Dorothy Day (1897–1980)

4.5 stars

While I mostly enjoyed this autobiography by Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker movement (newspaper, hospitality houses, etc.), I preferred her book [b:Loaves and Fishes|203981|Loaves and Fishes|Dorothy Day|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387732613l/203981._SY75_.jpg|1702507], where she talks more about the founding and functioning of the CW and less of her own life.

There were also a few random thoughts sown here and there that I disagreed with - for instance, Day makes a comment about how women are incomplete without a husband. The book was published in 1952 but, honestly, that's no excuse. Plenty of women before that time had been single and fulfilled - particularly Christian ones who understand that God created us first and foremost for Himself, not marriage.

She also referred to herself as a barren woman, though she has a daughter. This was not only factually inaccurate, but seemed inconsiderate toward those who truly are barren.

"Most of our life is unimportant, filled with trivial things from morning till night. But when it is transformed by love, it is of interest even to the angels." p 257… (more)

This comprehensive anthology highlights the work and vision of Dorothy Day (1897–1980), co-founder of the Catholic Worker movement, and one of the most challenging and inspiring figures of recent history. Through her lifelong option for the poor, her devotion to active nonviolence, and her combination of the works of mercy with the struggle for justice, Day fashioned a new face for the gospel in our time. By the time of her death in 1980 she was widely regarded as the radical conscience of the American Catholic church. In 2000 the Vatican recognized her cause for canonization and she was officially named "Servant of God." - from the publisher… (more)

These diary entries written by Dorothy Day in 1948 provide an intimate look into Day's personal life as well as essential background for understanding the Catholic Worker movement, which she founded. In this book, Day writes about all facets of her life. Yet whether describing her visits to her daughter's farm or the writings of the saints, a common theme emerges, namely, the gifts of God's love and our need to respond to them with personal and social transformation. The concerns of the Catholic Worker movement are no less vital in our day: the disenfranchised poor, the benefits of the meaningful work, the significance of family, the dangers of increasing commercialism and secularism, the decline of moral standards, and the importance of faith.… (more)