C A T H O L I C

HENNACY HOUSE OF HOSPITALITY Hennacy House illustration by Becky McIntyre House illustration by Becky Hennacy 632 BRITTANIA STREET A HISTORY KINGS BAY PLOWSHARES 7 UPDATE p.7 THEY WORKED ENDLESSLY TO TURN THE HOUSE INTO A HOME

HENNACY HOUSE OF HOSPITALITY

I often think about the expression “if walls could talk” and imagine what stories our 130+ year-old house would tell. Every person who resided on this patch of earth has left their mark, seeding a part of their vision, joys, and struggles into the bone marrow of this building. 632 BRITTANIA STREET A HISTORY

By MATT HARPER declared their desire to get the death penalty abolished so that often think about the express- “the state may no longer swell the ion, “if walls could talk” and list of murders by becoming imagine what stories our 130+ itself a murderer.” It worked to Iyear-old house would tell. shift public opinion so that the Every person who resided on this “reformation of offenders,” not patch of earth has left their mark, revenge, might be the law’s guid- seeding a part of their vision, joys, ing principle. And, it extended and struggles into the bone marrow an invitation for all to join. Not of this building. only did these values come back From 1978 to today, the L.A. to life with our moving in almost Catholic Worker’s story has crossed 70 years later, but Rees also and crisscrossed those that trans- started a tradition of 632 Brittania pired before ours, mirroring so St. residents using a newspaper much of what came before. These as a tool of education, agitation, points of intersection create a and mobilization. through line that leads me to won- After his death in 1914, the der if others were getting this house Rees family decided “nobody wanted ready for us long before we arrived. to take care of the big house,” so, in Though the surface-level story In the newspaper 1918, they sold it. of this home and its owners would The next known owner was the make a great Christmas story, we article, the group Church of the Open Door, who ran are now into a year that has already the Mary Martha Home for Girls. given us both a miraculous flip of the declared their desire to On October 1,1942, this Christian Georgia Senate and a white suprema- get the death penalty group began their renovations to and cist, state-approved, police-protected expansion of the 50+ year-old house. terrorist attack on the capitol. And abolished so that “the Though these additions (and the we are only weeks into this new- three buildings added in 1947, 1950, year. So, let us hold the messiness state may no longer and 1958) made us too wide to be of imperfect answers to impossible seen as a classic Victorian house any- questions and tell a full story, as I swell the list of murders more, it built the infrastructure—and believe it is an act of love. set the tone—for creating a house of Samuel Rees had not been in Los by becoming itself a hospitality. Angeles for many years before he murderer.” It worked to As R. Celestia Churchill, who ran started work on one of the first homes the Home said, “Through the years constructed in what was then Brook- shift public opinion so we have cared for many women lyn Heights. Ascending the vocation- and girls from [General and White al hierarchy available only to (some) that the “reformation Memorial Hospitals]—girls who white immigrants--from bookkeeper are taking treatments and need to be to real estate mogul to Member of the of offenders,” not near, and those recovering from sick- Council for the 9th Ward—he bought revenge, might be the ness or an operation and who need a 17.5 acres of land for $350 and built home and care for a time...[as well a house (finished in either 1878 or law’s guiding principle. as] those working downtown or those 1889) that still gives its residents “a looking for work…” picturesque view of the basin, valleys, And, it extended an Although the Catholic Worker and mountains.” version of giving “safe Christian I have real skepticism as to who the invitation for all to surroundings” likely looks very dif- real beneficiaries would have been of join. Not only did these ferent from the Home’s, our early policies a City Councilperson would economic realities looked the same: have passed from 1891 onward. I values come back to leaving us unsure of whether settling also wonder the true cost of what Mr. one debt would leave the next bill Rees had to do (or be complicit in) life with our moving in impossible to be paid. The Mary to acquire so much money and land Martha House often found itself with so quickly. Knowing the repeating almost 70 years later, only loose change in their coffers—2 themes of L.A. politics and U.S. his- but Rees also started a cents, 73 cents. tory, the realities of race, class, and As Catherine and Jeff like to gender in our capitalist system do not tradition of 632 remind us, at the beginning, it was a make it hard to imagine. miracle that we would get what we And still, history remembers Brittania St. residents needed from month to month. And Samuel Rees as a person with strong though I am sure that is true, like the principles, who spoke truth to power, using a newspaper as a and stood on the side of the people. Mary Martha House, I also have to In April 1909, his name was added to tool of education, wonder what we had access to that the Los Angeles Herald’s list of prom- would have been all but unavailable inent Angelenos who had formed agitation, and to many others interested in pursuing the Prison Reform League to secure visions like ours. “humane treatment of prisoners.” mobilization. When the Mary Martha Home for In the newspaper article, the group Continued on page 2

OUR HOUSE IS NOT AN ISLAND. IT EXISTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE HISTORY OF BROOKLYN, AND NOW BOYLE HEIGHTS

CATHOLIC AGITATOR / 1 HENNACY HOUSE OF HOSPITALITY

halting those access points to the farm less than two hectares (~5 acres) RESIST (SUPER) MARKET city. Despite being met with tear gas of land, do not want the same fate as and water cannons, the protestors American farmers. Especially con- have determind to stay until the three sidering India’s manufacturing sector FORCES bills are repealed. has not historically created jobs at the By MAGGIE MILLER by allowing for corporations to buy The majority of the protestors are rate farmers would be displaced. directly from farmers and allowing Sikh and from the regions of Punjab Our modern, industrial society efore we begin assembling stockpiling of grain. and Haryana. They arrived with overvalues efficiency. The gold stan- trays of beans, salad, and It is well documented that India’s rations to last six months or longer, dard of efficiency is so indoctrinated bread for the Skid Row farmers had been asking the govern- made possible because of a Sikh in us that we seldom even question Bcommunity, Matt Harper ment for reforms for decades due to tradition called langar. Langar is the its validity. I chuckle internally every reminds us to “remember all the flaws in the old system. But in a case provision of free, communal meals to time a new volunteer suggests a let- people who have grown and har- of selective hearing, the govern- any person regardless of caste, race, tuce chopping machine at the Hippie vested this food, who are often not ment ignored the pleas for increased or religion. It feels very akin to the Kitchen. But rather than pointing and treated with the dignity and respect farmer protections, and “gifted” hospitality and meals provided at the laughing, I gently explain, just as they deserve.” This intention never farmers with these bills instead. Hippie Kitchen. someone had to explain to me when fails to move me. I spend a comical Many economists, and even some Located in the countries’ grain belt, I had predictably suggested a lettuce amount of time pondering my next farmers, welcome the reforms as farmers from Punjab and Haryana chopper, that Catholic Workers hold meal and a comparatively minuscule a means to increase efficiency and do benefit the most from the govern- other values higher than efficiency. chunk contemplating the people who modernize the agricultural sector. ment intervention in the old system. Personalism and community, as ex- have labored in the fields to make However, there is consensus that the However, their concerns about their amples. The relationships and people it possible. With our complex food political power wielded was unjust livelihoods as small farmers in the around the chopping block are vastly system and giant agribusinesses in and unnecessary. From the start, the face of free-market agricultural poli- more important than the rate at which the United States, it is easy to feel legislation was drafted without any cies are legitimate. lettuce gets chopped. disconnected from farm workers. farmer consultation. Furthermore, In the United States, over the past Efficiency is not a ubiquitous solu- In contrast, Indian farmers, who the legislation was passed by an century, farmland has become in- tion, nor is it the enemy. I, too, love make up 55% of the country’s popu- illegal voice vote, while opposition creasingly concentrated in the hands the satisfying feeling of tweaking lation, are currently staging massive microphones were muted. A shouting of a few large agribusinesses. “The a process until it runs seamlessly. protests and demanding respect from match ensued. U.S. had about one-third as many But what if systems were created the government. In September 2020, The political methodology used by farms in 2000 as in 1900, and on av- and fine-tuned to values other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mr. Modi’s government has further erage they were three times as large. efficiency alone. This is especially majority government passed three emboldened the opposition and po- In the same period, the proportion apparent to me when examining the bills into law that drastically altered tentially hardened the resolve of the of the U.S. workforce employed in mechanisms of the food system. the economic infrastructure of India’s protestors. Since November 2020, agriculture shrank from slightly more “The modern food system is a agricultural sector. Without getting hundreds of thousands of Indian than 40% to around 2%” (Parasecoli, product of the forces inherent in free- lost in the economic weeds, the bills farmers have marched to New Delhi “MIT Technology Review 2021”). market capitalism. Decisions most notably deregulate the industry and camped on five major highways, Farmers in India, who on average Continued on page 6

