At Mount Notre Dame High School (MND), the legacy of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, is more than a chapter in history—it’s a call to action that shapes the school’s mission and inspires its students. Through a close partnership with her religious community, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, her story is brought to life for each new generation at MND. This month, 12 students will join over 20 faculty, alumni, sisters and community members in Rome to honor Sister Stang’s life during a special ceremony for the 20th anniversary of her assassination.

Shot by hired gunmen on February 12, 2005, Sister Stang, at age 73, was left to die on a muddy country road in the Amazon, where she defended the rights of poor settlers and worked to save the rainforest for nearly four decades. At MND, her story of courage inspires students year after year.

“Sister Dorothy’s compassion and service to the poor and vulnerable, her care for creation and her deep respect for the dignity of all people align closely with the hallmarks that guide MND,” said Jennifer Dodds, Director of Spiritual Development at MND. “Her life reminds us of the power of standing firm in one’s belief, even in the face of adversity.”

From their first year at MND, students build a relationship with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, in part by touring provincial offices and visiting retired sisters who live next to the school. By a student’s junior year, Sister Stang’s life is a focal point in their studies, and they read A Journey of Courage: The Amazing Life of Sister Dorothy Stang during their morality class, discussing it with a sister who knew her personally!

“From the moment I learned of Sister Dorothy’s murder, I have been moved by her story,” Dodds said. “I began to teach my students about her and did my best to inspire them to consider how they too, are called to put their faith into action.”

The trip to Rome is a milestone, for both the Mount Notre Dame community and students chosen to attend. “This trip provides a transformative experience for our students,” said Dodds. “It’s an opportunity to inspire them to think deeply about their own values and the ways they can make a difference in the world.”

The ceremony will be held at the Basilica of San Bartolomeo in Rome, the sanctuary of which was specially dedicated by St. Pope John Paul II for commemorating modern-day martyrs. There, Sister Stang will be the first woman from the U.S. honored as a Christian martyr, and San Bartolomeo will perpetually safeguard a relic of blood-stained soil from the place of her murder in the Amazon.

Sister Kathleen Harmon, SNDdeN, Provincial of the Ohio Province, will represent all Sisters of the Ohio Province at the event. This relic is so important in remembering Sister Stang’s life,” said Sister Harmon, because “as physical objects, relics remind us that these courageous, holy persons were real. What Dorothy did for God and others, we too can do.”

Dodds said she is most excited for the chance to see Sister Stang recognized in a sacred space like the Basilica of San Bartolomeo. “It’s a powerful reminder that faith in action can truly change the world,” she said. “I see this trip as a way to not only celebrate her legacy, but also inspire the next generation of leaders committed to social justice and faith-driven action.”

For the Mount Notre Dame community, this pilgrimage is more than a trip. It’s a testament to the enduring relevance of Sister Stang’s life—a beacon of courage and faith for generations to come.

“This trip is an opportunity to deepen our Mount Notre Dame community’s connection to Sister Dorothy and honor her in a tangible way,” Dodds explained. “It’s a reminder that one person’s courage and faith can resonate far beyond their lifetime.”

This article appeared in the January 2025 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.