This article reflects on the life and legacy of Sister Dorothy Stang, who dedicated her efforts to fighting for the rights of small farmers and protecting nature in the Amazon region until her assassination in 2005. Her influence remains strong twenty years later, with ongoing struggles for justice and environmental preservation in Anapú.
Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, dedicated her life to combating deforestation and advocating for the rights of small farmers in the Amazon. Tragically, she was murdered at the age of 73 on February 12, 2005, while holding a Bible. Her legacy endures as she remains a symbol of hope for many who continue her mission amidst ongoing struggles in the region.
Sister Jane Dwyer, who worked alongside Sister Dorothy, reflects on the impact of her work in the Amazon. “Dorothy’s pockets were always filled with seeds,” she recalls, highlighting the ongoing influence of Dorothy’s legacy in promoting environmental stewardship.
Sister Kátia Webster also emphasizes Dorothy’s profound connection to nature as a key aspect of her spirituality. “To protect nature and connect with all creatures was the central focus of her spirituality,” she states, signifying Dorothy’s belief in harmonious coexistence.
Sister Dorothy began her mission in Brazil in 1966, initially supporting the poor in the outskirts of the Amazon basin. She dedicated years to aiding displaced farmers during a tumultuous period marked by military dictatorship. By establishing a mission in Anapú, she fought for essential services and land rights for poor families.
Despite escalated dangers from landowners and illegal loggers, Sister Dorothy inspired local families to adopt sustainable practices. A natural reserve was established in 2004, although this success incited further violence. “Large landowners cannot lose,” noted Sis. Dwyer, referring to their desperate measures against those advocating for land rights.
On the day of her assassination, Sister Dorothy was ambushed while traveling to a new settlement. Before her death, she shared a biblical passage related to persecution, embodying her faith until the end. “Dorothy died in the morning,” Sister Dwyer recalls, describing how the community vigilantly honored her memory until police arrived later in the day.
In the years following her murder, while numerous other violent incidents occurred in Anapú related to land disputes, the legacy of Sister Dorothy has lived on. Many settlements have emerged, named after her, as celebrations of resilience and hope in the ongoing fight for justice in the Amazon.
Sister Dorothy Stang’s life and untimely death serve as a testament to her unwavering commitment to environmental justice and the rights of marginalized communities. Her legacy persists as a symbol of hope, inspiring continued efforts to defend those causes despite the ongoing challenges faced by advocates in the Amazon.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
