1940s

Summary: Condemns further atomic bomb testing and quotes the New York Times* concerning a resolution supporting this view recently introduced in the Senate. Likewise opposes conscription (the draft) and its extension when there is no war as usurpation of authority regarding the destiny of the individual. (The Catholic Worker, April 1946, 1, 2. DDLW #422).*

Summary: Quotes from Cardinal Newman’s Lenten sermons on the Cross and austerity. Comments on the sacrifices daily living requires, notes visitors: a priest and a former lieutenant, and upholds discussion as a necessity for indoctrination and clarification of thought. Contrasts the death of a Catholic worker with the birth of a baby to the wife of a political prisoner in jail for refusing conscription. Tells of the closing of the Boston House of Hospitality and ends by commending the volunteers who sell the newspaper. (The Catholic Worker, March 1946, 2. DDLW #420).

Summary: Describes how a needy person, a veteran, became the recipient of clothing that was donated that very same day and comments on the way “cards and papers” are becoming necessary to establish one’s identity. (The Catholic Worker, March 1946, 8. DDLW #421).

Summary: Describes how a needy person, a veteran, became the recipient of clothing that was donated that very same day and comments on the way “cards and papers” are becoming necessary to establish one’s identity. (DDLW #421). The Catholic Worker, March 1946, 8.

Summary: Explains why she is changing the name of the column to On Pilgrimage.* A diary-like record of people and events around the Worker in January 1946–looting in the neighborhood, running out of coal, medical visits, butchering a hog. Comments on worthwhile work. (The Catholic Worker, February 1946, 1, 2, 6. DDLW #419).*

Summary: Emphasizes the need to strive for holiness. Lists the various retreats offered on the farm and notes secular writers and books with the same message. Quotes St. Thomas who describes holiness as “the end to which one must tend.” (DDLW #418) The Catholic Worker, January 1946, 2.

Summary: Tells of the work and people at numerous Catholic Worker houses and farms on a journey through New York, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. (The Catholic Worker, December 1945, 7, 8. DDLW #224).

Summary: Deeply personal account of being with her dying mother. Includes prayers and meditations on death and dying. Prays to the Little Flower for her mother. Evidence of answered prayer came in a variety of roses from different sources. (The Catholic Worker, November 1945, 2. DDLW #461).

Summary: Encourages the “personal” application of Christian principles. Gives practical approaches to this task and advocates “the little way.” (The Catholic Worker, November 1945, 1. DDLW #153).

Summary: Some thoughts on death after the sudden passing of a co-worker. Tells of Workers returning from war, painting chores, and prayers for conversions. Speaks of wanting to finish a novel that includes themes from the retreat given at Maryfarm and which has drawn criticism. (The Catholic Worker, October 1945, 1, 2. DDLW #415).

Summary: Describes the celebrations taking place in New York City following the announcement of the end of the Second World War. Writes about pilgrimages and their pilgrimage in thanksgiving for peace as well as in penance for having used the atomic bomb–a ten mile walk in the city at night accompanied by song and prayer. Gives accolades for the cooks, the volunteers at the farm, and those in the city. (The Catholic Worker, September 1945, 1, 8. DDLW #414).

Summary: Inveighs against social security legislation in Britain and America noting that Hillaire Belloc prophesized it in his 1912 book The Servile State. Proposes a Catholic solution based on distributism, ownership, and “the little way.” Recalls Belloc’s visit to the Catholic Worker. (The Catholic Worker, July August 1945, 1, 3. DDLW #412).

Summary: Diary-like short accounts of liturgical celebrations, retreats, and doings at Maryfarm and Mott Street, including the visit of two F.B.I. men seeking the whereabouts of a draft evader. Mentions reading Raissa Maritain’s Adventures in Grace* and a visit to cloistered Maryknoll sisters which is inspiring. Thoughts on imprisonment and modesty. Anticipates her pilgrimage to the Shrine of Mother Cabrini. (The Catholic Worker, July August 1945, 1, 2, 8. DDLW #413).*

Summary: Inspired by an exhibition of Georges Roualt’s paintings, she considers his favorite themes–the judge, the prostitute, and the clown–saying there is some “of each in all of us.” Describes people who live the folly of the Cross–a doctor living with the poor in Washington, those in conscientious objector camps, and those in jail for refusing the draft. Opposes peace-time conscription. Issues an appeal for Blackfriars* magazine and recalls early meetings with Jacques Maritain. (The Catholic Worker, June 1945, 1, 3. DDLW #411).*

Summary: Asked to visit a woman committed to the psychopathic ward of Bellevue Hospital for an anti-Semitic remark, she recalls harrowing experiences with the mentally disturbed and tales of unjust incarcerations in psychiatric hospitals. These memories, plus an unpleasant encounter with one of Bellevue’s doctors, prompts her interest in studying Belgium’s decentralized methods for dealing with the mentally ill. (The Catholic Worker, May 1945, 1, 2, 6. DDLW #410).