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]