Phil Berrigan remembered

Catholic New Times, Jan 4, 2004

NEW YORK -- In a letter to friends, Jesuit author and peace activist Dan Berrigan remembered his brother Philip's life on the latter's Birthday. Phil Berrigan died December 6, 2003.

"On what would have been my brother Philip's 80th birthday, October 4, friends held a public event at Judson Memorial Church in Manhattan. Heartfelt thanks to friends at the Catholic Worker in N.Y. They worked night and day, in the midst of a searing and witless war, to mount a celebration of zest and spirit.

Saturday's event opened with a video of Phil's last public talk, at a vast anti-war assembly in D.C. He was terminally ill. One will not soon forget his wan but passionate departure from his text, reminding the gathering, "You are the answer," and "Don't get tired!" Indeed, he himself, to the end, offered a pristine answer to the warlords. Tireless and on his feet, he proclaimed the gospel command of love and no enemies.

"Then Ramsey Clark, Howard Zinn and other friends and co-workers, had their say, bracing and heartfelt. Of the family, Liz McAlister, Frida and I spoke. There was talk of Phil's legacy, song and poetry. The crowd was deeply moved, attentive.

"Sunday morning marked a return to the source; we celebrated the Eucharist at the Catholic Worker. There in the forties, I first heard the liberating word of non-violence and peacemaking from Dorothy Day. For almost 60 years, she was a prime influence on our family.

"Toward Sunday noon, we assembled in Bryant Park and began a solemn procession across Manhattan, bearing placards with Phil's photo and quotes from his writings. Our goal was the S.S. Intrepid, a hideous, overbearing war museum anchored in the Hudson River. There, twenty-nine of us crossed a police line and were arrested. All honor to a noble spirit. Philip lives!"