By Angela E. Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 3/10/05)

For more than 30 years, Notre Dame Sister Dorothy Stang fought for the rights of poor farmers and peasants in Brazil against large landowners and logging operations. One of the many death threats she received came to fruition on Feb. 12 as she was murdered for her work with human rights in the Amazon.

To honor her death and remember Sister Dorothy, Education for Parish Service (EPS) sponsored a memorial Mass March 3 at St. Thomas à Becket Church in Reston. EPS, founded by Notre Dame Sisters, also grieved the death of Sister Dorothy with her sister, Marguerite Hohm, an EPS graduate.

"We see EPS not as a program, but as a family," said Notre Dame Sister Mary Ann Cook, EPS president. When someone in the family, such as Hohm, sees tragedy, they help as much as possible.

"Dorothy must have had joy on her lips when she was shot," Hohm said. "That was her mission." Hohm believes her sister kept her eyes on the prize and remained focused in her lifetime.

"You’re always devastated, but I wasn’t too shocked," said Hohm about her sister’s death. The family knew that Sister Dorothy had been living in a dangerous situation for many years. The family understood the danger, but still supported her mission.

"My mother was into social justice issues," she said. While growing up, it was part of their lives.

Hohm said that once when she was visiting Sister Dorothy in 1986, she witnessed a death threat. A man came up to them while they were eating at a café, said he recognized Sister Dorothy and that they were "going to get her." Since the mid-’80s, the wealthy ranchers have terrorized the people with violence, Hohm said.

"The wealthy people in Brazil feel they can get away with it," Hohm said, adding that she doubts those responsible for her sister’s murder will be caught.

Hohm last saw her sister two months ago when she visited Brazil for Sister Dorothy’s acceptance of a human rights award. Near this time, Sister Dorothy had asked for government protection but never received it. Since her death, the fighting continues and five more innocent people have been killed.

"There are so many problems in Brazil," Hohm said. But the people there are hopeful. The plight of the Brazilian poor has gained international news coverage after the nun’s death.

"This is a celebration of thanksgiving to God for her life and the powerful witness of her death," said Sister Cook at the memorial Mass. "We pray that our own commitment to justice and compassion be renewed and strengthened."

Franciscan Father John Koziol celebrated the Mass and began by reminding those gathered that we all have a call to speak out against evil and to stand for what is right and good, just as Sister Dorothy did.

"She was a voice who was willing to speak out," he said. Because of that she was marked as someone hindering "progress."

Father Koziol encouraged the congregation to follow Sister Dorothy’s example and be compassionate toward the poor.

"Do we speak out and condemn injustice when we see it? Do we speak for those who have no power?" he asked, adding that if more people would, the world will be transformed.

"Sister Dorothy’s witness to the Gospel encourages us to live out our baptismal commitment with courage," said Father Koziol. "The blood of the martyrs bears fruits. Not only is her death significant, it will continue to promote justice and peace."

According to Sister Cook, those fruits can already be seen. Sister Dorothy’s death has drawn attention to her cause, and the federal government in Brazil sent troops into the area to protect the people.

"This is an opportunity to put Sister Dorothy’s life and work before our EPS students," Sister Cook said. "That’s what our course on Catholic social teaching is about."

Sister Dorothy’s life is an example of how difficult it is to live this teaching.

"I hope our students will find some way of reaching out to people in Brazil," she said.

Donations to help Brazil Mission may be sent in memory of Sister Dorothy Stang to 701 E. Columbia Ave., Reading, Ohio 45215.