HARPER, cont’d from page 1 holy home was beyond capac- in Boyle Heights, it was after the care. The peace pole put in more ity—even the end of the hallway freeways had been used to carve than 40 years ago has tried to remind Girls decided it was time to leave had been turned into a private room. up the local community and after us of our commitment to love. this house, the property eventu- Meanwhile this beautiful Victorian whites fled to the suburbs. It was And, oh the people this house ally found its way into the hands behemoth, near the corner of Brook- after the Chavez Ravine community has seen. We have knowingly (and of Martin Offenberger, 39-year-old lyn Avenue (soon to be Cesar Chavez was forcibly displaced and the Walk- unknowingly) housed professional retired M.D. Meeting Victor Baran- Avenue) and Brittania Street, now outs were met with the same state forgers, traveling muralists, federal co, Offenberger heard echoes of his promised 18 bedrooms and almost violence this Latinx community has criminals, and renowned spiritual own vision of communes ruled by 5 full bathrooms (not to mention the always known. It would be incom- and movement leaders. Even the the theory of “more.” “Responsible other three buildings on the com- plete not to note that our acquiring fire department loves our home as it hedonism” was valuable to Martin, pound). When it entered the market, this house led to the removal of those provides new recruits an incredible but when Baranco articulated his longtime friends of the Catholic “squatting” in the abandoned house. opportunity to train for complicated similar vision for living the life one Worker offered to buy the full “It is against the law to occupy this rescues. wants without the societal constraints property and give three of the build- house(s)...Anyone who violates this We have tried to do this work a and expectations that have become ings to us. So, in 1978, not without ordinance will be punished under million different ways--food co-ops, so normalized, Martin was hooked. some trepidation and uncertainty, the state law,” the posting said. It would hospice care, overnight emergency Don’t want to do a job you signed Worker community agreed. Our com- be irresponsible not to wonder in housing and long-term hospitality. up for? Don’t. Want to go back to munity was so deeply convinced they what other complicated (and often bed? Do! Critiquing the “antiestab- Many strangers have become family, might have to move back to the old untraceable and unintentional) blurring the lines that can come from lishment” perspective, they professed house they kept it and lent it to the ways our presence has impacted the not to be anti-anything. “You can get the worker/guest distinctions our Sisters of Saint Joseph of Caronde- displacement that continues in Boyle dominant culture is so drawn to. more out of life through agreement let’s House of Ruth free of charge for Heights to this day. than compromise,” Offenberger told And, oh the unknown and un- the next 19 years (before selling it to Yet our story here includes more remembered lost stories of 632 the L.A. Times in 1974. them in 1989 for the same price they than a single facet of human com- Like the Catholic Worker’s home, paid for it in 1970: $35,000). plicatedness. Over our 43 years in Brittania St.! Stories of the East L.A. this Morehouse Commune became a Now, when Samuel Rees arrived in 632 Brittania St., this house has Health Task Force, and Wolff family. somewhat diverse, intergenerational Los Angeles in 1874, the population seen many things. When the Work- How I wish these walls could talk! community of people aged 6 days was said to be 6,500 people despite ers walked in on day one, they had I wonder if the All American to 48 years. Just as these seekers the Tongva-Gabrieleno people (those 50 broken windows, no furniture Brokers who sold our home in 1978 “thought something was missing indigenous to the land) having num- (or doorknobs), and three inch shag would say that we have realized “the in their lives,” decades of Catholic bered 10,000 just a century earlier. carpet covered in dog poop. They full rental potential,” or might they Workers have come to the same But in criminalizing diverse customs worked endlessly to turn the house shake their heads because we failed home, searching for a life of a differ- and practices and stripping them of into a home and refused to allow po- to “utilize this outstanding tax shelter ent kind of “more,” one with color, the land they held, they had been left lice to use the property to spy on the and write off”? Either way, I cannot complexity, and community. for extinction. This opened land for local community. We have replaced help but believe that we have done Though there is plenty to distin- white settlers like Rees to take the old ovens with new ones and both this property proud. Maybe we have guish this group from ours, they, too, land for their own. fed and housed many who have come added stories that the walls would were part of a huge, diverse, national When the Catholic Workers arrived to our door in need of support and deem worthy of retelling. Maybe movement (128 houses), committed we will continue to honor the best to giving money away (tithing), and of those who came before us, and with easily memorizable tenets that continue our growth as a community encapsulate some of the deepest held CATHOLICFEBRUARY 2021 Vol. 51 No.1 that honors this neighborhood and the values and philosophies of the move- history that transpired along with it. ment. Surely, Peter Maurin would Our house is not an island. It exists in have enjoyed comparing theirs to the context of the history of Brook- ours, though I imagine their decision Publisher: Catherine Morris lyn, and now Boyle, Heights. I am so only to turn their focus internally Editors: Mike Wisniewski and Matt Harper Editors Emeritus: Jeff Dietrich and Martha Lewis grateful for a home, a history, and the rather than working to transform Managing Editor: Donald Nollar chance to own our story again tomor- unjust structures might have earned Staff: Rev. Elizabeth Griswold, Susan Dietrich, Maggie Miller, and Becky McIntyre row. Thanks to all those who have his reproach. The Catholic Agitator (ISSN-0045-5970) is published bi-monthly kept our work going for so long. Ω Not too long after the L.A.C.W. February, April, June, August, October, and December for $1 per year by the moved onto Cummings Street in Los Angeles Catholic Worker, 632 N. Brittania St., Los Angeles, CA 90033-1722 Matt Harper is 1970, 632 Brittania St. became the • • • • • • “greener” grass on the other side. Periodical Postage paid at Los Angeles, CA a Los Angeles Catherine and Jeff would occasional- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Catholic Worker ly look longingly from their adjacent The Catholic Agitator, 632 N. Brittania St., Los Angeles, CA 90033-1722 community The LACW is not a 501(c).(3) non-profit organization and donations to the LACW are not member and Hennacy House of Hospitality up to tax-exempt. Editorial communications, new subscriptions, and address changes to: the “house on the hill” behind them, 632 N. Brittania St., Los Angeles, CA 90033-1722 co-editor of the which offered the promise of space. 323-267-8789 • https://lacatholicworker.org • [email protected] Agitator. These Catholic Workers knew their

