Prepare to be inspired—and maybe even a little uncomfortable. The Berrigans: Devout and Dangerous, a documentary that shines a light on two Catholic priests who defied convention and challenged authority, is set to captivate audiences once again. But here’s where it gets controversial: were these brothers of faith fearless heroes or reckless rebels? The Berrigans, Daniel and Philip, were no ordinary men of the cloth. In the turbulent 1960s and '70s, they emerged as radical peace activists, leading protests against the Vietnam War and becoming symbols of nonviolent resistance. Their story, captured in this compelling film, is more relevant today than ever—a fact that producer and playwright Richard Dresser, a Holden native, passionately emphasizes. 'Their message is a call to action,' Dresser says, 'a reminder that we have the power to shape our world.' And this is the part most people miss: their legacy isn’t just about the past; it’s a blueprint for modern activism. But is their approach still effective in today’s polarized world?
The documentary, directed by Sue Hagedorn, combines rare archival footage with interviews from notable figures like Howard Zinn, Martin Sheen, and members of the Berrigan family. It’s a deep dive into the lives of two men who were once labeled America’s 'Most Wanted' by the FBI—a title that J. Edgar Hoover himself seemed to endorse. Daniel Berrigan, the first priest in U.S. history arrested for nonviolent civil disobedience against war, was jailed over 200 times. When asked how many times he’d been incarcerated for his beliefs, he famously replied, 'Apparently not enough.' Philip, equally unwavering, married former nun Elizabeth McAlister, and together they raised three children—all while spending 11 of their 29 married years apart due to imprisonment for their activism. Is such sacrifice admirable, or does it come at too great a cost to personal lives?
The Berrigans’ impact extended beyond anti-war efforts. They fought against nuclear proliferation, supported AIDS patients, and challenged institutional injustice within the Catholic Church. Stokely Carmichael once dubbed Philip 'the baddest white man in America' for his fearless stance against racism. Yet, by the mid-1970s, their prominence faded as the world moved away from faith-based resistance. Did their methods become outdated, or did society simply lose its appetite for radical change?
Dresser, who joined the project through a serendipitous connection with lyricist Willie Reale, believes the film’s message is more urgent now than when it premiered in 2021. 'We’re at a moment where the fate of our country depends on us using our power,' he says. The documentary’s screenings, like the one on February 26 at the Museum of Worcester, are part of a grassroots effort to reignite that power. Following this event, the film will travel to Boston Community Church in Copley Square on March 7, a place where the Berrigans’ legacy is literally etched in plaques.
But here’s the question we can’t ignore: Can nonviolent resistance still drive meaningful change in an era of deep political divides and global crises? Dresser thinks so, pointing to the excitement young audiences feel when they discover the Berrigans’ story. 'Their response is extraordinary,' he notes, 'and that’s why we’re still pushing to get this film out there.'
As we reflect on the Berrigans’ lives, we’re left with a challenge: Do we have the courage to stand up for what we believe in, even when it’s uncomfortable? And more importantly, are we willing to pay the price for our convictions? Join the conversation—share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s debate, discuss, and maybe, just maybe, find inspiration in the lives of two men who dared to be both devout and dangerous.
