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Dorothy Day recalled for integrity, faith
I had the privilege of meeting Dorothy Day twice, and both times was intensely moved by her integrity and holiness. On Nov. 8, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of this extraordinary woman who helped found the Catholic Worker movement.
Dorothy Day began her adult life as a Communist and only later converted to the Catholic faith. Her writings refer to two key elements in her conversion: the joy she experienced at the birth of her child, and the recognition of Christ in the poor. She died in 1980. After a lifetime of voluntary poverty she left no money for her funeral. It was paid for by the Archdiocese of New York.
What was it about her that I admired?
I admired her deep faith and Catholic identity and her fidelity to her vision of being poor with the poor. She loved the poor and called the country and the Church to economic and social justice.
On one occasion, I recall her talking about church buildings. People were saying that instead of churches, multi-purpose facilities would provide more flexibility for inner-city parishes. She objected, saying churches should not only be built to look like churches, but they should be beautiful because the poor have a right to beauty. She insisted that a church should be dedicated to God. Only then could it be a clear sign of the presence of God in the midst of the poor.
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In a statement prepared to honor the 100th anniversary of her birth, Bishop William S. Skylstad, chairman of the United States Catholic Conference Committee on Domestic Policy, offers the following insight into her vision of solidarity with the poor: "Her faith found expression in her recognition that our salvation is utterly dependent on how we serve Christ present in the poor and oppressed. This became her life's work. Her faith and her work together helped create the Catholic worker movement which offers an opportunity to the poor and those who serve them to experience the abundance of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Her vision of homes open to the lame, the weak and the blind is an ongoing reality because of her work and inspiration." There is a Catholic Worker House at 2420 Welton Street. It was founded by Sister of Loretto Anna Koop in 1979. I would go there often to celebrate Mass when I lived in Denver prior to going to Rapid City to serve as bishop. I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to our local Catholic Workers and those around the country. I pray that their legacy of the love for the Church and love for the poor will continue to be a sign of Christ in the midst of our communities. |