2 /FEBRUARY 2021 AS JESUS’ DISCIPLES WE ARE INSTRUCTED TO BE HIS WITNESSES We know from Church history living an alternative way is possible. The Church in the first 300+ years of our history held fast to Jesus’ example and utterly rejected and resisted support for and participation in empire. REJECT AND RESIST EMPIRE By MIKE WISNIEWSKI have both a democracy and an oligar- chy. It is one or the other. eflecting on this nation’s hor- It appears obvious the impact of rific and scandalous political voting was abrogated decades ago affairs over the past several when big money began flowing Ryears, I have to wonder if into legislatures coffers thus allow- this is not a decisive time to stop and ing corporate interests to heavily reflect upon what it means to live as influence legislative decisions in Christians in the midst of empire. their favor rather than in service to To clarify, empire, in my under- the common good, while the body standing, is a nation that claims politic remained passive. As a result, superiority, both militarily and eco- we now suffer the greatest economic nomically, over other nations. It is inequality in the industrialized world, oppressive and steeped in violence, which is only worsening. corruption, and abuses its power in Additionally, this course of action order to increase its authority and became solidified in 2010 with the dominion over others, and the earth’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in resources, and in this, becomes idola- Citizens United v F.E.C., which ruled trous and blasphemous as it worships corporations are people and have a and serves false gods, thus violating First Amendment right to spend vast the First Commandment. amounts of money on elections—and While tragic in many ways, em- they have spent tens, if not hundreds pires have been in existence for sev- of millions of dollars in each so-called eral millennia. Indeed, Jesus lived in “election.” This entire system—politi- and under one. However, He refused cal, economic, and judicial—is utterly to align himself with its practices and corrupt and bankrupt. culture. He chose, instead (and un- Although many people fought and mistakably), to become exemplar par greatly suffered for the privilege/ excellence regarding all political and right to vote, I find it unreasonable spiritual matters. Therefore, if we to believe we have an obligation to examine Luke 4:5-8, it should stand protect it considering what is has as the foundation and answer to the become. Matters today are immensely question and quandary of Christian different. Today, the ruling corporate life in and support of empire. elite, the oligarchy, controls the entire In this key passage Jesus is taken system. Hence, their interests will win to a mountaintop and the devil shows one way or another. They decide and Jesus all empires in human his- choose whomever they believe will tory and invites/tempts Him to ally best serve their interests. Our vote, His nonviolent “Kin-dom” of love then, is utterly meaningless. This Graphic by Gustave Doré Graphic by Gustave and justice with the violent, un- reality should have become unam- just, and idolatrous empires ruled biguously clear with both the 2000 and controlled by the devil and his “selection” of GWB, and the 2016 minions, and by consenting, worship “appointment” of Trump. Yes, they are state religion, that the Church began Bear in mind, the U.S. Empire, in full control, and the principal ben- the ruling demonic principalities and to waver, which has continued, with more than 700 offshore military powers. It is important to note that eficiaries of nearly every aspect of this unimpeded to the present. Constan- bases, is the most oppressive and vio- corrupt system. We cannot capitulate Jesus does not refute Satan's claim tine offered a community that only lent empire in human history. In fact, that he (Satan) has absolute rule over to the temptation to believe otherwise. knew the threat of torture and death, our national top priority is weapons, Living in denial can be lethal. empire and shares that power with a chance to openly worship, preach, while violence our primary export. It whomever he desires. Rather, Jesus Remember also, the only modern and proselytize in exchange for their has been in perpetual war (either di- sitting president who attempted to unequivocally and unwaveringly re- loyalty. It became a quid pro quo. rectly or by proxy) since WWII, and jects the notion of becoming an ally, subvert the ruling elite’s agenda For this “freedom,” they now had to thus responsible for the massacre of to make changes that served the a partner, in Satan’s empire project. I serve empire in whatever manner more than 20 million human beings, believe it important to remember that common good suffered the ominous demanded. Hence, Christians began all of whom were created in God’s consequences and paid the ultimate a fundamental aspect of discipleship participating in usury, imperial wars, image and likeness. Also, since the is that we listen to and follow Jesus; law enforcement, political office, vot- U.S. Empire’s “War on Terror” began, price—JFK. John F. Kennedy began live by His words and example. ing, etc., and in many instances be- more than 37 million people have been a secret dialogue with Nikita Khrush- Unfortunately, the Church—at came the persecutors rather than the permanently displaced, particularly chev that produced a complete every level—has too often chosen a persecuted—all in the name of Christ children. It is the only nation to use, change of heart and mind. He wanted disconcerting path, straying signifi- crucified by empire nonetheless. and threatens to again use, nuclear to end the Vietnam war, he rejected cantly from our earliest roots and be- Therefore, I must question: if Jesus weapons to demonstrate its power and a full invasion of Cuba—including coming complicit with empire. So far is our exemplar, as he was for the willingness to destroy the entirety of using nuclear weapons, wanted to away have we strayed that we no lon- early Church, how can we legitimate- God’s “good” creation; something to disarm and terminate our nuclear ger bear a distinct resemblance to the ly justify voting for anyone in service ponder. For this reason alone, to vote arsenal, as well as cut the war ma- early church in the first 300 years. I to the U.S. Empire and therefore to Sa- in and pledge our allegiance to the chine budget (see James Douglass’ find myself asking: How have most tan? In service and dedicated to keep- U.S. Empire is to become enslaved book JFK and the Unspeakable). people of faith justified a betrayal of ing the imperial war machine going to the idolatry, blasphemy, violence, Given the control the oligarchs have Jesus’ example? Therefore, is it not full speed ahead, as well as suppress death, and destruction at its core. over our entire system, no individ- essential that we understand how we our rights, privacy, and social services? Additionally, voting confers tacit ual could or would affect authentic arrived at this quandary? In service to an empire whose quest approval to act in our name. To quote change—it is impossible! If any per- We know from Church history liv- is global and cosmic hegemony—at all Ammon Hennacy (whose name son who strives to occupy the Oval ing an alternative way is possible. The costs? In service to an empire that ex- adorns our house of hospitality): Office wanted and pledged to make Church in the first 300+ years of our ploits people and nature? In service to “When we take any part in govern- major changes in U.S. policy, they history held fast to Jesus’ example and an empire set to destroy the planet? In ment by voting for legislative, judi- would be promptly forced to rethink utterly rejected and resisted support service to an empire that has absolutely cial, and executive officials, we make and abandon their ideals and submit for and participation in empire. These no moral or ethical vision? It seems these people our arm by which we to uphold and further the status quo, early Christians refused to bow down to me, to do so is diabolical insanity! cast a stone (John 8:7b), and deny the as did LBJ after Kennedy’s assas- to the emperor, refused to serve em- Voting is merely one example of Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5). sination, or face the same or similar pire in any manner, refused to comply many ways we choose to be com- He, like Dorothy Day (who also did ominous consequences as JFK. with any imperial order that violated plicit with empire, yet a significant not vote), believed that “Our prob- The U.S. quest for global and cosmic gospel principles. And as a result, example; a brief list of other ways lems stem from our acceptance of the hegemony serves to maintain the pow- many paid the price: persecution, include buying products and services filthy rotten system.” Dorothy also er and wealth of a few by any means martyrdom, or exile. The Acts of the from companies known to exploit believed that “there is nothing so radi- necessary at the expense and wellbeing Apostles also provides an illustration. people and nature; taking govern- cal, or so subversive as Christianity.” of the masses, locally and globally, It was not until roughly 313 CE, ment aid or grants, among many Voting suggests people have a as well as the earth itself. In truth, when Emperor Constantine experi- other ways. Some are necessary, but voice, but I believe it unambiguously U.S. policy is the principal enemy of enced a “conversion” to Christianity should we not make an attempt to clear that democracy is essentially democracy. This strategy is upheld and named Christianity the official limit our participation as best we can? nonexistent in this nation. We cannot Continued on page 6

