Year: 1949

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    The Case of Father Duffy

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: Commentary on a case where a priest is silenced for his work with the poor. Expresses the tension of obedience and love of the Church with the demands of serving the poor and Church shortcomings. Affirms her acceptance of Church authority but notes the demands of conscience have caused Saints to be critical of even the Pope in the past. Reaffirms their lay mission to enlighten, arouse the conscience, and lead from the bottom up. (DDLW #497). The Catholic Worker, December 1949, 1, 4.

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    Beyond Politics

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: Discusses the C.W.’s means to achieve a better social condition in comparison to communist means. Exhorts “the rich to become poor and the poor to become holy.” Criticizes capitalism’s unbalanced distribution of wealth and admits a certain compatability exists between Marx and Christianity. (DDLW #166). The Catholic Worker, November 1949, 1,2,4.

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    On Pilgrimage – October 1949

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: States St. Therese, the Little Flower, is not a “sentimental” saint but one to “dread” once one gets to know her. Responding to critics, itemizes the cost of Peter Maurin’s funeral. Says “We should prepare for death with joy, as for our nuptials.” Notes they heard talks on three great Russians: Dostoevsky, Tolstoi, and Soloviev. (The Catholic Worker, October 1949, 1, 3. DDLW #474).

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    Work 

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: Reviews Dom Remhert Sorg’s, O.S.B. pamphlet “Towards a Benediction Theology of Manual Labor.” Discusses the traditional views of labor from both a philosophical and theological outlook, particularly that of the Egyptian Monks. Also mentions other writers who have contributed to a philosophy of labor. (DDLW #165) The Catholic Worker, October 1949, 4,6.

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    On Pilgrimage 

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: Announces a birth and eulogizes a long-time worker, John Anthony Curran. Tells of starting the farm at Newburgh, NY, and all their unpaid bills hoping someone will send money. Thanks readers for condolences on Peter Maurin’s death. (The Catholic Worker, September 1949, 1, 2. DDLW #473).

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    Hospices Needed

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: Praises the liturgical work of Monsignor Hellriegel of St. Louis calling his parish “a fountain of living waters.” Calls for more hospices (houses of hospitality) run by the laity. Says the Mass is the foundation for knowing, loving and serving God in the poor. (The Catholic Worker, July-August 1949, 5, 8.DDLW #472).

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    On Pilgrimage (July-August 1949)

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: Affirms the movement’s clear opposition to communism and refutes attempts by both communists and anti-communists to conflate CW and communism. Recounts statement of Pope Pius XII that the greatest danger to the Church is not communism, but ignorance of the Church’s social doctrine, of which communism is a consequence. Highlights statement of the Bishops of the Philippines that effective defense against communism requires addressing the injustices on which it feeds. Addresses challenges faced by families. (DDLW #164) The Catholic Worker, Jul-Aug 1949, pp. 1-2

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    The Story of Three Deaths: Peter Maurin, Lawrence Heaney, Willie Lurye

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: A loving obituary for Peter Maurin giving the details of his death and burial. Speaks of his last five years of illness, the day he died, his wake and funeral. Emphasizes the ways “He was another St. Francis of modern times.” (DDLW #495). The Catholic Worker, June 1949, 1, 2.

  • On Pilgrimage – April 1949

    Avatar photoByCatholicWorker.org

    Summary: Upset over the labor conflict between the Archdiocese of New York with its striking cemetery workers, she insists on only non-violent techniques and calls for love to overcome bitterness and resentment. Says Peter Maurin wanted to overcome divisions between clergy and laity. Notes her new book On Pilgrimage* “is selling slowly and steadily.” (The Catholic Worker, April 1949, 1, 2. DDLW #493).*

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    On Pilgrimage (February 1949)

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: Discusses Truman’s attempt to build Federal Steel plants—a possible step towards nationalization—and argues that it should be permitted only if as a step towards decentralization to ownership by smaller groups representing the workers themselves. Mentions the lack of support for distributism, particularly among Catholics who support government intervention, and warns of the danger of encroachment by the State. Tells of challenges facing rural populations, and the assistance provided by their neighbors. (DDLW #162) The Catholic Worker, Feb 1949, pp. 1-2

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    On Pilgrimage – January 1949

    Avatar photoByCatholicWorker.org

    Summary: Contrasts the attitudes of two religious sisters, one impatient and despairing, the other accepting and happy. Noting the fervent love of the early Christians she asks for more generous servants of the poor and sets it as a new year ideal for herself. Appalled at a news report planning for a man-made space satellite for weapons. (The Catholic Worker, January 1949, 1, 2. DDLW #492).