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Short Trip To Near-by C. W. Groups

Summary: Admires the work of Ade Bethune’s “folk school” in Newport, Rhode Island, calling it “one of the most interesting cells of the Catholic Worker.” Describes the work of nearby Catholic Worker farms. Gives a talk where she stresses that the evils in the world are not inevitable, are not from God but from man’s misuse of free will. (The Catholic Worker, October 1940, 1, 2. DDLW #367).

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And There Remained Only the Very Poor

Summary: “Those of you who read this, those of you who have helped us before, help us.” A thousand poor people come for food each day–“. . .they are Christ appearing to you.” In spite of their dire straits, war and preparation for war, she calls for rejoicing in nature and for what they have and God sends. (DDLW #364). The Catholic Worker, July-August 1940.

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Our Stand

Summary: Reasserts their pacifist stand and opposes the use of force in the labor movement, in class struggle, and struggles between countries. Quotes Catholic theologians and Popes. Repeats that God’s Word is Love and that using only non-violent means is indeed “the Folly of the Cross.” Doubts that the conditions for a “just war” can be met in these times. (DDLW #360). The Catholic Worker, June 1940, 1, 4.

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Day After Day – Thoughts On Breadlines And On The War

Summary: Recommends daily Mass and Communion as a necessary means of bringing relief to those suffering in war and on the breadlines. Announces the formation of a “Non-Participation League”–refusing to buy from or support unjust companies as a training in voluntary poverty and non-violent resistance. (The Catholic Worker, June 1940, 1, 4. DDLW #361).

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Peter Maurin: Impressions By One of His Fellow Workers

Summary: A sketch of Peter Maurin describing his philosophy, demeanor, and many sayings. Mentions that he lives what he preaches, practicing detachment from material goods. Notes that many Jews have come to the Catholic Worker during the recent wave of anti-Semitism in New York because they see Peter as an ally. (The Catholic Worker, May 1940, page 11)

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Catholic Worker Ideas On Hospitality

Summary: Defends against the charge that they do more harm than good in providing hospitality to the undeserving. Asserts that doing the Works of Mercy is following Christ and a revolutionary technique. Points to the monastic tradition of indiscriminate hospitality. Other keywords: Communism, hospices, social order. (DDLW #358). The Catholic Worker, May 1940, 10.

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C. W. Editor On W. Coast; Story of Lettuce Workers

Summary: Tells of many meetings and talks around San Francisco. Recalls the union busting and violence against lettuce workers near Salinas. Laments the lack of leaders to bring Catholic social teaching to the workers. Wants “fellow travelers with the poor and dispossessed,” who will spread the Gospel, recognizing that the poor are “creatures of body and soul.” (The Catholic Worker, May 1940, 1, 6, 8. DDLW #356).

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Disgraceful Plight Of Migrant Workers On California Farms

Summary: Witnesses the struggles of migrant farm workers in the San Joachin Valley of California and the class war with the big business interests of the Associated Farmers. Is ambivalent about government help for the workers, preferring cooperatives and personal responsibility to corporation farming and birth control clinics for the rural proletariat. (DDLW #357). The Catholic Worker, May 1940, 1, 2.

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Day After Day – February 1940

Summary: Visiting Catholic Worker houses in Baltimore and Philadelphia, she reflects on the part everyone plays in the whole movement and feels a sense of solidarity. Notes how they suffer from the cold in New York. Tells of a visit to the headquarters of the National Maritime Union and their fine reading room. (The Catholic Worker, February 1940, 1, 4. DDLW #354).