Spiritual Olympics Archives

St. Francis of Assisi: Living Simply, Simply Living

Vicki Gruta August 10, 2012

Sister Dorothy Mae Stang, S.N.D.: Holy Courage

Country: United States/Brazil
Born: July 7, 1931
Died: February 12, 2005
Religion: Catholic, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

Sr. Dorothy Stang worked tirelessly for poor farmers’ rights and preservation of the Brazilian rainforest. Confronted by assassins on a deserted road, she opened her Bible and read the Beatitudes to them. She was shot six times.

Country: South Africa
Born: October 7, 1931
Religion: Anglican

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, South Africa, Desmond Tutu helped end apartheid and heal the wounds it left behind. His peace and reconciliation work is deeply rooted in his faith and daily spiritual practices.

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Country: United States
Born: March 24, 1820
Died: February 12, 1915
Religion: Methodist

Fanny Crosby was a prominent American lyricist, composer, poet, and advocate for the urban poor. She wrote approximately 8,000 sacred songs and is considered one of the mothers of American gospel music.

Country: United States
Born: January 31, 1915
Died: December 10, 1968
Religion: Roman Catholic

Writer, poet, anti-war activist and Trappist monk Thomas Merton helped make Catholicism relevant for a new generation and introduced many to contemplation.