Dorothy Day’s Writings

Summary: Finds it hard to write about her sister Della who died–“my closest friend and confidante.” Recalls growing up in Chicago together and their reading, conversations, and walks. Notes their differences over birth control–Della had worked for Margaret Sanger who Dorothy once interviewed. (The Catholic Worker, May 1980, 2. DDLW #603).

Summary: Notes from her diary about operas, Friday night speakers, visitors, phone calls, and friends. (The Catholic Worker, March-April 1980, 2. DDLW #604).

Summary: Diary jottings of people coming and going, music listened to, books read, and little delights. Describes herself as “on the shelf” and quotes a prayer of Ephraim the Syrian on sloth. (The Catholic Worker, February 1980, 7. DDLW #602).

Summary: A tender reminiscence of Stanley Vishnewski, the first to join her after she met Peter Maurin. Recalls how he saved her life, his companionship, generosity, and those who delighted in him. “I miss Stanley.” (The Catholic Worker, December 1979, 5. DDLW #601).

Summary: A set of short entries from her diary, including descriptions of anti-nuclear demonstrations and the subsequent arrests of participants, the death of several friends, politics on Cuba, and a book on Catholic Worker conscientious objectors in World War II. Mentions many friends and books. (The Catholic Worker, September 1979, 4. DDLW #600).

Summary: Jotings about many things–nuclear protest, phone calls from old friends, childhood memories, the weather. Includes a letter from a friend about facing fear. (The Catholic Worker, July-August 1979, 7. DDLW #260).

Summary: Comments on numerous books, recollections of childhood, and mentions various friends and visitors. (The Catholic Worker, March-April 1979, 2, 7. DDLW #597).