Year: 1955

Summary: Deplores the destitution brought on by the present social order of capitalist industrialism, describing their soup line. In contrast, lauds the self-sufficient life of Hutterite communities. Supports organic gardening. Concludes the solution to physical destitution is through spiritual means: “We are en-route, on pilgrimage, and our job is to trust, to hope and to pray, and also to work ‘to make that kind of a social order when it is easier for man to be good.’” (The Catholic Worker, March 1955, 1, 4. DDLW #683).

Summary: On a long winter trip through Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana she tells of efforts for the common good of many people and parishes. Comments on the plight of Mexicans and Indians. Keywords: community, liturgy, personal responsibility (The Catholic Worker, February 1955, 1, 4, 6. DDLW #682).

Summary: Exhorts us to learn to see the poor in our midst alongside our comfortable and prosperous lives, especially the migrant and racially discriminated against. Calls for a balanced social order based on distributist principles of ownership. Quotes Pope Pius XII on our personal responsibility to aid the poor. Keywords: voluntary poverty, distributism (The Catholic Worker, January 1955, 1, 6. DDLW #680).

Summary: Visits friends and workers throughout the Midwest noting how each lives out the practice of the works of mercy and “Catholic activities.” Suggests that if we don’t face social issues as they come up we will gradually lose out freedom, “this great gift of God.” (The Catholic Worker, January 1955, 2, 6. DDLW #681).