Daniel Berrigan

Daniel Joseph Berrigan was a multifaceted Jesuit priest, renowned anti-war activist, Christian pacifist, playwright, poet, and author. His vocal opposition to the Vietnam War garnered both admiration and criticism, particularly during his involvement with the Catonsville Nine, a group that famously burned draft files in protest. This act of civil disobedience propelled him onto the FBI’s “most wanted list,” making him the first priest to receive such a designation, and brought him onto the cover of Time magazine, as well as leading to imprisonment. Berrigan's commitment to activism established him as a prominent voice against war in the United States for decades.

In 1980, he co-founded the Plowshares movement, an influential anti-nuclear protest organization that once again thrust him into the national spotlight. Throughout his life, Berrigan was not only an activist but also a prolific writer, authoring around 50 books that encompassed a range of themes from faith to social justice. His literary contributions, alongside his teaching roles at various universities, helped inspire a generation of activists and thinkers. Berrigan’s enduring legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to peace and justice, making him a significant figure in both religious and political spheres until his passing in 2016.