Today is the 30th anniversary of the martyrdom of four American churchwomen who worked among the poor in El Salvador: Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, two Maryknoll Sisters; Dorothy Kazel, an Ursuline Sister; and Jean Donovan, a Maryknoll Lay Missioner.  The story of their work for justice is here.  Also, Maryknoll has produced a video here.  There are many fine books on the four martyrs, including The Same Fate as the Poor, written by a Maryknoll Sister. 

May all Christians who work for social justice find inspiration in their work.  May all who dismiss social justice as not a part of the Christian life see their sacrifice.  May we all take the side of the marginalized, as Christ did.  May Holy Martyrs Maura, Ita, Dorothy and Jean, pray for us.

The Rev. James Martin, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, author, editor at large at America and founder of Outreach.