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James Martin, S.J.December 02, 2010

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.

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RICH BRODERICK
14 years 8 months ago
Thank you for keeping the memory and witness of these four women alive in the North American church. I was privileged to be among a group of 70 people at St. John's / Ann's church in Albany, NY, one of whom was Michael Clark cousin to Maura, who in a profound and prayerful  way, brought their spirit into our hearts. We offer our lives to the ongoing works of justice in their names.
FRANK SIROKY DR
14 years 8 months ago
Thank you, Thank you Fr. Jim

An inspiring way to star my day.  and I second the request by Mr Killoan.

And, since we have individuals now in positions of power, and who, apparently, are Catholics committed to the teaching fo the Church - perhaps a campaign (letter, blog, email, personall
visits, etc.) targeting them with the positinve, and uplifiting message of the church exemplified by these people, mbith be useful.

David Pasinski
14 years 8 months ago
As someone who was dramatically affected by this event and martyrdom - and in subsequent volunteering for service with Maryknoll - this anniversary brings many treasured and painful feelings.  It truly was another era of commitment within the Church and its then sense of "option for the poor" - and its possible ultimate cost.  I join with so many, including their friends and colleagues at Maryknoll whom I grew to know a bit, in honoring their loving service and memory. "Presente."
Vince Killoran
14 years 8 months ago
Thank you Fr. Jim.

Have you thought about a "Book of Prayers for the Modern World"?  That would be warmly received. 
ANN JOHNSON
14 years 8 months ago
I shall never forget the front page of the Washington Post on Dec. 3, 1980 with its picture of Amb. White and some Maryknoll nuns kneeling in prayer. There were so very many deaths in El Salvador, and I do not believe that our government has ever told anywhere near the whole story of its involvement in supporting those who carried out the murders.

The horror of that story should remind all of us that being a martyr is something very much a part of our time. The Church may not have canonized the four women, but I believe Fr. Martin is right to refer to them as ''saints''. RIP

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