February 12
Today is the 15th
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]
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