CATHOLIC AGITATOR / 3 OUR FAITH MANDATES THAT WE BE THE ALTERNATIVE TO EMPIRE In this present climate, Black people can and are able to respond to the call to be the signposts of new possibilities for the Church. The humanity of Black people is our contribution to society, and to our Church. Our gift is the resilience against systemic oppression. African people are the face of God; and, until Black people are free, no one is free. LET THE CHURCH ROLL ON This article originally appeared in quent conversation cannot happen We put out a call first for people to the December 2020 issue of The until this local, American and global look through their personal book col- Catholic Worker, newspaper of the Church reconciles with her God- REFLECTIONS ON ARTSAKH: lections to see what they could donate. New York City Catholic Worker. It given mission. Through connections and a chain of was excerpted from remarks given to We have a responsibility as faith AN INTERVIEW WITH people, we have been coordinating the the Conference of Major Superiors of communities to lead the way to God. sending of books and hand-written Men, August 4, 2020. Therefore, we must tell the truth— TALEEN ASADOURIAN letters to soldiers in Armenia, and they repentant truth. Not just mea culpa, love it. We have met so many brilliant By BISHOP F. J. CHERI III, OFM By MAGGIE MILLER us about culture, history, religion, soldiers, they are voracious readers. mea culpa, mea maxima culpa, but politics, and the importance of the truth that then compels us to fter COVID impacted One soldier, David, was so happy n June 5, 2020, the Archdi- service and community. Our global when he saw “All Quiet on the West- ocese of New Orleans held action, to do something different. her employment, Taleen Armenian community truly came Truth that leads to metanoia, truth Asadourian found us at the ern Front” (in Armenia). He said to a prayer protest rally from together during these latest attacks our volunteer, “This was my favorite its Chancery Office to the that protects the human dignity from Hippie Kitchen and quickly on Artsakh, and continues in the af- the human condition. Truth that Abecame an integral volunteer dur- book and I let so many people borrow O termath as we try to heal and rebuild. front steps of Notre Dame Seminary. it during training that it got lost. I am The idea was suggested by chancery reveals where we stand with God ing a time of great need. However, Being Armenian has also been an during the past few months, Taleen’s so happy to find it again.” He shared officials who wanted to publicly do who appears when humanity is be- interesting lens through which I see ing denied. We need to tell the truth extraordinary abilities have been the world. I have seen how institutions that it helped him gain a little under- something in response to the death directed toward a different cause: the standing of what to expect during war. of George Floyd. Instead of a public of the past and our complicity with you think uphold ideals with uncom- what undergirds white supremacy, so plight of Armenian people. promising integrity, like academic in- David got me thinking. I had never Photos by LACW rosary with eight minutes, forty-six I recognize that the tension among stitutions, mainstream newspapers, or wanted to read a book about war. But seconds of silence (to commemorate we can understand all its complexi- how fortunate was I to think that I could ties that strike out against Black/ Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey is even UNESCO, are easily influenced the length of time that officer Derek complex, emotional, and centuries with money. You see the political keep war out of my mind? Whereas it is Chauvin had his knee on Floyd’s Brown bodies that don’t conform to a reality, others, including our brothers Anglo-Saxon exceptionalism. This long, and one article cannot pos- games played out in these institutions neck), I wrote a “Requiem for Black sibly capture its entirety. Rather, my and representative government. and sisters in Armenia, are forced to Children of God,” a confession and notion of what it means to be a faith- face it. Inspired by him, I immediately Catherine, Clare, Porfirio, Jeff, Rudy on Christmas Susan, Megan singing Christmas intention is to highlight the immense At the same time, it has allowed me a moment of remembrance of 47 ful citizen fits the mold of what has picked up a handful of copies from an been described as the default setting carols with “Team Kitchen” outside effort of a community, bear witness to see and better understand struggles Black men and women from across second-class Catholics, can say like undocumented and into the global to the suffering, and approach the fought across the globe. I have never L.A. bookstore and passed them out to the country killed in recent years for American white male heterosexu- Paul to the Church at Corinth: “We struggle for human dignity of all situation with empathy instead of some of my friends, encouraging our al—and this feeds white supremacy. • Listen more, talk less. “Everyone felt more connected to other indig- by police violence. This powerful are afflicted in every way, but not people of every race, language and should be quick to listen, slow to detached intellectualism. enous struggles than I am now. It is a group to read it to try and connect with Systemic racism is an immoral mon- and understand just a little bit about Catholic witness and call for justice crushed; perplexed, but not driven to way of life. Black Lives Matter speak, and slow to anger” (James AGITATOR: Understanding that lens through which I can relate or try touched and surprised us all. With ster. The root problem is our incapac- despair; persecuted but not forsaken; should not be an incompatible issue to understand what else is happening what the soldiers are going through. ity to confront this brutal immoral 1:19). there is bias in the media, what do only two days of advertisement struck down, but not destroyed; for our Church if we believe in re- • Resist the need to respond with in the world. There are many ways this program monster who violates Black people you think are the main facts of the can continue to grow. The notes on social media, about 300 people always carrying about in the body specting the dignity and personhood a better or different insight about conflict that everybody should know? AGITATOR: How have you been were in attendance. A news reporter and people of color…. the dying of Jesus, so that the life of of each individual, the first principle something. able to get involved from Los Angeles? in books have expanded to letters, The Church must lead all to God, ASADOURIAN: This is a case of asked me, “What are you feeling at Jesus also may be manifested in our of Catholic Social Teaching; and if • Be an ally. Being an ally is differ- a people’s voice being ignored. This ASADOURIAN: At the very begin- which have been a big hit. The sol- this moment?” I said, “The church but when Church leaders speak of body” (2 Cor. 4:8-10). we know without a shadow of a doubt ent than simply wanting not to be a is a case of dismissal of indigenous ning, my focus was on fundraising, diers are touched when they receive showed out; let the church roll on.” one body in Christ, they only support Black Catholics need to have a that each of us is made in the image racist. Being an ally requires you to rights. This is a case of failure of especially for ArmeniaFund. I then notes from all over the world, from While I grew in a spirit of confi- white male heterosexuality as the healthy dialogue about the Church and likeness of God. Black Lives educate yourself about systemic rac- action by international institutions connected with fellow Armenian Armenians and non-Armenians alike. dence, compassion and integrity as norm of true Catholicity. as a white supremacist, patriarchal Matter, where do we go from here? ism in this country. and media in the face of obvious war Angelenos in efforts to provide (If interested, you can send a photo of a handwritten letter to BooksForAr- a Black Catholic leader amid this The Catholic Church has a knee on institution and decide if the Church Bishops and Church leaders have to • Try not to repeat, “I cannot believe crimes. This is a case of the continu- media equipment to journalists on the COVID-19 pandemic, I watched the neck of Black people and people remains the right vehicle for Black go beyond the Black Lives Matter ation of genocide. ground, and to collect and send medi- [email protected] and we that something like this would hap- can print and deliver it. Typed letters chancery officials becoming more of color. Now, if what I am saying Catholics to love God, to serve and movement itself, and capture, and pen in this day and age.” For centuries, Armenians have cal supplies for soldiers and refugees. anxious, bewildered and restless as the is unsettling, good, you are listen- to worship God in the world, so that claim the rallying cry of the Church lived in Artsakh, or as it is interna- I promoted fundraising in line are also ok, and there are drop-off • Ask when you do not know—but with group interests. For example, I spots in L.A. which we can share if challenge “what now?” rang through ing. Listen! Listen, the Church, the we may be happy with God in the on the streets. That means: Stop say- do the work first—educate yourself. tionally known, Nagorno-Karabakh. Body of Christ, the people have taken next life. In this present climate, Amaras, the school where the organized a fundraising effort with you reach out to us via email.) the building and across the diocese. ing “all lives matter”—for you belittle • Stop talking about color blindness. members of Armenian Vegans of L.A., And by the way, when I say “sol- The unsettled tension of church to the streets crying out, “Enough is Black people can and are able to re- the present reality of racial injustice. • Be about transformation, restora- Armenian alphabet was first taught, enough!” and “I can’t breathe” in this is located in Artsakh. Various ethnic which I founded, as well as with Food diers” here, I do not mean career leaders reminded me of the reactions spond to the call to be the signposts Investigate Black Lives Matter and de- tion and reparation and the Resur- Not Bombs. We collected money for military personnel. I mean men and to the statement made by the mem- perfect storm of COVID-19 and this of new possibilities for the Church. fine it as we are called to live it in our rection. groups have lived together there before, but there is no denying Ar- a project by “Kooyrigs/Sisters” which women, young and old, who have bers of the National Black