text is below.  To learn more about Sr. Dorothy, click this link.

February 8

From the Gospel of Matthew we hear: “Blessed are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.”

Sr. Dorothy said: "We can’t talk about the poor. We must be poor with the poor and then there is no doubt how to act."

Sr. Dorothy did not think that mercy was just something to talk about, but rather it is something to be lived.  By walking with her neighbors, by talking with them, by supporting them, by assisting them in their daily struggles she showed and lived mercy.  As a final act of mercy, she read the Beatitudes to her would-be assassins, letting go of herself and preaching the Kingdom of God to them.              

Today’s suggested action:

The gifts of this earth are for everyone. Do you have more than you need? This week sort through your excess and donate something to a charity that serves the poor.

Prayer

Today’s prayer is a reflection on Psalm 125

You surround us like mountains

you keep us safe and secure.

When we trust you, we, too, are like the mountains

unshakable and enduring.

You are strength.

You are protection.

You are mercy.

You offer your riches to every one of us –

rich, poor, believer, non-believer

we are one in your heart.

Help us give, in turn, to others.

Peace be upon all people.

May the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.  Amen.

[The text of this Novena is adapted from https://www.sndohio.org/sister-dorothy/dorothy-stang-novena]

Day 4: Sr. Dorothy Stang Novena

Wednesday, February 12, 2020, marks the 15th anniversary of the murder of Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and graduate of Julienne High School (1949).  To celebrate the anniversary of her martyrdom and to carry on her legacy, the Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School community will be praying a novena in her honor.  The daily text is below.  To learn more about Sr. Dorothy, click this link.

February 7

From the Gospel of Matthew we hear: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice; they shall have their fill.”

Sr. Dorothy said: "Our Gospel response calls us to take risks among our people. They don't have this privilege or they would be killed if they resist openly --indeed, they are killed."

Sister Dorothy had a passion for justice expressed over almost 40 years of struggle for the poor farmers and for the integrity of the rain forest. Hundreds of people lost their lives, their homes, their crops and animals to the violence of illegal ranchers and loggers, but she doggedly pushed on. She knew the risks she was taking, knowing that there was a $25,000 bounty on her head.  Like Sr. Dorothy, let us never give up in our work for justice and peace.  We may not have death threats, but we can continue to work patiently, courageously and joyfully for justice and peace. 

Today’s suggested action:

Pick one issue where justice and peace is needed, and learn one thing about it.  Share that new knowledge with someone else.

Prayer:

Good and gracious God, we pray for the safety of our Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who are still working in Brazil. We pray for the people for whom they continue the dangerous work of accompaniment. We ask that you change the hearts of those who perpetuate violence in Brazil. We also pray for ourselves, that we be faithful to the practice of justice and peace in our communities and in responding to the needs of others. This we ask through Christ, Our Lord.  Amen.

May the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.  Amen.

[The text of this Novena is adapted from https://www.sndohio.org/sister-dorothy/dorothy-stang-novena]

Day 3: Sr. Dorothy Stang Novena

Wednesday, February 12, 2020, marks the 15th anniversary of the murder of Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and graduate of Julienne High School (1949).  To celebrate the anniversary of her martyrdom and to carry on her legacy, the Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School community will be praying a novena in her honor.  The daily text is below.  To learn more about Sr. Dorothy, click this link.

February 6

From the Gospel of Matthew we hear: “Blessed are the lowly: they shall inherit the earth.”

Sr. Dorothy said: "We need to be poor with the poor and re-appropriate a kind and tender relationship with Mother-Earth. Then we will know how to act."

As a child, Sr. Dorothy lived on a farm here in the Dayton area.  Sr. Dorothy’s kind and tender relationship with the earth was engendered in her by her father who taught her to love the earth, to smell its warm, rich soil and to rejoice in what it produced. From her mother, she learned love and generosity for those who have less.  Sr. Dorothy’s wisdom of sustainable farming and protecting the least among us has gone far from the land of Ohio, to the richness of the Amazon.

Today’s suggested action:

Plant something; a seed or hope in someone's heart. Enjoy a delicious fruit given to you by "Mother Earth who is so tender and kind."

Prayer:

Let us pray:  God of Creation, We pray that those who work with the land--from the Ohio Valley, to the fertile fields of California, Florida and Brazil--be treated justly and with respect.  We also pray that we might have a more profound respect for all the Earth, our Common Home.  Help us to see the beauty of your creation, and work to protect it for all peoples.  This we ask through Christ, Our Lord.  Amen.

May the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.  Amen.

[The text of this Novena is adapted from https://www.sndohio.org/sister-dorothy/dorothy-stang-novena]

Day 2: Sr. Dorothy Stang Novena

Wednesday, February 12, 2020, marks the 15th anniversary of the murder of Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and graduate of Julienne High School (1949).  To celebrate the anniversary of her martyrdom and to carry on her legacy, the Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School community will be praying a novena in her honor.  The daily text is below.  To learn more about Sr. Dorothy, click this link.

February 5

From the Gospel of Matthew we hear: “Blessed are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled.”

Sr. Dorothy said: "I don't want to flee, nor do I want to abandon the battle of the farmers who live without any protection in the forest."

Sr. Dorothy heard the cry of the sorrowful: those who were downcast; those who were persecuted; those who were rejected by others.  She also heard the cry coming from the earth that was being exploited in her beloved Amazon forest.  But this didn’t get her down.  She practiced simple kindness everyday, and in doing so she offered consolation to those who needed it the most. 


Today’s suggested action: 
Look around your part of the world. Where is someone crying out in sorrow?  Today offer a small kindness or consolation in a place where it is needed, just as Sr. Dorothy did every day.


Prayer:

Jesus –

a man the children loved,

a kind man

who healed 

and freed the lame to walk again

and the blind to see,

who consoled the sorrowing.

He was a quiet man

enraged by money changers 

in his Father’s temple,

by their arrogance and grabbing asperity,

by the stink of sickened animals.

Dare I be like him –

loved

kind

a consoler –

and enraged?

May the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.  Amen.

[The text of this Novena is adapted from https://www.sndohio.org/sister-dorothy/dorothy-stang-novena]

Day 1: Sr. Dorothy Stang Novena

Wednesday, February 12, 2020, marks the 15th anniversary of the murder of Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and graduate of Julienne High School (1949).  To celebrate the anniversary of her martyrdom and to carry on her legacy, the Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School community will be praying a novena in her honor.  The daily text is below.  To learn more about Sr. Dorothy, click this link.

February 4

From the Gospel of Matthew we hear: "Blessed are the poor in spirit; the reign of God is theirs."

Sr. Dorothy said: "If we strip ourselves of all our extras that consume so much of our time and thoughts…our left-over time is no longer colored and it is no longer hard to give a Gospel response."

Sr. Dorothy lived in great simplicity. She didn’t own much and always traveled light. Yet, she radiated joy and found happiness in simple things, like God’s creation. One of her prized possessions, was a well-worn Bible that she always carried. She reminds us that God alone is enough, and here we see her poverty of spirit at its best.


Today’s suggested action:
Sister Dorothy loved nature. Take time this week to let go of things for a moment and marvel at the beauty of nature.


Prayer:
Generous and compassionate God, help us to learn how to simplify and focus our lives in order to be more available to others. Increase our consciousness of your Presence in our lives and help us to trust in you alone. This we ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

May the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary. Amen.

[The text of this Novena is adapted from https://www.sndohio.org/sister-dorothy/dorothy-stang-novena]