Daniel Berrigan, American priest and activist (b. 1921)

Daniel Joseph Berrigan (May 9, 1921 – April 30, 2016) was a remarkable and often controversial figure in 20th and 21st-century American life, embodying a unique confluence of spiritual devotion, intellectual prowess, and fervent social justice advocacy. As an American Jesuit priest, Berrigan dedicated his life not only to his religious vocation but also to a profound commitment to Christian pacifism, actively campaigning against war and injustice. He was a multi-faceted individual – a prolific author, acclaimed poet, insightful playwright, dedicated teacher, and university educator – all roles he leveraged to articulate his unwavering moral convictions.

A Priest Against War: The Vietnam Era

Berrigan's most enduring legacy is perhaps his vociferous and courageous opposition to the Vietnam War, a stance that earned him both widespread scorn from some quarters and deep admiration from others. His activism placed him at the heart of the era's tumultuous social and political landscape. A defining moment in his life, and a touchstone in the history of American protest, was his integral involvement with the "Catonsville Nine" in 1968. This bold act saw Berrigan, along with his brother Philip Berrigan and seven other Catholic activists, enter a Selective Service office in Catonsville, Maryland. There, they removed and destroyed draft files using homemade napalm, a potent symbolic gesture intended to disrupt the machinery of war and bear moral witness against the conflict. This act of non-violent civil disobedience, rooted deeply in his Christian pacifist beliefs, resonated across the nation, forcing a national conversation about the war's moral implications.

Such audacious acts of conscience inevitably drew the attention of federal authorities. Berrigan's principled defiance led to his unprecedented placement on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's "most wanted list" in 1970 after he went into hiding rather than surrender for his conviction related to the Catonsville Nine protest – a historically significant designation for a priest and a testament to the perceived threat of his influence. His image also graced the cover of Time magazine, further solidifying his status as a national figure and a symbol of dissent. Ultimately, his unwavering commitment to his convictions landed him in federal prison, where his spiritual and intellectual resilience continued to inspire a generation of activists.

A Lifelong Voice for Peace and Justice

For the remainder of his long life, Berrigan never wavered from his path, remaining one of the United States' most prominent and consistent anti-war activists. His commitment to peace extended beyond Vietnam. In 1980, he co-founded the Plowshares movement alongside his brother Philip. This anti-nuclear protest group drew its evocative name from the biblical prophecy in Isaiah 2:4, "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." The movement engaged in direct, non-violent actions, often involving the symbolic disarmament of nuclear weapons facilities, thereby returning Berrigan to the national spotlight as a persistent and eloquent voice against nuclear proliferation and militarism. Throughout these decades of activism, Berrigan was also an incredibly prolific and award-winning author, penning some 50 books across various genres, including poetry, theological reflections, memoirs, and social commentary. His literary works, much like his activism, consistently explored themes of faith, justice, and peace, solidifying his legacy as both a spiritual leader and a profound intellectual.

Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel Berrigan

Who was Daniel Berrigan?

Daniel Berrigan was an American Jesuit priest, a leading anti-war activist, and a Christian pacifist who gained prominence for his outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War and later the nuclear arms race. He was also a celebrated poet, playwright, and author.

What was the Catonsville Nine?

The Catonsville Nine was a group of nine Catholic activists, including Daniel Berrigan, who on May 17, 1968, entered a Selective Service office in Catonsville, Maryland, and destroyed draft records using homemade napalm as an act of non-violent civil disobedience against the Vietnam War. This action brought national attention to the anti-war movement.

Why was Daniel Berrigan on the FBI's "most wanted list"?

Daniel Berrigan was placed on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's "most wanted list" in 1970 after he refused to surrender for his conviction related to the Catonsville Nine protest and went into hiding. He was the first priest ever to appear on this list, highlighting the extraordinary nature of his defiance.

What was the Plowshares movement?

The Plowshares movement is an anti-nuclear protest group co-founded by Daniel Berrigan in 1980. Its name comes from the biblical prophecy of turning "swords into plowshares," and its members engage in non-violent direct action, often involving symbolic disarmament of nuclear weapons facilities, to protest nuclear proliferation.

How many books did Daniel Berrigan write?

Daniel Berrigan was a highly prolific writer, authoring approximately 50 books during his lifetime. His works spanned various genres, including poetry, essays on theology and social justice, and memoirs, all reflecting his deep spiritual and intellectual engagement with the pressing issues of his time.