Catholic unjust systemic racism.” The Church The humanity of Black people is our individual dioceses, religious com- Scripture states Jesus said to the has taken to the streets; do we join menian history there. However, since provides fresh produce to Artsakh volunteered or were conscripted to Clergy Caucus in 1968 when they contribution to society, and to our munities and communities of faith. Do young man: “Go sell what you have, refugees straight from local Armenian defend their people and homes. They them in solidarity or do we hold them Church. Our gift is the resilience the Soviet Union, political actors said, “The Catholic Church in the not try to create another slogan. and give to the poor and you will have deemed Artsakh/Nagorno-Kara- farmers. I also wrote to legislators and are students, musicians, craftsmen, United States, primarily a white in contempt? It begs me to question against systemic oppression. African We need accountability. Work with have treasure in heaven; then come, attended protests—one protest in Los just who is wrapped in error and who bakh as part of Azerbaijan. repairmen, teachers, service profes- racist institution, has addressed itself people are the face of God; and, until a community—listen—develop what follow me” (Mt 10:21). During the war from 1988-1994, Angeles had over 100k participants. sionals, farmers, and more. primarily to white society and is is standing in truth? What do we see Black people are free, no one is free. is right and of Christ. The immoral Can you let go of your white I also worked on writing and and what do we hear? The Catholic Armenians gained control of the terri- We have connected with and sup- definitely a part of that society.” In their Pastoral Letter of 1984, monster lives in us; but also, the privilege; your white male norms? education efforts, through various or- ported local bookstores and even a Church leaders of New Orleans in that tory and through a referendum voiced The Church is in the same place, “What We Have Seen and Heard,” the revolutionary love of Jesus Christ And can you then listen to the people overwhelmingly their desire for au- ganizations and even simply through carpenter (who also volunteered on the the same space with new faces. Our rally stood in solidarity, calling for Black Catholic Bishops of that time lives in us. We have to move to that of color whom God sends your way? tonomy and self-determination. They my own social media. A Leftist front line) whom we commissioned to Catholic identity is so wedded to Gospel values and truth. The risk out- told their Black brothers and sisters radical place of love and grace. God is sending you prophets!... established the Republic of Artsakh, Armenian collective called Zoravik, build our project a book cart. We have our American ideals and systemic weighed the cost. We were no longer that we were called “to the work of Develop a new language that speaks “If My people who are called by which has developed over the past (Armenian for “In Solidarity”), of provided accessibility and occupa- racism that Catholics scratch the sur- silent or afraid, but resolved to work evangelization,” but as we see all more clearly. What are we going to My name humble themselves and 30 years, but remains in a precarious which I am a part, recognized how tional therapy items. Hopefully when face—do good things, but do not get for justice and truth not in violence, around us, that evangelization is not do together? This is our moment, pray and seek My face and turn from situation. Hostilities arose in July poor the coverage of these attacks the last soldier leaves, we can continue too deep into systemic issues. The but in peace. Let the Church roll on… just to other Black men and women. this is our question, that demands a their wicked ways, then I will hear 2020 when Azerbaijan violated the was. Mainstream media promoted this program for regular patients. system keeps protecting itself. The Church’s teaching on Human As Pope Paul VI said to the people faith-filled answer. An answer from a from heaven, will forgive their sin ceasefire, and reignited September 27, false equivalences, false neutrality, I am really happy that we have been We are comfortable with death, Dignity states: “Created in the image of Africa in 1969, “You must give people who believe in the unity cre- and will heal their land…” (2 Chron. 2020 with 44 days of fighting. and framed these attacks as a “war,” able to start Books for Armenian Sol- weapons of violence and greed; but of the one God and equally endowed your gifts of Blackness to the whole ated by and required by the Father, 7:14). The reality there is a population when it is the continuation of geno- diers. It has been amazing connecting not the profound revolutionary life with rational souls, all men (and Church.” Today we must understand the Son and the Holy Spirit. What Let us pray for a day when more that is indigenous to the land, but the cide. The group wrote informational with the team of volunteers that has of Jesus Christ! The U.S.A. is the women) have the same nature and the that the people who learned to resist are we going to do together as people people will think we are crazy be- political situation does not reflect pieces on Medium (https://zoravik. developed, and seeing the chain that greatest producer of weapons in the same origin. Redeemed by the sacri- the utter dehumanization of forced baptized into this union? What are cause we are doing something with their voice. What they want is au- medium.com), hosted a video series has formed—how a letter goes from world. We are the most violent so- fice of Christ, all are called to partici- separation and enslavement, who faith, not fear. The key is in “the we.” tonomy, what they want is peace. called “Artsakh Updates,” and a a dining room table of an Armenian we going to do together as formatters panel on Azerbaijani revisionism. ciety. We are a country that baptizes pate in the same divine beatitude: all developed strategies, both spiritual of those to whom this mission has Not “the we” who are Black or “the AGITATOR: Why have you chosen family in Alaska, to me here in L.A., therefore enjoy an equal dignity. and social, to persist on their way out to dedicate your time and energy to And one of the projects which is to a soldier in a hospital in Yerevan. greed. These things put a heavy load been entrusted? What are we going we” who are white. Not “the we” very dear to me is Books for Ar- on Black/Brown bodies. Churches, It is so easy to get choked in the of the Hell of their bondage, found who are poor or “the we” who are this cause? AGITATOR: Are there any requests to do together not only in the name ASADOURIAN: I am ethnically Ar- menian Soldiers (@BooksForAr- with our actions or our silence, sanc- darkness of racial discrimination, the freedom “way up in the middle of the of the Father and of the Son and of rich. Not “the we” who are female or that you have of your friends, family, gloom of blunders committed by the menian, born and raised in the U.S. I menianSoldiers on Instagram and community at large? tion what is going on. Where is the air” as prophets and messengers of the Holy Spirit, but more deeply, “the we” who are male. Not “the we” Facebook). At the beginning of the Catholic Church and the systemic evils think the Armenian community and ASADOURIAN: I have asked friends Church; how do we stop the killing hope. These people, my brothers and what are we going to do together as who are in charge nor “the we” who specifically my family have done a good attacks, as I heard about soldiers of Black/Brown people? Racism pro- of racism in the United States and be- sisters, are brothers and sisters to all God is calling and leading us to do are falsely charged. to write their legislators and interna- job passing on the culture to me. My being treated in hospitals, I put out a tional organizations for action to help motes violence. Hence, the violence yond. The Catholic Bishops document, who find themselves at the cross- what he obviously wants done?.. But “the we” who are not afraid, grandfather, who I was fortunate enough call to see if anyone wanted to con- on Black bodies is okay. There is a “Open Wide Our Hearts,” calls racism roads, facing either the destruction of We need to ask: In what ways has “the we” who believe, “the we” who stop these attacks. The Armenian com- to know, was a survivor of the 1915 nect on providing books and notes munity has asked people to write to theological position and tradition America’s original sin and evil… all we have held dear or the small- the virus affected us? What issues are united and refuse to be divided, genocide perpetrated by Ottoman Turks. to them as they recover, as a source that gives permission to shoot Black Many Black Catholics who have est hope of a light that will guide us have surfaced for action? What can “the we” who shall overcome, “the of healing, education, enjoyment, and media outlets for better coverage and So, I can recognize what was lost, what accountability. We have asked people bodies in the name of protecting a survived in the Catholic Church out of darkness. We must choose to we do as we live with the virus over we” who are catholic. Let us pray people tried to destroy and take from connection. I thought, how we can system that favors the privileges en- through the Middle Passage, slavery, “walk together, children,” and to ask and let us be faithful for life. to join protests all over the world. the next year? What have we learned us. We learned about the genocide and support our soldiers recovering in a Drones used against Armenians played joyed by white people. Our Church the Civil War, the Emancipation the guidance of those who have been from the virus that should guide our “Prove yourselves doers of the its impacts when we were young, and way that uses existing resources, espe- operates with a bias that forces Black Proclamation, Reconstruction, Jim on this journey for centuries. word, and not merely hearers who now living through its repercussions. a huge role in these attacks, just oblit- advocacy for election? cially as I wanted to continue to direct erating people. We called for people people to question her catholicity. A Crow laws, Redlining, Civil Rights, The Black Lives Matter movement, To have this dialogue, we need delude themselves” (James 1:22). I give credit to our families and financial resources to immediate substantial conversion and subse- not to mention being treated like its rallying cry, has branched into the Church leaders to: Let the church roll on. Ω Armenian organizations for teaching soldier medical and refugee needs. Continued on page 6

