From Fr John Dear in the National Catholic reporter: Dec. 2 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the abduction, rape and killing of four U.S. churchwomen in El Salvador -- Maryknoll Srs. Ita Ford and Maura Clarke, Ursuline Sr. Dorothy Kazel, and Maryknoll lay missioner Jean Donovan.
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So much has happened in the thirty years since -- beginning with the deaths of millions and millions of more poor people around the planet, the ongoing warmaking of the United States, and the ongoing collapse of the institutional church.
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As we remember these great churchwomen and do what we can for justice and peace, I think...our lives too will be filled with meaning.
30 years already? It doesn't seem that long ago that I heard the horrifying news. Please read Fr John's entire column in the NCR.
Almighty God, you called your servants Ita, Maura, Dorothy, and Jean to be voices for the voiceless poor, and to give their lives as a seed of freedom and a sign of hope in El Salvador: Grant that, inspired by their sacrifice and their example, we may without fear or favor witness to your Word who abides, your Word who is Life, even Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be praise and glory now and for ever. Amen.
(Adapted from the prayer for the feast day of Roman Catholic Archbishop Oscar Romero, of El Salvador, whom the Episcopal Church commemorates on March 24. This past March was the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Romero as he celebrated the Eucharist.)
Thanks to Rmj at Adventus for the reminder of the anniversary.
Image from A Nun's Life.
