Dorothy Stang Legacy Continues ...

A personal reflection by Jim Savage recounting his transformative 1991 journey to the Amazon with Sister Dorothy Stang, sharing intimate memories of her dedication to the rainforest communities, her unwavering faith, and her human touch – from Bible discussions to baseball talks – before her martyrdom in 2005.

Reflection: International development coordinator Charles Câmara shares his efforts to spread awareness about Sister Dorothy Stang's eco-martyrdom in Sweden through newly published articles commemorating the 20th anniversary of her death

In a report published by Repórter Brazil on February 11, 2025, Bishop João Muniz Alves ordered the uncovering of Sister Dorothy Stang's memorial painting at Santa Luzia Church in Anapu, Pará. The painting had been hidden beneath cloth.

A recording of our special Mass commemorating the 20th anniversary of Sister Dorothy Stang's witness to God's goodness in the Amazon rainforest. This celebration honors her life and legacy as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur whose deep faith in God's presence in all creation led her to serve alongside people who were made poor in Brazil. Her spiritual conviction that protecting the Amazon and its people was sacred work guided her mission until her martyrdom on February 12, 2005.

RECORDING: Seeds of Inspiration: The Growing Legacy of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, February 10, 2025

Watch WDTN-TV coverage of our 'Seeds of Inspiration' event, celebrating Sister Dorothy Stang's enduring legacy of standing with communities facing poverty and environmental challenges in Brazil.

Students from Mount Notre Dame High School have crafted powerful reflections on justice, service, and faith in action as part of their application to attend the historic honoring of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, at the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola in Rome. Sister Dorothy, who dedicated her life to serving alongside communities in Brazil who were made poor and advocating for the preservation of the Amazon rainforest, was martyred on February 12, 2005. As we count down to the 20th anniversary of her sacrifice, we will share one student essay each day, glimpsing through their young voices the future of our mission – hearts truly as wide as the world.

Students from Mount Notre Dame High School have crafted powerful reflections on justice, service, and faith in action as part of their application to attend the historic honoring of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, at the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola in Rome. Sister Dorothy, who dedicated her life to serving alongside communities in Brazil who were made poor and advocating for the preservation of the Amazon rainforest, was martyred on February 12, 2005. As we count down to the 20th anniversary of her sacrifice, we will share one student essay each day, glimpsing through their young voices the future of our mission – hearts truly as wide as the world.

Students from Mount Notre Dame High School have crafted powerful reflections on justice, service, and faith in action as part of their application to attend the historic honoring of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, at the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola in Rome. Sister Dorothy, who dedicated her life to serving alongside communities in Brazil who were made poor and advocating for the preservation of the Amazon rainforest, was martyred on February 12, 2005. As we count down to the 20th anniversary of her sacrifice, we will share one student essay each day, glimpsing through their young voices the future of our mission – hearts truly as wide as the world.

In a meaningful gathering at the Notre Dame Mission Volunteer MidYear Conference, Sister Judi Clemens, SNDdeN shared her thoughts following a screening of "The Student, The Nun and the Amazon." Sister Judi recounted the powerful story of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, whose life embodied the congregation's commitment to serving where others may not choose to go.

Students from Mount Notre Dame High School have crafted powerful reflections on justice, service, and faith in action as part of their application to attend the historic honoring of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, at the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola in Rome. Sister Dorothy, who dedicated her life to serving alongside communities in Brazil who were made poor and advocating for the preservation of the Amazon rainforest, was martyred on February 12, 2005. As we count down to the 20th anniversary of her sacrifice, we will share one student essay each day, glimpsing through their young voices the future of our mission – hearts truly as wide as the world.

Students from Mount Notre Dame High School have crafted powerful reflections on justice, service, and faith in action as part of their application to attend the historic honoring of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, at the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola in Rome. Sister Dorothy, who dedicated her life to serving alongside communities in Brazil who were made poor and advocating for the preservation of the Amazon rainforest, was martyred on February 12, 2005. As we count down to the 20th anniversary of her sacrifice, we will share one student essay each day, glimpsing through their young voices the future of our mission – hearts truly as wide as the world.

