Growing Community in Sister Dorothy Stang’s Memory

This article was published in our Winter 2024 issue of Sowing Goodness.

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In honor of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN a powerful transformation of the land has taken shape at the Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living Community in Worcester, Massachusetts. Sister Patricia (Patty) Butler, SNDdeN and Sister Paula Cormier, PBVM started the eponymous garden, symbolizing a living tribute to Sister Dorothy’s legacy. In April, community members from a local parish came to the assisted living community to help set up the garden and built six raised beds lled with soil. Seedlings were started in May, and by the end of summer, deliveries of abundant fresh produce reached people in need.

Sister Paula first proposed adding a garden to the community’s land. She wanted a space for residents and local community members to visit and get their hands dirty! When plans for the garden became concrete in February, around the anniversary of Sister Dorothy’s death, it seemed fitting to dedicate it to her. “Paula used these words: ‘It’s a dream garden, and it should be in memory of Sister Dorothy Stang,’” said Sister Patty.

Sister Patty was director of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Congregational mission support from 1990–2005, during which time Sister Dorothy worked in Brazil. Late at night, Sister Dorothy would call her, asking for money to fund projects supporting the farmers and ranchers in the Amazon.

“Sister Dorothy had such a huge vision,” said Sister Patty. “Her heart was bigger than herself. She just wanted her people not to be suffering from the ranchers who were cutting down the trees and ruining the land where they were farming.”

With Sister Dorothy’s help, the settlers of Para, Brazil, built a preserve-making factory and acquired telephone service in the jungle. She even helped plan a hydroelectric plant to be built in the forest.

“One day, I was in my once in Boston, and a big package of papers arrived. It was the blueprint for a hydroelectric plant. Her vision was huge,” Sister Patty said. “And today, they have a hydroelectric plant in the jungle. She did it.”

The cartons of assorted vegetables harvested and delivered to the food pantry of St. Bernard’s Parish and the Mustard Seed, a Catholic Worker community in Worcester, are a testament to Sister Dorothy and her vision!

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