Noted Catholic Worker Dies

One of the founders of the Catholic Worker movement has died, leaving two types of legacy in Oregon.

Benedictine Sister Ruth Ann Heaney, a widow and well-known advocate of prisoners religious rights, died in December in Columbia, Mo. at age 91.

Oregon has two Catholic Worker houses, and Sister Ruth Ann's son John lives in Aloha.

Sister Ruth Ann was born in 1914 in Casper, Wyo. She grew up in Chester, Neb., and attended St. Mary College in South Bend, Ind., where she graduated in 1936 with a degree in social work. When at school, she heard a speech by Peter Maurin, intellectual force behind the fledgling Catholic Worker movement. Adherents offer Gospel-based hospitality to the poor and advocate for non-violence, peace and justice.

Read more. Although Sister Ruth Ann died in December, the story is new. 

Still it's true, we are known in the end by the things we've done, by the truths we've stood for, and by the righteous fights we've won.  Rest in peace sister--what a blessing you were.

Comments

[Carol]

Amen.