Martyrs of Hope: Seven U.S. Missioners in Central America

by Donna Whitson Brett, Edward T. Brett

Martyrs of Hope treats seven U. S. martyrs: Father Stanley Rother and Brother James Miller, who were killed in Guatemala; Sisters Maura Clarke, Ita Ford, and Dorothy Kazel, and lay-missioner Jean Donovan, who were murdered in El Salvador; and Sister Carla Piette, who drowned in El Salvador while performing a work of mercy. (Though not murdered like the rest, she represents what Pope Francis has highlighted as a “martyr of charity.”) This is the riveting and troubling story of witnesses who laid down their lives for their neighbors. Their lives, backgrounds, beliefs, and politics varied widely, but they held a common faith and hope: to better the lives of the poor among whom they lived and worked.

427 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2018

Reviews

[Mary Helene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have dirt from the graves of the four church women. Small bags were passed out at a Pax Christi National conference shortly after their deaths. That very real reminder of their presence grounded what at sometimes was difficult to read because we know this story. We are coming to know it more deeply. I am grateful and terrified at the same time.
The text itself: meticulously substantiated. I especially appreciated the excerpts from their letters and the insights into how we are each and all called.
The Martyrs: Presente.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by my awesome parents, but that does not mean I am biased. With that said...10 stars! Seriously, the stories in this book are inspiring and can provide us all with hope just as the title suggests. I can personally attest to the authors' passion for this topic and to telling the important stories of these 7 missioners.