Father Daniel J. Berrigan, S.J. passed away at the age of 95 on April 30, 2016, at a Jesuit residence at Fordham University in the Bronx. Colman McCarthy, a former columnist for the Washington Post, considered him a major figure in the radical left of the 1960s and 1970s.
As a poet and non-violent activist, Father Berrigan led antiwar protests and was known for his acts of civil disobedience. He spent two years in prison for his involvement in the Catonsville Nine, a group of activists who burned draft files at a Selective Service office in Maryland in 1968. The event was widely publicized and became a symbol of resistance against the Vietnam War.
The Catonsville Nine, which included Father Berrigan and his brother Philip, were arrested and found guilty of destruction of government property after a five-day trial. Father Berrigan's involvement in the protest was a significant moment in his life, and it had a lasting impact on his faith and activism.
In addition to his work as a priest and activist, Father Berrigan was also a talented poet and writer. He wrote several books and plays, including "The Trial of The Catonsville Nine," which was adapted into a film. He also appeared in the 1986 British drama "The Mission," in which he spoke only one word: "No!"
Throughout his life, Father Berrigan was guided by his faith and his commitment to non-violence. He believed that Christians had a responsibility to speak out against injustice and to work for peace and justice. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world who are committed to these values.
Father Berrigan is survived by his sister and three brothers, as well as his brother Philip, who was also a priest and an activist. Philip died in 2002, but Father Berrigan's legacy lives on through his work and his family.
