Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland podcast recalls legacy of Churchwomen murdered in El Salvador

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Tags: Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland , Foundations

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In the December podcast episode of Generative Spirits, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland recognizes and remembers the 40th anniversary of the murder of four Churchwomen in El Salvador: Catholic Sisters Dorothy Kazel, Ita Ford and Maura Clarke, and laywoman Jean Donovan. The women served in El Salvador during a time of great political unrest.

Through the podcasts, Generative Spirits: Conversations with Catholic Sisters, foundation staff have found new ways for sisters to tell the stories of their work in Northeast Ohio. Hosted by Margaret Eigsti, senior program officer, and Rachel Drotar, Generative Spirit program coordinator, the podcast brings to life the centuries of service that Catholic sisters have contributed to the region.

Listen to the Generative Spirits podcast on Anchor or Spotify at the links below:

• Listen now on Spotify
• Listen now on Anchor

On December 2, 1980, the women were abducted and killed by the Salvadoran military for their ministry to those living in poverty. They were targeted for accompanying refugee families who were victims of the escalating violence and oppression that eventually led to civil war. The people of El Salvador suffered horrific violence during this time, and many religious men and women who stood in solidarity with them, including Saint Oscar Romero, were killed.

In this episode:
To learn more about the Churchwomen and their courageous story, Rachel and Margaret spoke with Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland Sr. Martha Owen and Sr. Rose Elizabeth Terrell. In honoring the Churchwomen’s legacy, they discuss their lives, their connection to Cleveland, Ohio, and the ongoing work for justice and nonviolence they inspired.

Sr. Martha Owen, OSU, was mission partners with Sr. Dorothy Kazel, OSU, beginning their time in El Salvador in 1974 as part of CLAM (Cleveland Latin American Mission Team). They lived and worked together for five years in El Salvador.

Sr. Rose Elizabeth Terrell, OSU, began her time in El Salvador about 30 years after the murder of the Churchwomen and worked in community in a rural mountain town. She also provided opportunities for others to visit the site of the murder and to pray in community, carrying on the legacy of the Churchwomen.

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System.