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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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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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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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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.