Philip Berrigan: The Peace Activist and Catholic Priest Who Defied the Norm

A Life of Nonviolent Resistance and Civil Disobedience

Philip Berrigan was an American peace activist and Catholic priest who dedicated his life to promoting nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience in the pursuit of peace and nuclear disarmament. Through his unwavering commitment to his principles, Berrigan became a prominent figure in the anti-war movement of the 1960s and 1970s, often finding himself on the wrong side of the law.

Early Life and Education

Born on October 5, 1923, in Two Harbors, Minnesota, Berrigan was raised in a Midwestern working-class town. His mother, Frieda, was of German descent and deeply religious, while his father, Tom, was a second-generation Irish-Catholic, trade union member, socialist, and railway engineer. The youngest of six brothers, Philip had a fraternal bond with his brother Daniel, who would later become a Jesuit priest and fellow activist.

Berrigan's educational pursuits took him to St. Michael's College in Toronto, where he spent a semester before being drafted into combat duty in World War II. His experiences during the war, particularly the racial segregation and racism he witnessed during boot camp in the American South, had a profound impact on his worldview.

The Josephites and Early Priesthood

In 1950, Berrigan joined the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, also known as the Josephites, a religious society of priests and lay brothers dedicated to serving African Americans. After completing his studies at St. Joseph's Seminary in Washington, D.C., he was ordained as a priest in 1955.

A Life of Activism and Controversy

Berrigan's commitment to social justice and nonviolent resistance led him to participate in various anti-war protests and acts of civil disobedience. In 1968, he and his brother Daniel, along with seven other Catholic priests and activists, broke into a draft board in Catonsville, Maryland, and burned hundreds of draft files to protest the Vietnam War. This act of defiance, known as the Catonsville Nine, earned Berrigan his first stint in prison.

Throughout his life, Berrigan was arrested multiple times for his activism, often facing charges related to trespassing, disturbing the peace, and conspiracy. Despite the risks, he remained steadfast in his convictions, inspiring countless others to join the fight for peace and social justice.

Personal Milestones and Relationships

In 1973, Berrigan married a former nun, Elizabeth McAlister, in a private ceremony. The marriage, however, was not recognized by the Catholic Church, and the couple was subsequently excommunicated. The two remained devoted to each other, despite being separated for 11 years due to their respective prison sentences.

Legacy and Impact

Philip Berrigan's unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience has left an indelible mark on the anti-war movement. His courageous stance against the Vietnam War and nuclear proliferation inspired a generation of activists, including notable figures such as Daniel Ellsberg and Howard Zinn.

Through his activism, Berrigan challenged the status quo and pushed the boundaries of what was deemed acceptable in the pursuit of peace and social justice. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of nonviolent resistance and a reminder that individuals can make a difference in shaping a more just and peaceful world.

• "We're not just opposing the war in Vietnam, we're opposing the war in America."
• "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance."

Awards and Honors

Throughout his life, Berrigan received several awards and honors for his activism, including the Thomas Merton Award and the War Resisters League's Peace Award.

Philip Berrigan passed away on December 6, 2002, leaving behind a legacy of courage, conviction, and unwavering commitment to social justice.