Seeing Jesus in the Eyes of the Oppressed: A History of Franciscans Working for Peace and Justice by Paul T. Murray (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Seeing Jesus in the Eyes of the Oppressed: A History of Franciscans Working for Peace and Justice by Paul T. Murray Anne Klejment Seeing Jesus in the Eyes of the Oppressed: A History of Franciscans Working for Peace and Justice. By Paul T. Murray. [United States Franciscan History Project.] (Oceanside, CA: The Academy of American Franciscan History, 2021. Pp. vii, 283. $20.00. ISBN 978-0-8838-2274-6. Seeing Jesus in the Eyes of the Oppressed focuses on the activism of eight Franciscans: four priests, three sisters, and one brother, who addressed social issues in the era since 1945. They drew inspiration from core Franciscan charisms, such as the respect for the dignity of the poor and marginalized, official Catholic social teaching, and ecumenical and global sources. In these profiles, Franciscan activists have supplemented charity with creative justice initiatives as a path to address the root causes of social and economic ills. The author of this engaging volume, Paul T. Murray, came to this project with a deep connection to Franciscans as teachers and colleagues and to the struggle for Black civil rights. Half of this volume features racial justice activists. The story of Father Nathaniel Machesky details his path toward outright confrontation with white supremacy. Participation in the Selma campaign for voting rights launched Sister Antona Ebo into leadership roles. The first Black Capuchin, Brother Booker Ashe, promoted interracial awareness and Black pride through a variety of programs in Milwaukee, including establishment of the House of Peace and a summer enrichment and recreation program for children. The chapter on Sister Thea Bowman unfortunately relegates her to a secondary position by highlighting the works of the Holy Child Jesus Mission, where she was educated and baptized into the Catholic church. Profiles of Father Alan McCoy and Sister Patricia Drydyk focus on support for the farm workers' movement. Influenced by Cesar Chavez, McCoy prioritized tackling inadequate wages to supplement providing relief. Additionally, he addressed such international concerns as the war in Vietnam. An inspiring and energetic picketer, organizer, and publicist, Drydyk dedicated herself to the farm workers' cause. Father Joseph Nangle's profile considers how his experiences as a [End Page 428] missionary in Latin America and familiarity with liberation theology shaped his prophetic role upon his recall to the United States. Involved in protesting overseas sales of infant formula and arms, and supporting the Sanctuary Movement, he helped create an intentional community dedicated to simple living and acts of social justice. Before joining the Franciscans, Father Louie Vítale, an Air Force intercept officer, nearly shot down a U.S. passenger plane that was mistaken for a Soviet bomber. Shaken by the experience, Vitale pledged himself to protesting militarism and war, which resulted in his hundreds of arrests. As Murray makes clear, these prophetic activists lived in Franciscan communities that represented a range of opinion on how sisters and friars could best effect social change—or if they should even try. They would enlarge Catholic teaching and practice as they confronted the moral challenges of the outside world. Yet like the larger American Catholic community, Franciscan houses struggled with the activism of vowed members and racism, an indication of the limits of "made in the image and likeness of God" belief. This book is an exciting example of the possibilities of researching the histories of religious orders. Each portrait contains a wealth of details on the interplay between Franciscans and social and economic realities. Oral interviews add insight and broaden historical context. Surprisingly, despite the growth of lay associate groups in the post-Vatican Council II era, this volume does not include an indepth profile of a lay Franciscan activist. Overall, readers can expect an absorbing and well researched visit into living Franciscan values nearly nine centuries after Francis of Assisi. Anne Klejment University of St. Thomas Anne Klejment University of St. Thomas Copyright © 2023 The Catholic University of America Press