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The Legacy of Robert F. Drinan: A selection of the late congressman's writings for 'America'

The EditorsOctober 07, 2012

Robert F. Drinan, S.J., is perhaps best known as the politician-priest who served in the House of Representatives from 1970 until 1980. In his new biography, excerpted in the March 7 issue, Raymond A. Schroth, S.J., examines Fr. Drinan's career in Congress, including his unscheduled retirement at the behest of Pope John Paul II. (Listen to Fr. Schroth discuss his book.)

In addition to his career as a politician, Drinan was  a sharp legal mind and a widely respected commentator on world affairs, a role that he honed in over 170 articles for America. Dating from 1946, when he was a Jesuit scholastic, Fr. Drinan's reviews and essays for the "Jesuit weekly" mark him as one of the magazine's most prolific contributers. Here we offer a selection of his writings.

"Saint Joseph: Exemplar of Workmen," May 4, 1946 (pdf)

"The Supreme Court Confronts Segregation," March 25, 1950 (pdf)

"The Weeping Madonna of Sicily," May 28, 1955 (pdf)

"Prayer in the Public School," October 17, 1959 (pdf)

"Strategy on Abortion," February 4, 1967 (pdf)

"Children's Rights," January 10, 1970 (pdf)

"A Global Revolution for Children," March 27, 1999 (pdf)

"Preaching Social Justice in Homilies," February 12, 2001

Show Comments (
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Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
13 years 1 month ago
I'm a little surprised that you've left out one of his best-known op eds, the 1996 NY Times one where he supports the legality of partial birth abortion. Many people were appalled by that one; but I suppose not everyone.
William Black
13 years 1 month ago
You might want to fix the typo on the last article.  I found myself briefly lifted when I read there was an article dated 2011. Thinking I must have dreamed of his passing and maybe he is still among us, I quickly clicked through I was sad to see the true date was 2001.  Sigh.
Turner Evans
9 years 11 months ago
In my point of view politics become a business as it is a process to do social service. But many politician changes its definition. Most of us don't have faith on politics and politician. Dream regarding career is good but we don't miss use this. For a job holder it is most important to know the responsible of that post and try to do it effectively. many people don't choose their career path due to several reasons. In such salutation we have to take the help of recruiting agency. Recruitment Consultant
Henry George
7 years 7 months ago
Can America please answer the following questions: Did Fr. Drinan S.J. have: a) The Permissions of the Bishops of the Congressional District to run for Congress - Yes or No ? b) Did he have the Permission of Fr. Arrupe S.J. to continue to run for Congress - Yes or No ? c) Did Fr. Arrupe S.J. tell the Provincial of the New England Province to tell Fr. Drinan S.J. to not continue running for Congress ? Yes or No ? d) Did Fr. Drinan support eliminating laws against Abortion and even Partial-Birth Abortions ? Yes or No ? Evidently the answer to a) and b) are No and Yes to c) and very sadly Yes to d). Can someone please tell me why this man is being honoured in America Magazine given he intentionally lied to his Superiors and supported Abortion.

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