Peter Maurin Farm
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Peter Maurin Farm

Summary: Explains Peter Maurin’s ideal of “agronomic universities”–communal farms founded on a philosophy of work, especially manual labor. While an ideal, farm communities often suffered from too little skill and community conflicts. Lauds the new Peter Maurin farm on Staten Island and envisions deepening one’s spiritual life in work on the land. (DDLW #923). The Catholic Worker, Oct/Nov 1979, 1, 2, 7

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On Pilgrimage – September 1979

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).

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Fall Appeal – October/November 1978

Summary: Decries money spent on armaments that should beffor care of the poor. Appeals “for loaves and fishes, or money to buy them.” Reaffirms Holy Poverty for themselves in solidarity with the poor they serve. Receiving no salary, some workers take part-time jobs to support themselves. The Catholic Worker, October-November 1978, 2. (DDLW #592).

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What Do The Simple Folk Do?

Summary: Tries to answer the question ” How can we believe in a Transcendent God when the Immanent God seems so powerless within time, when demonic forces seem to be let loose?” Points to examples of transcendence in human experience: hope for happiness in intentional communities and love of neighbor, the word of God, miracles, bearing the suffering of others, martyrdom, and delight in loving God. (DDLW #587) The Catholic Worker, May 1978, 5, 8.

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On Pilgrimage – February 1978

Summary: Series of diary notes from early winter 1978. Recalls visitors from Australia and bad weather in New York. Discusses her current reading including re-reading Anna Karenina. Discusses suicide with a priest. Other readings and thoughts revolve around her college friend Rayna Prohme, the Chinese Revolution, the music of Wagner, and Masses at St. Joseph’s House. (The Catholic Worker, February 1978, 2, 5.  DDLW #584).

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Having a Baby – A Christmas Story

Summary: A reprint of her description of the labor and birth of her daughter Tamar in 1928. The memoir describes waiting to begin labor and commenting on the women around her at Bellevue Hospital clinic. Assisted by her cousin Carol, she returns to Bellevue several days later when her labor pains begin. Vivid description of the pain she endured, her thoughts, and of the people she encounters during those hours. Tender description of breast-feeding and her first few days with her daughter. (The Catholic Worker, December 1977, 8, 7. DDLW #583).