4 /FEBRUARY 2021 CATHOLIC AGITATOR / 5 OUR FAITH MANDATES THAT WE BE THE ALTERNATIVE TO EMPIRE

MILLER, cont’d from page 2 Trump, though an abomination and and courage to stand and bear witness 118:9 emphasizes, “It is better to demonically possessed, was NOT the to the truth—and be willing to pay the take refuge in God than to trust rul- on where to invest in technologi- core problem. He was a mere symp- price. As in the biblical story of Nineveh ers.” What we do, what we consume, cal research and where to apply its tom and product of the core prob- (Jonah chapter 3), we must undergo a how we participate, how we treat our fruits have been guided by the drive lem—this entire filthy rotten system. luminous transformation beginning with neighbors…Christ invites and leads for ever greater efficiency, produc- His ascent to the White House was the masses with a complete acknowl- us into a total commitment, as the tivity, and profit” (Parasecoli, “MIT certainly predictable in this failed sys- edgement of our past and present and “Kin-dom” of God deserves nothing Technology Review 2021”). tem. However, his regime has a lesson: repent for all evil committed since less from us. Though we fall short, While relying on market forces Yahweh teaches us what in the end is the founding racism, genocide, and we cannot forget that our support for has resulted in an abundance of for our own good and leads us on the slavery of this nation, followed by a and participation in empire is anti- food; it has not ended hunger. In way we should go (Isaiah 48:17). metanoia, a COMPLETE change of life, anti-Christ, and anti-God. This fact, hunger is on the rise. Further- In truth, Trump was a mirror heart, change of direction—toward God. is a spiritual battle and we must dili- more, it has caused huge environ- held up to this society to illustrate As Jesus asserts in Luke 13:5, “I tell gently work to end our collaboration mental casualties and nearly eradi- who and what we are at the core. you, if you do not repent, you will all with the defeated spiritual powers. cated the culture of family farming The parts of our collective selves perish as they did” (referring to other In closing, is it not past time to seek communities. We call it the food that we have tacitly accepted: the unrepentant imperialistic peoples). out the primordial wisdom of the early system but utilize it as just another greed, violence, arrogance, bully- In my belief, this can only be ac- Church and return to our faith’s roots? profit system. ing, corruption, lies, cruelty, racism, complished with a nonviolent revolu- Undeniably, Yahweh invites us to India’s government is hopping on fascism, and more. This is our tion. We can begin anew and fulfill “return to me” (Is. 44:22; Joel 2:12-17; the bandwagon of free-market capi- talism, banking that efficiency, pro- past, present, and future. Looking Peter Maurin’s vision to “create a Mal. 3:7a). And, Jesus again concisely ductivity, and profit are the answers backward teaches us about what new society in the shell of the old,” stated, “By their fruits you will know to their problems. But the farmers are lies ahead, hence, in the big picture, as we turn from darkness toward the them” (Matthew 7:16). We must not buying it. They are camped in the there cannot be major changes that light, thus allowing evil to be con- remember, then, that all who hope in streets demanding the government serve the common good regardless quered. Anything less is futile. We are God’s power will renew their strength consider their values. Central values of who is president; perhaps subtle challenged to foster a society accord- to persevere in the struggle to build a of Sikhism are to earn an honest liv- changes, but nevertheless the same ing to God’s design. It is the only way new society and resist the old (see Isa- ing, serve others, and share food. overall. We are trapped in a system authentic change that serves the com- iah 40:31). If we remain centered in the “Food is a human right!” We mired in filth and wickedness. mon good can happen and Yahweh- gospel message, we will bear much fruit repeat this before we begin assem- Consequently, then, if Luke 4:5-8 God be truly glorified. This does not (see John 15:5-12). Many blessings. Ω bling carryout trays for the Skid is understood and taken seriously, mean, however, that we will not have Row community. When I say this, I and we grasp the diabolical mad- problems and imperfections, but we Mike Wisniewski understand it. Food as a human right ness around us, whoever occupies will have grace and love at the center, is a Los Angeles should be the chief value of the the Oval Office (and Capitol Hill and the Holy Spirit as our guide. Catholic Worker food system. And I do not believe for that matter) will continue to Can a nonviolent revolution happen? I community this can happen unless farmworkers lead this nation to its catastrophic am unsure. However, I am positive that member and are treated with dignity and respect. demise. This is biblical truth—all the issue is not so much that the risk co-editor of the Farm work is skilled work, it is hard empires rise and collapse because of might lead to failure, but that by not Agitator. work, and it sustains us all. their rejection and mockery of God, risking, failure is certain. If we want a Ω their idolatry and blasphemy; hence better, livable future where equity and all empires are God’s adversaries. authentic justice exist, we have an MILLER cont’d from p.5 Maggie Miller The U.S. Empire is no different, in obligation to and therefore must at least is a Los Angeles fact, it is the worst of the worst. try. We are given the option: choose to join us in campaigns targeting the Catholic Worker Yes, it is absolutely certain, if life or death, a blessing or curse. May drone component manufacturers, to community Yahweh is a God of love and justice we choose life that future generations some success. member. who hears the cry of the poor, the may live (see Deut. 30:19-20). Life I would ask my friends to stand up and cry of empire’s countless victims, itself hangs in the balance. share truthful coverage because these domestically and globally, as well Our faith mandates that we be the attacks were generally not covered in as the cry of the planet itself, then alternative to empire, not participate the mainstream. There are many ways the U.S. empire will collapse. Voting in and support it, remembering that to show and say, “I see what is happen- WISNIEWSKI cont’d from p.3 cannot and will not change anything apart from God we can do noth- ing, I believe you, I recognize that this is definitely not a situation between equal by both Democrats and Republicans, to save this nation, or serve the com- ing. However, if we abide by God’s mon good, or eradicate the idolatry word and live by the Spirit, we can powers.” It means a lot when somebody two wings of the single Capitalist acknowledges your pain. War Party, whose differences be- and blasphemy intrinsic to empire accomplish anything. Jesus clearly and its systems and institutions. expects us to be attentive to empire’s I would say the appeal continues to tween the two are nominal at best as be for the international community both are beholden to, thus controlled As Jesus’ disciples we are in- destructive, suicidal, and omnicidal structed to be His witnesses in the ways as he asks, “Why do you not to be aware, speak up, and be critical by the (war-profiteering) corporate anytime you do see false information ruling elite, and ultimately ruled by midst of empire, the shining light know how to interpret the present or false equivalency. And I would say if Satan; as they all are in this together. in the midst of prevailing darkness. time? Why not judge for yourself you would like to help with Armenian Therefore we must acknowledge We are directed not to “take part what is right?” (Luke 12:56-57). recovery, there is much to do to specifi- that Biden is not, by any stretch of in fruitless works of darkness,” but Our task then, as Christians, is to cally aid refugees and soldiers. There is the imagination, dedicated to gospel rather expose and resist them (see stand in resistance, refuse to co- always a way for you to use your skills. principles. Like Trump, Obama, and Ephesians 5:5-17). Understanding operate with unjust structures, and In whatever group you are in, Arme- all others before him, Biden is sup- this, I find myself unable to accept proclaim truth to power, remember- nian or not, create on-the-ground mu- portive of and dedicated to furthering the notion that Jesus would want ing that we cannot simultaneously tual aid groups. Consider how you can the U.S. empire project, furthering and encourage us to vote and thus serve two master—God and empire support your community, whatever oppressive and destructive policies support what is utterly contrary to (Luke 16:13). We must “come out” community you are in, using whatever locally and globally, continuing the the “Kin-don” centered on love we of empire, form community, and build skill and interests you have. A phrase transfer of wealth upward, keeping are supposed to further in His name. solidarity. We need each other—and I kept playing in my head is, “Do what the imperial war machine going As a society, we are stumbling the Spirit—to get to a new future. you can, with what you have, when full speed ahead, including using blindly in spiritual darkness. We are Though the journey may be difficult, you can.” the most diabolical weapons ever part of a system of fear and despair we have many guides to lead us, AGITATOR: Why do you think peo- made in human history (nukes) in that can only lead to death. God de- including Jesus, the early Church, and ple are resistant to help or get involved? a pre-emptive strike. Indeed, Biden sires transformation, not destruction. the prophetic witness of the Plowshares ASADOURIAN: 1: I think people has supported every war (except the In reality, then, if we truly desire to movement, among others. We cannot are distracted by COVID, the U.S. Persian Gulf War) since he began his escape the crushing demise foretold allow apathy and paralysis to overcome election, and really did not know political career and was a key archi- in all stories of empires, we must be us, as the urgency cannot be overstated. about the situation. tect in the ongoing Iraq war. earnest and repent. No nation can es- From Genesis to Revelation, the 2: Most of the information from However, his impacts are not just cape the power of Yahweh. We must Bible is full of passages calling us to major outlets is not clear, or it is devastation abroad. His efforts (in also, in prayer, seek enlightenment reject and resist empire. As Psalm influenced by lobbying and money. 1997) gave us the fully militarized 3: It is not a pleasant topic--people police forces we now have in cities do not want to hear about genocide. around the nation, entities tasked White, Fright, “Riot”: 4: I also saw situations where people with assaulting poor, Black, Latinx, did somewhat follow, but through Indigenous, and other communities of their privilege viewed the situation as an color who struggle under the oppres- Making Sense of Uprising, intellectual exercise, ignoring the true sive systems imposed on them. He impacts on people and what is at stake. also supported Obama’s disastrous Racism, and Myself I cannot blame people for having immigration policy that deported as a White Catholic concerns during COVID especially—we more than three million people, and cannot give our full attention and effort the decision to make this the most to every cause. But I think if you have a surveilled society on the planet. His Matt Harper will be presenting this friend who is waving their hands in front actions have little moral value. of you asking for help and you ignore it, To believe the myth that it is better workshop at the Los Angeles it is hurtful to that friend and that com- to vote for the “lesser of two evils” is Archdiocese Religious Education munity. The Catholic Worker is rooted impractical and goes against Chris- in community, and I love that. I think if tian values because it still requires Congress on February 19-21. It is a virtual/online we can stay connected in community, you to willingly support evil, an evil workshop and you are welcome to attend. Please go to and pay attention to voices in our com- that will not “act justly, love tenderly, munities, to the voices of our friends, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6: recongress.org or contact Matt directly at 818.590.1085 then our world can expand, and we can 8). Therefore, it is not just an idiom. learn more, help more, heal more. Ω

