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]