About the Sisters News
In 2018, our paths beautifully intersected when University of Notre Dame computer science student Bridget Hart felt called to research Sister Dorothy Stang's transformative mission in Brazil. Working alongside Sister Judith Clemens, SNDdeN, Bridget captured how Sister Dorothy lived our mission of making God's goodness known – walking with people made poor while protecting their homes in the Amazon rainforest.
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.
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 environment continues to inspire climate action and solidarity.
We invite you to read the Vatican News article published 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 Sister Dorothy, have given their lives in service of 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.
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.
Join us for a LIVE stream of a prayer service as we commission the reliquary of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. EST from the Mount Notre Dame Chapel in Cincinnati, Ohio. This sacred event prepares the relic for induction into the Sanctuary of New Martyrs at the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all’Isola. During the service, those traveling to Rome, including Ohio Province leaders, students, and family members, will receive a blessing for safe travels.
Learn how the Ohio and Nigerian Associates of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur connected across continents for Nigeria’s First National Convention of Associates. Explore their shared mission, discussions on self-care, prayer, and community, and the global bonds of faith and service.
The film Duas Vidas e Uma só Causa ("Two Lives, One Cause") tells the intertwined stories of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, and Dorothy Day, focusing on their shared commitment to justice and care for marginalized communities. Highlighting their dedication to environmental stewardship, human rights, and advocacy, the film explores how each woman left a lasting legacy of courage and compassion. Both Dorothys inspire viewers to reflect on the importance of living with purpose and actively working towards a more just and peaceful world.
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur ask for prayers for the repose of the soul of Sister Mary Adele White, SNDdeN, who passed away on December 25, 2024.
Sister Dorothy Stang, a Dayton native and member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, was tragically murdered in 2005 while advocating for the Amazon rainforest and its communities. To honor her legacy, a relic containing blood-soaked soil from the site of her martyrdom will be enshrined at the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola in Rome. This ceremony, scheduled for January 10, 2025, will recognize her as the first American woman honored in the Sanctuary of the New Martyrs.
A relic from Sister Dorothy Stang's death site will be displayed in Rome's Sanctuary of New Martyrs early 20 years after her murder. A Dayton native and member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Sister Dorothy was an advocate for Amazon preservation and social justice. Soil from her murder site and a sweater tied to her legacy will be inducted following a prayer service in Cincinnati on January 5. Her courage and commitment continue to inspire. This was reported by WDTN Channel 2.
Mount Notre Dame High School students, faculty, and alumni will travel to Rome to honor Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, on the 20th anniversary of her martyrdom. A relic of her blood-stained soil will be installed at the Basilica of San Bartolomeo, inspiring students to carry forward her legacy of faith, courage, and social justice. Read the full article in the Catholic Telegraph January 2025 Edition.
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Ohio recently filled a reliquary with blood-soaked soil from the site of the murder of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN. Set to be installed in a Sanctuary of the New Martyrs in Rome, the relic represents the life and sacrifice of the missionary to Brazil who gave her life for her faith. Stang will be honored by the Community of Sant'Egidio in Rome, Italy, on January 10, 2025, at the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola one month before the 20th anniversary of her martyrdom.
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur invite you to join our next Live The Good opportunity. In alignment with the Dorothy Stang Initiative and the Sisters’ commitment to reducing the use of plastics, we will be writing letters to several local and national stores asking them to provide eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags. This opportunity will be held at the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Ohio Province have signed the Advent Not Arms letter, calling for peace in the Middle East through a suspension of arms sales to Israel, a ceasefire, and urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza. Organized by Churches for Middle East Peace, this letter reflects the Advent season's hope for justice, peace, and the sacredness of all life. Read the full letter and join us in prayer and action for peace.
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur ask for prayers for the repose of the soul of Sister Mary Bridget Murphy, SNDdeN, who passed away on December 7, 2024.
Check out the latest blog from Holly Schlaack, director of volunteer engagement, as she shares a heartwarming story about Sr. Betty Ann Zengel’s visit to a horse farm.
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur hosted an event exploring the insights of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Jesuit priest, scientist, and spiritual writer. Teilhard’s vision of the Eucharist integrates evolution and faith, calling us to see God in creation and our shared journey toward unity.
Explore prayerful reflection, advocacy, and education in this call to action inspired by Rev. Steven Charleston. Learn how to respond to pressing legislative concerns like the Energy Permitting Reform Act, Ohio's HB 451, and federal nonprofit policies. Discover community efforts for positive change, environmental justice, social justice, indigenous rights, climate action, and nonprofit advocacy.
Reflect on the spirit of Christmas and its call to be Christ-centered by putting others first. Explore how the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur live this call daily through sacrifice, service, and love, bringing Christ into the world. Join us in making every day Christmas through faith and action.
Discover a heartfelt prayer celebrating God's grace and creation, paired with autumn wisdom on preserving insect habitats. Learn how small changes in fall yard care can protect pollinators and native species while fostering balance in nature. Actionable tips included.