6 / FEBRUARY 2021 ON THE LINE Assange. Baraitser’s frightening ruling send more than 207 million additional Christian Climate Action, XR Peace, KINGS BAY PLOWSHARES supported virtually every U.S. Prosecu- people into extreme poverty in the and others blocked all three vehicle UPDATE torial argument that was made during next decade—bringing the number of entrances to the complex. The protest the extradition trial. This includes people living in extreme poverty to was in part against the U.S. military, Patrick O’Neill reported to the Elkton, quoting from a long-discredited CNN one billion by 2030. The 500 richest the largest polluter on the planet and Ohio federal prison on January 14. report alleging, without evidence, that people in the world amassed as much largest consumer of fossil fuels. Clare Grady will report to Alderson, Assange made the embassy a "com- wealth in 2020 as the poorest 165 mil- Scientists have stated that the 1.5° West Virginia on February 10. Mark mand post" for election interference. lion U.S. citizens have earned in their limit imagined at that summit is now Colville, the only member of the Kings Baraitser ruled against extradition not entire lives. —portside.org a pipe dream, and preparations should Bay Plowshares who has not yet been because the U.S. government has no be made for a 4° rise in global tempera- business extraditing an Australian jour- tures. At that point, or sooner, society sentenced, was given another exten- MARY APPER - R.I.P. sion. His sentencing is now scheduled nalist from the U.K. for exposing its will collapse as the oceans rise, soil for February 19. Fr. Steve Kelly is in war crimes. Not because allowing the dries, and total war envelopes the transit from Georgia to Tacoma. No extradition and prosecution of journal- Mary Elizabeth Apper, 39, daughter of planet. The Climate Crisis will create address is available. If you care to ists under the Espionage Act poses a Fresno Catholic Worker founders Liza war, while war is a major contributor to write to the other KBP activists, let- direct threat to press freedoms world- and Bryan Apper, passed away January the climate crisis. —nukeresister.org ters must be on white paper with blue wide. No, Baraitser ultimately ruled 14 after a long battle with cancer. Mary, or black ink, but no drawings. Use against extradition because Assange, a U.S. Navy veteran, lost her life due to NUCLEAR WEAPONS your full name in the return address. who is suffering with mental health is- exposure to toxic burn pits in Afghani- OUTLAWED These are their addresses: sues, would be too high a suicide risk stan. Mary was a dedicated fan of bull in the U.S. draconian prison system. riding and has a bull named after her. Carmen Trotta #22561-021 The U.S. has appealed the decision. Her determination, grace, heart, and On October 24, 2020, Honduras be- FCI Otisville —commondreams.org kindness impacted countless people came the 50th nation to ratify the new Satellite Camp in and outside the sport. She was also Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear PO Box 1000 dedicated to her family and friends, Weapons. The treaty entered into force Otisville, NY 10963 ABOMINABLE CAPITALISM an animal lover, especially horses and on January 22, 2021, becoming le- Martha Hennessy #22560-021 dogs. Mary passed away surrounded gally binding for all nations that have FCI Danbury Bloomberg's year-end report on the by her mother, father, two sisters— agreed to it. The U.S. is not yet a sig- Route 37 world's billionaires documents that the Meghan and Francesca, and partner natory. From this day forward, signa- Danbury, CT 06811 richest 500 people on the planet added Becky. She is, and will continue to be, tory nations will be required to com- $1.8 trillion to their combined wealth missed by all who knew her. pletely eliminate and forgo any and Patrick O’Neill #14924-018 in 2020, accumulating a total net MARY APPER – ¡PRESENTE! all involvement with nuclear weapons. FCI Elkton worth of more than $7.6 trillion. According to International Campaign P.O. Box 10 The Bloomberg Billionaires Index to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Lisbon, OH 44432 recorded its largest annual gain in the CLIMATE CRISIS PROTEST this treaty is “the beginning of the end list's history with a 31% increase in of nuclear weapons.” Now it is up to the wealth of the richest people. The we the people to pressure the govern- JULIAN ASSANGE UPDATE On Friday, December 11, the fifth an- historic hoarding of wealth came as niversary of the Paris Climate Agree- ment to sign the treaty. the world confronted the coronavi- ment, a coalition of Extinction Rebel- —nukewatchinfo.org British Judge Vanessa Baraitser, on rus pandemic and its corresponding lion (XR) groups blockaded the vast January 4, ruled against U.S. extradi- economic crisis, which the United Na- MoD centre in north Bristol in the U.K. On The Line is compiled and tion for WikiLeaks founder Julian tions warned is a “tipping point” set to Dozens of activists from XR Bristol,. edited by Mike Wisniewski.

