What the sacrifice of Sr. Dorothy Kazel and Jean Donovan meant to the world
December 2, 1980 is a day that will forever be remembered by the people of the Central American country of El Salvador as well as the faithful of the Diocese of Cleveland.
Four missionaries, Cleveland Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel and lay worker Jean Donovan, along with Maryknoll Sisters Ita Ford and Maura Clarke were murdered in the midst of a violent civil war by those who objected to their work with the impoverished people of the country.
Cleveland Diocesan priest Father Paul Schindler remains a missionary in El Salvador today. During a previous interview in the city of La Libertad where the Sister Dorothy and Jean worked side-by-side with Father Schindler, he reflected on the impact that the women?s deaths had, not only on El Salvador, but on the world?
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The four martyrs are remembered at the memorial site where their bodies were found. Today, the chapel and markers are protected by the El Salvador government and the site is considered national patrimony.
The Diocese of Cleveland mission in El Salvador observed its 50th anniversary just last year as Bishop Richard Lennon traveled to La Libertad to celebrate the anniversary Mass.
