Catholic Heroes of Civil and Human Rights: 1800s to Present

Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke reviews a new book by Matthew Daniels and Roxanne King that powerfully portrays 16 Catholic men and women who fought to better the world. 

Catholic Heroes of Civil and Human Rights: 1800 to Present

by Matthew Daniels and Roxanne King

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Upon diving into the first sections of Catholic Heroes of Civil and Human Rights, I was immediately struck by how eloquently the authors portrayed vital information in a knowledgeable and progressive format. While the text covered deeply historical moments that shaped our country’s future, the human component of how these simple yet holy-driven people gave their lives and passions for others truly gave me pause to consider how I might do the same in my daily life. 

What's in this book? 

The book is divided into five chapters based on the pillars of Catholic social teachings (freedom, perseverance, hope, justice, and conscience). Each section features theology supported by Church documents, along with personal and inspiring stories.  

The men and women who are profiled in this book are heroic examples of leaders who stood up for civil and human rights in the face of great opposition, and whose lives and voices need to be heard today more than ever. They remind us that we are all called to be points of light in a world that seems to have forgotten the basic tenets of human justice, peace and civil rights. (Most Reverend James D. Conley, Bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska)

One example in the first section of Freedom shared the profile of Cardinal Patrick O’Boyle, a desegregation and Civil Rights pioneer whose upbringing formed the beginnings of his civil rights advocacy and social justice episcopal ministry. “Convinced that racism is incompatible with Christianity, he was an ardent supporter of racial justice and equality” (39). 

Sister Norma Pimentel, featured in section three, Hope, was called “the Pope’s favorite nun” and known for “restoring dignity and renewing hope” on the U.S.-Mexico border. “While affirming the importance of keeping the nation’s borders safe, Sister Pimentel urges doing so in a humanitarian manner” (117) 

A must-read for faithful followers of Jesus

With all my heart, I believe this is a must-read for all faithful followers of Jesus, young and old alike. It is a vital reminder of how we must instill the constant drum of human dignity and justice for all into our everyday teachings and living practices. It is an honor to read and review such a powerful, well-written, and researched book that provides pivotal reminders and teachings for all to follow. 

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Copyright 2024 Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke
Images: Canva