Anniversary renews commitment to work for human rights, justice and peace

By Sister Alodia Carney, OLVM

Thirty years have passed since we heard the chilling news of December 2, 1980. Four American church women answering the call of Mission — Ms. Jean Donovan, Sisters Dorothy Kazel, Maura Clarke, Ita Ford — served in El Salvador. They assisted in food distribution, care of orphans and resettlement of displaced persons due to continuous combat.

Their abused bodies were found on a lonely road. Investigation proved they were murdered by National Guardsmen, following orders to do away with revolutionaries.

We Sisters, certainly in the USA, do networking well. On December 2, 1980, how quickly we gathered on hearing the heart-breaking news. By evening of that first day, Sisters and friends came together. Shortly, in cathedrals and chapels, the dedication and valor of the women was honored. It was difficult to find the right words. In a Latin American cathedral, "We did what we were expected to do." (Luke 17)

Thirty years later, in 2010, can we say a gossamer veil covers the four graves? Can we propose words with a hope for the future? "Kindness and truth shall meet. Justice and peace shall kiss." (Psalm 85)

Hope springs from the yearly gathering of faithful people, coming together in protest against education for insurrection, provided the military of Latin America at School of the Americas at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Victory Noll Sisters support the yearly protest, with Sister Angeline Walczyk annually taking part with thousands of others who turn out for justice and peace.

Rooted in our charism to proclaim the Gospel in solidarity with all persons, we commit ourselves to ongoing prayer, study and action on behalf of human rights, justice and peace.