start off the month by going to our the halls decked. Not this year. Just of shrimp, digging in, dunking in shared neighborhood cemetery where there about every gifted or donated bauble, butter and cocktail sauce, everyone had is an annual burial for the unclaimed crèche, and piece of tinsel was used their own personal mound and dips. deceased of Los Angeles County. to decorate every corner of our home. All the extra events for the holidays Instead, this year we tuned into a “Team Kitchen” backed the pickup left Team House feeling a bit worn out livestream as Fr. Chris Ponnet truck underneath the living room and looking forward to some time off. gathered with other clergy and L.A. windows to join us in surrounding our With Meg now on our team, it looked officials in the corner of Evergreen Christmas tree. Matt Harper set up like we just might be able to take Cemetery. There they laid to rest the his keyboard in the bed of the truck, turns and get some down time. After remains of people who did not have while others climbed on top of the coming in contact with someone with anyone, financially able or otherwise, vehicles to troll the ancient, and con- COVID, however, we were forced into to claim their bodies or ashes. We also temporary, Yuletide carols as “Team a 14-day staycation. Team Kitchen has virtually attended the yearly memorial House” rocked the night away indoors. taken on the extra work of preparing for those who died on Skid Row. Join- After road tripping across the our meals, along with dinners con- ing others from the Skid Row commu- U.S.A., new visitor, Meg Lyczak was tributed by our extended community. nity on Zoom, Catherine was able to released from her two-week quaran- They are doing a bang-up job taking THE share sweet memories of a number of tine just in time to join us for Christ- care of all our needs in addition to people whom we have had the pleasure mas. Having always been Catholic keeping the soup kitchen running. of knowing from the Hippie Kitchen. Worker-curious, she is getting the They will be the ones needing a break HOUSE Events migrating to the internet al- chance to try out communal life after at the end of all this, but we hope lowed us the chance not only to attend she left her work in a migrant shelter under different circumstances. the local Maryknoll commemoration on the Mexico-Guatemala border due Our home altar is filling up with JOURNAL of the 40th Anniversary of the mur- to the pandemic. Despite the unfortu- prayers needed for our larger commu- dered church women in El Salvador, nate circumstances, we are glad she is nity. One of those intentions was for but we also were a part of a gather- here to test the waters with us during Mary Apper, daughter of Liza and ing of the Maryknoll community and The halls of Hennacy House have never this challenging time. Bryan Apper from our sister house been quieter. The silence in the house friends from around the world! We have continued to host our own Keeping with our Christmas Eve in Fresno, CA as she entered hospice. has Catherine Morris believing we are traditions, housemate Maria Lopez Mary passed away on January 14. living in a convent. With a recent ex- in-home liturgy, broadcasted from our living room, presided at by an array of pulled off a feast of chicken, tamales, It was not the original inauguration posure to COVID, everyone living in rice, beans, and homemade salsas. party we had planned, but we spent our house has gone into quarantine. Not liturgists. This month Josh Flaugher led his first service around the theme After dinner, we gathered around January 20 in our separate rooms, eat- knowing if any of us is infected with the the Christmas tree to open gifts from ing Cheetos with champagne flutes of virus and not wanting to further spread of the first Christmas and resistance to it throughout our home, we have shut empire. If you care to join us for our Santa and Santa’s little helper, Monty bleach, toasting the end of he whom ourselves into our individual bedrooms. bi-weekly liturgy, please e-mail the dog. Monty, owned by Dr. Kevin we would rather never again name in We share masked greetings in the hall- [email protected] to re- Hardiman and occasionally by Mary power. ways, shout affirmations to one another ceive an invitation. Ann O’Connor, wanted to spread With two more people scheduled to through the walls, and are taking full Kicking off our holiday season, some cheer to our LACW family with join us in our community and work, advantage of our great outdoor space. unable to grace us with a Christmas skillfully wrapped gifts, each complete 2021 is beginning to look a little With this forced restructure of our concert in the Hippie Kitchen Garden, with a little doggy gift tag. brighter for the LACW community. schedule and lives, we have found (even our cherished Angel City Chorale We woke Christmas morning to Returning to hospitality and hosting more) time to reflect and look back brought their carols into our living stockings hung throughout the home people interested in learning more in appreciation on the past couple of room, via Youtube! Ramping up the with care, coming from St. Nick by about the Catholic Worker movement months. Little did we know how good festivities, Clare Bellefeuille-Rice, way of the Smet Family. Our tradi- seems like we are on our way to some we had it, living in community of such hauled out our twelve boxes of Christ- tional Christmas shrimp boil had to be kind of new normal. wonderful people during this pandemic. mas decorations. In previous years, adapted this year for the sanity of our December is typically a month full we dug out about four boxes, throw up more germ conscious friends. Instead House Journal is written by of events for the LACW. We often whatever might be in them, and called of gathering around one heaping pile Megan Ramsey.

CATHOLIC AGITATOR / 7 CATHOLIC Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have again canceled our Annual Good Friday Stations of the Cross, Seder of FEBRUARY 2021 Vol. 51/No. 1 Liberation, and postponed our 50th anniversary celebration. SISTER HOUSE NETWORK: However, we are thinking of again doing a virtual Stations of the LOS ANGELES CATHOLIC WORKER: https://lacatholicworker.org Cross. Please check our website in mid — to late March for details. 1. Ammon Hennacy House of Hospitality 632 N. Brittania St., Los Angeles, CA 90033-1722 Let us pray that all will be well enough to resume next year. (323) 267-8789 2. Hospitality Kitchen (aka Hippie Kitchen) 821 E. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90021 (213) 614-9615 A HEARTFELT THANK-YOU ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST HOUSE OF HOSPITALITY 500 W. VanBuren Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89106 To everyone who sent us items anonymously. (702) 647-0728 https://lvcw.org ISAIAH HOUSE OF HOSPITALITY We received many packages with various items enclosed but no indication of 316 S. Cypress Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92701 who sent it, so we cannot send a personal thank-you card. (714) 835-6304 https://occatholicworker.org SADAKO SASAKI HOUSE OF HOSPITALITY Please note that we DO NOT need any more socks. We had a huge donation of 1321 W. 38th St., Norfolk, VA 23508 several thousands pairs that will keep us stocked for several months. (757) 423-5420 HOUSE OF GRACE CATHOLIC WORKER However, we DO need disposable razors. Please send them to Hennacy House, 1826 E. Lehigh Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125 (215) 426-0364 632 N. Brittania St., Los Angeles, CA 90033-1722. Thank you. Blessings. KIERAN PRATHER HOUSE OF HOSPITALITY 672 2nd Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066 (650) 827-0706 https://catholicworkerhospitalityhouse.org BEATITUDE HOUSE RE-UP FOR A BUCK! 267 Campodonico Ave., Guadalupe, CA 93434-1501 (805) 343-6322 For only $1 you can renew your valued subscription to the one and only ST. BENEDICT HOUSE OF HOSPITALITY Catholic Agitator, and give a friend or relative a subscription for free! 4022 N. Cheryl Ave., Fresno, CA 93705 (559) 229-6410 http://sbcw.org – [email protected] (NOTE: Any donation during the year automatically renews your subscription.) CASA COLIBRÌ CATHOLIC WORKER Ocampo #2 Hostotipaquillo, Jalisco Mexico C.P. 46440 In these dreadful and trying times, where else can one get the Word and nourishment the http://casacolibricw.com Catholic Agitator offers? Today, more than ever, we need all the nourishment we can get. 011-52 - 386 - 744-5063 – [email protected] AMANI HOUSE - NAIROBI, KENYA, AFRICA Please do not hesitate! Sign up NOW! [email protected] NEW JERSEY CATHOLIC WORKER YES! I want myself, my family, and my friends to get the Agitator! 9 Caldwell Pl. #3, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 Enclosed are the names and addresses, along with a buck. [email protected] – (323) 704-9960 NEW ORLEANS CATHOLIC WORKER Keep Agitating! Thank you! 1910 Constance St., New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 457-8062 – [email protected] ALSO: If you are planning to move or have recently moved, PLEASE send https://neworleanscatholicworker.weebly.com VENICE CATHOLIC WORKER us your new address. We are spending a great deal of money for returned https://venicecatholicworker.org postage that could otherwise be used for other purposes related to our work.