The Martyr of Amazon inspires new social justice center at NDNU
Monai Montion
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: News
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Dorothy Stang was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, and, straight out of high school, she joined the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
After spending some time teaching at then College of Notre Dame, Stang moved to Brazil 40 years ago to help farmers near the Amazon build independent futures for their families.
She was shot to death on Feb. 12, 2005, at age 73. She was murdered in the Anapu Para a section of Brazil's Amazon rainforest. While on her way to a meeting with farmers, a hired gunman confronted Stang and asked her if she was carrying a weapon.
She reportedly opened her Bible and began to read from the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the poor in spirit… Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice…Blessed are the peacemakers."
They then shot her six times.
NDNU students, faculty and staff gathered in Cunningham Chapel on the third anniversary of her murder to celebrate Stang's life. Among the speakers were Dr. Gretchen Wehrle, Dr. Don Stannard-Friel, Christina Zigglioto, Father Thomas Splain, and Katherine Racine-Jones.
Wehrle said, "Dorothy Stang had a passion for everything she did" and talked about her dedication to her work and commitment to helping others in Brazil.
Stannard-Friel noted that four of the perpetrators were not sent to prison or charged with the crime. He compared her work fighting large corporations seeking to destroy the Amazon Rainforest to the battle against cigarette companies in the U.S.
"You shouldn't have to die to make a difference," he said.
Music was provided by Dexter Quito, who played the piano and sang a rendition of Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."
Stang began her ministry in Brazil in 1966, in Coroata in the state of Maranhao, where she helped set up schools in very simple settings. The teacher was the only person in the village who could read.
She helped the people develop better farming techniques that would be less damaging to the rainforest. She also worked for the Pastoral Land Commission, an organization of the Catholic Church to support peasants and workers and defend land reforms in Brazil.
Her death came less than a week after meeting with the country's human rights officials concerning threats to local farmers from illegal ranchers and loggers.
In June 2004, Stang was named Woman of the Year by the state of Para for her work in the Amazon region. December 2004, she received the Humanitarian of the Year award from the Brazilian Bar Association , and in early 2005, she received an Honorary Citizenship of the State award from the State of Para.
As another memorial to Stang, NDNU will dedicate the Dorothy Stang Center for Social Justice and Community Engagement with a ceremony from 6-9 p.m. March 19 in Ralston Hall. For further information or questions contact Stannard-Friel, at Ext. 3770 or Dstannardfriel@ndnu.edu.
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