On War and Peace
Various articles by Dorothy Day on the themes of war, pacifism, and the Catholic Worker positions on making peace.
JERSEY WORKERS NOT URGING WAR, PACIFISTS FIND
New York Call Sunday, April 1, 1917, page 1, above the fold
DELAWARE WORKERS EMPHATICALLY SHOUT: “WE DON’T WANT WAR!”
By Dorothy Day
New York Call TUESDAY, April 3, 1917, page 1
More About Cuba
Summary: Rues the nationalism and waste of resources that continues in our relations with Cuba–“out next door brothers.” Says she will continue to write in the light of faith about all that contributes to “a heartwarming zeal for the common good.” Keywords: war, pacifism (DDLW #800). The Catholic Worker, February 1963, 1, 4.
To The Workers
Summary: An impassioned appeal to American workers asking them not to participate in the production of goods which will be used to wage war. She reminds workers of their power and begs them to unite and again sacrifice to further international truth and justice, not mass killing and destruction. (DDLW #347). The Catholic Worker, October 1939, 1, 3.
Bread for the Hungry
Summary: Speaks of her experience with the poor, and her love of the Church and the Eucharist. Recalls that August 6th is the day to remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki and is critical of a nearby Mass for the military. Notes her family members involvement in wars and asks us to fast, like Ammon Hennacy, and to do penance and ask for forgiveness. (DDLW #258). The Catholic Worker, September 1976, 1, 5.
On Pilgrimage (November 1967)
Summary: Reports from the Third World Congress for the Lay Apostolate in Rome and receives communion from the Pope. The conference “resolutions” seemed inadequate to her regarding birth control and war. Says “No one of course was really satisfied with the resolutions but most felt that they were beginnings of discussion, and that a great deal of work was necessary on the part of lay people to work and study and develop a strong conscience about the problems of the day.” (DDLW #857). The Catholic Worker, November 1967, 1, 7, 8.
In Peace Is My Bitterness Most Bitter
Summary: Expresses her anguish over the works of war in Vietnam, which are the opposite of the works of mercy. She is upset with churchmen calling for “total victory,” and notes that the Church is our Mother even though “she is a harlot at times.” Calls on each person to work on changing their hearts and attitude. (DDLW #250). The Catholic Worker, January 1967, 1, 2.
On Pilgrimage (October 1965)
Summary: While in Rome during the fourth session of Vatican Council II, she and a group of women fast and pray, aiming to influence the council deliberations on war and non-violence. Emphasizes the need for lay input in addressing the problems of the modern world. Describes her accommodations and dinners with bishops and friends. (DDLW #832). The Catholic Worker, October 1965, 1, 8.
Spring Appeal (April 1965)
Summary: Asks for help in “this seemingly hopeless and profligate task of feeding the poor.” Says she is looking on the face of Christ in the poor she meets in her travels. Keywords: war, poverty (DDLW #824). The Catholic Worker, April 1965, 2.