Students from Mount Notre Dame High School have crafted powerful reflections on justice, service, and faith in action as part of their application to attend the historic honoring of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, at the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola in Rome. Sister Dorothy, who dedicated her life to serving alongside communities in Brazil who were made poor and advocating for the preservation of the Amazon rainforest, was martyred on February 12, 2005. As we count down to the 20th anniversary of her sacrifice, we will share one student essay each day, glimpsing through their young voices the future of our mission – hearts truly as wide as the world.

From the Global Sisters Report: Sister Dorothy Stang's relics honored at Rome's new martyrs' shrine, commemorating the Notre Dame de Namur sister's dedication to Amazon conservation and social justice. Her 20-year legacy of defending the poor and the environment continues to inspire climate action and solidarity.

U.S. Sister Dorothy Stang, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur from Dayton, Ohio, became the first woman honored among the "new martyrs of the Americas" at Rome's Basilica of St. Bartholomew on January 10, 2025. Sister Stang, killed in the Amazon in 2005 while advocating for land rights for people who are poor and sustainable development, had her relics placed alongside those of St. Oscar Romero. The ceremony included family and congregation leadership, who are now considering opening a sainthood cause for Sister Stang after initially focusing resources on continuing her work in Brazil, as reported by Catholic News Service, January 13, 2025.

We invite you to read the Vatican News article published on January 11, 2025, highlighting Sister Dorothy Stang's inclusion as the first U.S. woman in the memorial for modern martyrs. The ceremony, hosted by the Community of Sant'Egidio in Rome, honors those who, like Sr. Dorothy, have given their lives to serve God's people.

On January 10, 2025, the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola witnessed a profound moment as Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, was honored as a modern martyr. The Community of Sant'Egidio organized this meaningful ceremony to celebrate her extraordinary witness to God's goodness. Her legacy continues to inspire our mission of education, justice, and care for creation. View the recording here.

Recording of the symposium exploring women religious in climate action, featuring Sister Dorothy Stang's enduring legacy in ecological justice. Distinguished speakers from the Pontifical Gregorian University and global religious communities discuss Catholic social teaching, environmental stewardship, and faith-based climate advocacy. Concludes with historic Vespers service installing Sr. Dorothy's relic at Basilica San Bartolomeo.

In anticipation of the public ceremony to honor Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, as a modern martyr in Rome, @WDTN interviewed a student and teacher from Mount Notre Dame High School who traveled to Rome to attend the ceremony. View the ceremony recording on our website: https://bit.ly/DS-RomeCeremony

As a computer science student at the University of Notre Dame, Bridget Hart researched Sister Dorothy Stang's inspiring mission, working with Sister Judith Clemens, SNDdeN. Her paper shows how Sister Dorothy (1931-2005) lived our mission by educating and walking alongside people who were poor while protecting the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. We are grateful to Bridget for allowing us to share her work with the wider community.

Sister Rebeca Spires, SNDdeN, cherishes Sister Dorothy Stang’s sweater, which accompanies her story of courage and love for the Amazon’s people and land. Worn during the trials of Dorothy’s assassins, this second relic symbolizes her enduring mission for justice and peace. Learn more about her legacy.

This reflection, written by Sister Judith Clemens, SNDdeN, for the January 5, 2025 Relic Prayer, honors the life and legacy of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN. It explores the enduring light of her martyrdom and her deep connection to the Beatitudes. As blood-soaked soil from the site of her sacrifice is sent to Rome, we are reminded of her steadfast dedication to God's favored ones: the poor, the meek, the merciful, and the peacemakers. Dorothy’s life challenges us to embrace God’s blessings, walk alongside the marginalized, and continue her journey of love and justice.