This year marks the 35th anniversary of the martyrdom of Ita Ford, Maura Clarke, Dorothy Kazel and Jean Donovan. Dedicated to accompanying the Salvadoran people during the civil war in El Salvador, these courageous churchwomen lost their lives, yet they continue to inspire people committed to peace and justice around the world. From my time as NETWORK Field Coordinator, I know that many of you have been as touched by their commitment and faith as I have and I’d like to invite you to participate in a special delegation that will honor their spirit alive in the women of El Salvador today.

This special 35th anniversary delegation sponsored by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and SHARE El Salvador Foundation will take place November 28 to December 5, 2015.

A few of the delegation highlights will be:

• A pilgrimage to the martyrdom site of the four women to hear first-hand testimonials by people who knew them.
• A declaration of the site as a national historical monument.
• A chance to meet with Salvadoran women working for truth, justice, sovereignty, and sustainability in El Salvador today, both in elected positions and community organizations.

If you can’t join the delegation, please help spread the word! Or, organize an event in your community to commemorate the four churchwomen and tell their stories to younger generations or those who don’t yet know their stories.

To learn more about the delegation and Ita, Maura, Dorothy and Jean, please click here.

Ita, Maura, Dorothy, Jean, and all the martyrs—we remember you, we celebrate your lives, you are PRESENTE, PRESENTE, PRESENTE, PRESENTE