World War II

1940s | Dorothy Day | Dorothy Day's Writings

Day After Day (January 1943)
ByDorothy Day January 1, 1943August 18, 2026

Summary: A general summary of The Catholic Worker’s tenth year–update on the status of houses and farms (open and closed), marriages, births, deaths; whereabouts of workers; publications; her travels. Notes the impact of World War II on members of the movement, including the status of conscientious objectors and conscription protestors. Underlines that houses of hospitality and farms are an attempt at applying a personalist, communitarian philosophy in living out the works of mercy. (DDLW #221) The Catholic Worker, Jan 1943, pp. 4, 6

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1940s | Dorothy Day | Dorothy Day's Writings

If Conscription Comes For Women
ByDorothy Day January 1, 1943August 19, 2026

Summary: Asserts she would not register for the draft, even as a conscientious objector, because it is the first step toward conscription, which is incompatible with Christianity. Answers common objections to her stance, especially specious appeals to Scripture. Endorses tax resistance if possible. (DDLW #222) The Catholic Worker, Jan 1943, pp. 1, 4

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1940s | Dorothy Day | Dorothy Day's Writings

Day After Day (December 1942)
ByDorothy Day December 1, 1942August 5, 2026

Summary: Discusses the objection that the Catholic Worker has made pacifism a precept, not a counsel like poverty, chastity, and obedience. Explains that the counsels are the means to the end to which all are obliged to aim, which is perfection. Says over emphasis on authority leads to totalitarianism. Violent means will not bring forth an end result of peace. (DDLW #220) The Catholic Worker, Dec 1942, pp. 1, 6.

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1940s | Dorothy Day | Dorothy Day's Writings

Grave Injustice Done Japanese On West Coast
ByDorothy Day June 1, 1942August 3, 2026

Summary: Decries the internment and relocation of Japanese Americans during World War II in concentration camps as unjust, and laments the attitudes justifying the action. Describes the dire living conditions and indignity suffered by the victims of internment. (DDLW #218) The Catholic Worker, Jun 1942, pp. 1, 3.

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1940s | Dorothy Day | Dorothy Day's Writings

Day After Day (June 1942)
ByDorothy Day June 1, 1942August 3, 2026

Summary: Expresses a joyful heart despite the world war Reports on the effects of the war on the West Coast, lamenting the pervasive militarization. Recounts visits to friends and bishops in the West and reports on the activities of Catholic Workers on the West Coast, including Houses of Hospitality in Seattle, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. (DDLW #217) The Catholic Worker, Jun 1942, pp. 1, 4, 6.

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