Three different lives but with a lot in common

 Dorothy Day was a great American social activist, journalist and above all champion for the poor. She was born in 1897. Her cause for canonization has begun in the Catholic Church. I am sure Dorothy would be surprised by this as she lived a very unconventional life. Yet, she is considered to be the best known political radical activist in the American Catholic Church. Pope Francis recalled her great work when he visited America some years ago.

I came across a quote by her recently that made me think again about her and her empathy for the poor. It also reminded me of the people who are not only inspired by her but imitate her.  Here  is the quote ‘would you give food to a poor person on an old cracked plate, thinking that was good enough? Do you think Martha and Mary thought the old chipped plate was good enough for their guest (Jesus)? It is not a duty to help Christ (in the poor) it is a privilege.’

She lived life against the grain and was unafraid to speak the truth. When she converted to Catholicism, as a young woman, prayer was the bedrock of her life and choices. She was a woman of prayer and action. She walked the talk.

There are people in Ireland who follow the inspiration of Dorothy. I think of my friend Colm. He is a man of prayer, he believes passionately in non violence and for most of his adult life has dared to think differently. He was described in an article as a ‘faith based activist’. He has made choices that are not popular and like Dorothy has gone against the grain.  Is he powerful in worldly ways? No. Is he effective – I would think and hope so. He has made his thoughts know by writing and also by demonstrating outside government buildings with his home-made placards in all weathers.  At present he is actively opposing those who wish to change the laws on Irish Neutrality. In his reflection on this issue he said ‘if we lose our neutrality our diplomatic clout will be diminished.’ I am sure Dorothy Day is with him and his friends.

Dorothy Day had great love for St.Thérèse whom she chose as her Patron. How would we connect these two women? St. Thérèse said ‘one Sunday, looking at a picture of Our Lord on the Cross, I was struck by the blood flowing from one of his divine hands. I felt a pang of great sorrow when thinking this blood was falling on the ground without anyone hastening to gather it up. I was resolved to remain in spirit at the foot of the Cross and to receive its dew. … I don’t want this precious blood to be lost. I shall spend my life gathering it up for the good of souls.’

Dorothy Day ‘walked the streets of the poor, noticing their blood, drying their tears, trying in her own way to gather them up. St. Thérèse did the same thing mystically, deep inside the body of Christ. It is no surprise that Dorothy took St.Thérèse as  her model.

St. Thérèse, Dorothy and Colm are people unafraid to follow their inner Truth for the good of humanity but not without being misunderstood and suffering for their convictions.



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