The Greatest Gift: The Courageous Life and Martyrdom of Sister Dorothy Stang

by Binka Le Breton

In 1966, Sister Dorothy Stang went to Brazil as a missionary, and in 1982 she moved to a small town in the Amazon to work with an organization to protect poor farmers and their land from loggers and land-developers who stop at nothing—including murder—in pursuit of profits. After testifying at a government panel investigating illegal incursions into protected areas, Sister Dorothy was denounced as a “terrorist” by powerful companies and began receiving death threats. Refusing to be intimidated, she continued her work—until two gunmen shot her six times on a rural Amazon road.

THE GREATEST GIFT is the first biography of this extraordinary woman and her mission. Written by a mainstream journalist who has spent many years in Brazil, it exposes the entrenched collusion between government officials and commercial interests and celebrates the profound courage of Sister Dorothy and others fighting to protect the Amazon jungles and the people eking out a life there.

Inspired by deep religious conviction, Dorothy Stang gave of herself generously. A book that will resonate with readers of Sister Helen Prejean’s Dead Man Walking, THE GREATEST GIFT presents not only the story of Sister Dorothy’s tragic death, but the powerful and beautiful lessons of her life.

Genres: Religion, Biography

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Maria U · Rating 3 out of 5]

an amazing woman, and an amazing story. it's disappointing that it was not very well written. the quotes were lengthy and the transitions between the quotes were pathetic.

[MariAn Nyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorothy became a part of the Nuns of Notre Dame at the age of 17= taught school for some years and then went to Brazil as a missionary - felt her calling aside from spiritual direction was also to help the 'poorest of the poor' , which means she became an activist for their rights as well as 'saving the rain forest'. Even though there was a
'price on her head' for some time, she did not give up - was murdered several years ago in 2005 - there is either a documentary or movie being made in her honor.

[Sister Rosario Resendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I only wish the pictures included had descriptions.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a summary of the work that Sr. Dorothy Stang did among the poorest communities in Brazil’s Amazon. She gave her life to lifting up and empowering those on the margins. She fought the powerful ranchers who exploited the peasants and stole their land, filling them with terror. And she worked for sustainable practices to protect the Amazon. In the end, she was killed by those who opposed her work. Five stars for the witness and work of this woman. Two stars for the quality of the writing.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written book about an extraordinary woman. Hope she's declared a saint in my lifetime!

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a Catholic nun who is martyred in Brazil, fighting for land rights for poor people. She seems to be an incredible woman. However, the book focuses a lot on Brazilian politics regarding the Amazon, which kind of turned my brain off. Still, I learned a bit about the region and the troubles they face.

[Randall · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like this book at all BUT the story of Dorothy Stang is remarkable. This book does not do it justice--it's more about the author and her view of things than Dorothy and it's terribly dry. But you should see "They Killed Dorothy Stang"--a documentary--when it comes out. I got to see it and it's very compelling and does a great job of telling Dorothy's amazing story.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I also saw this on my mom's list and thought that I should read it. I followed Sister Dorothy's story closely after she was murdered in the Amazon, and this book is a fitting tribute to her life and work. I was particularly glad to see that she began her life of solidarity and adherence to liberation theology by working with migrant farmworkers in the U.S.

[Beth/Sr. Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was inspired by this book and encouraged by the knowledge that not everyone thought she was a saint. I think that's the truth of all saints but some are so far removed from us that only the good they did and the opinion that they were good remain. Not very helpful for we who are regular good -and -bad -both- kind of people.

[MsBrie]

I'll be reading this so i can discuss it at the Catholic Bookclub that i am NOT a member of...

I've always been a fan of Ms.Stang and admire her for her work. Que lastima that she had to die a martyr

[Sarah Boyette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for UMW bookclub. Excellent story, but I couldn't keep up with the acronyms. Included a great description of creation spirituality. The last three chapters include her death and the best writing in the book.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true story of a nun from Ohio who spent her life in Brazil protecting poor farmers and their land from loggers and developers. She paid the untimate price for them.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story.....inspirational

[Kristin R · Rating 4 out of 5]

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