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Books by Philip Berrigan
Widen the Prison Gates: Writing from Jails /
Prison Journals of a Priest Revolutionary /
The Criminality of Nuclear Deterrence
No More Strangers /
The Eight Beatitudes and Nuclear Resistance /
Disciples and Dissidents
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A Bio-Chronology
Philip
Berrigan
1923-2002
1923 (October 5): Born Minnesota Iron Range, near
Bemidji to Frieda Fromhart and Thomas Berrigan
1943-1945: Served in WWII, artillery officer, Europe.
1949:
Graduated from Holy Cross College.
1955:
Ordained a Catholic Priest in the Josephite Order,
specializing in inner city ministry.
1956-1963:
Taught at St. Augustine's high school, New
Orleans, a segregated all black school.
1962 (or 3?):
First priest to ride in a Civil Rights movement
Freedom Ride.
1963-1965:
Taught at a Josephite seminary, Newburgh, NY.
1966:
Published first book, No More Strangers.
1966:
Served at St. Peter Claver parish, Baltimore, MD.
October 27, 1967:
Poured blood on draft files in Baltimore
with 3 others. Known as the "Baltimore Four."
May 17, 1968:
Burned draft files in Catonsville, MD with 8
others, including his brother, Fr. Daniel Berrigan, S.J.. Action known
as the "Catonsville Nine." Convicted of destruction of
US property, destruction of Selective Service records, and
interference with the Selective Service Act of 1967. Sentenced
to prison.
1969: Published second book Punishment for Peace
(MacMillan) --
1970:
Married Elizabeth McAlister, an activist nun, Religious
of the Sacred Heart of Mary.
1970:
Became a fugitive when appeals failed. Captured and
returned to prison. Published third book Blood Brothers:
Prison Journals of A Priest Revolutionary (June 1970, edited by Vincent
McGhee)
1971:
Named co-conspirator by J. Edgar Hoover and Harrisburg
grand jury while in prison. Charged with plotting to kidnap
Henry Kissinger and blow up the utility tunnels of US Capitol
buildings. Convicted only of violating prison rules for
smuggling out letters.
1973: Published third book Widen the Prison Gates:
Writings from Jails.
Co-founded Jonah House community of war resisters in
Baltimore, MD.
1974 (April 1):
Birth of Frida Berrigan at Jonah House.
1975 (April 17):
Birth of Jerry Berrigan at Jonah House.
1975:
End of Vietnam War and beginning of focus on weapons of
mass destruction and changing U.S. nuclear policy. Actions
included pouring of blood and digging of graves at the White
House and Pentagon resulted in several jail terms ranging up to
six months.
1975:
Atlantic Life Community conceptualized as East Coast
counterpart to Pacific Life Community.
1976:
First of summer community building sessions; led to
triannual Faith & Resistance Retreats in DC.
1980 (September 9):
Poured blood and hammered with 7 others on
Mark 12A warheads at a GE nuclear missile plant, King of
Prussia, PA. Charged with conspiracy, burglary, and criminal
mischief; convicted and imprisoned. Action known as the
"Plowshares Eight;" began the international Plowshares
movement.
1980-1999:
Participated in 5 more Plowshares actions,
resulting in ~7 years of imprisonment.
1981 (November 5):
Birth of Kate Berrigan at Jonah House.
1989:
Published The Times' Discipline, on the Jonah
House experience, with Elizabeth McAlister.
1996:
Published autobiography, Fighting the Lamb's War.
2001 (December 14) :
Released from Elkton, OH prison after
nearly a year of imprisonment for his final Plowshares action.
2002 (July 12):
Underwent hip replacement surgery at Good
Samaritan Hospital, Baltimore, MD.
2002 (October 8):
Diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, cancer in the
liver and kidney.
2002 (December 6):
Died at home in Baltimore, surrounded by
family and community.
Contact: www.annefeeney.com
unionmaid@earthlink.net
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updated 10 June 2008 |
