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 dedicated her life to serving alongside communities in Brazil that were made poor and advocating for preserving the Amazon rainforest. Her ultimate sacrifice on February 12, 2005, standing firm in her commitment to justice, continues to inspire people worldwide. We will share one student's essay daily as we count down to February 12, 2025, the 20th anniversary of Sister Dorothy's martyrdom.
ESSAY 1. Tess B.
It would be an honor to be chosen to participate in this trip because I have always been very interested in Italy and all the different churches and basilicas. I am a very "go with the flow" kind of person and I am very inclusive. I have always wanted to explore Europe so I will really take this trip as an advantage to immerse myself in the culture.
I would tell someone who has never heard of Sister Dorothy Stang that she is an example of someone who put their entire trust in God. She was completely fearless during her life and devoted her life to help impoverished communities in Brazil. Even though it was not safe there, she still went multiple times to help because she knew that the people needed her. Her decision to go back to Brazil risked her life and she was later shot by two men. One thing that is so powerful is that she took out her Bible when the men approached her before ending her life. That really does show that she trusted God in all times and did not live with fear in her heart.
This opportunity to witness Sister Dorothy's recognition as a Christian martyr means so much to me because she has always been my favorite person to learn about during my religion classes. One thing that I will never forget, is during my junior year, my religion class went over to the convent to interview the sisters about Sister Dorothy. I had the opportunity to interview Sister Jo (Jo Ann Depweg) and that interview has always resonated with me. She knew Sister Dorothy very well and told an amazing story about her that really described her bravery. From then on, I learned how impactful her life story is. I definitely see this trip deepening my faith because I have never really got to experience anything other than a church service. Seeing all these religious buildings and basilicas and learning about each one of them will teach me so much more than what I learn at church.