Brooklyn Streets Get a Little Saintly: "Dorothy Day Way" Unveiled
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — The borough that witnessed the birth of Dorothy Day has officially claimed her legacy. On May 2, the intersection of Pineapple and Henry streets was co-named "Dorothy Day Way," marking a full-circle moment for the legendary activist and founder of the Catholic Worker movement.
The site is just steps away from 71 Pineapple Street, where Day was born in 1897.
A "Beautiful Moment" for a Peace Icon
The ceremony brought together family, faith leaders, and local officials. Martha Hennessy, Day’s granddaughter and a fellow peace activist, joined Councilman Lincoln Restler to pull the cord and reveal the new sign.
"It’s a beautiful moment," Hennessy remarked, noting that her grandmother’s influence only seems to grow 46 years after her passing. "I truly believe she will bring so much good to the Catholic Church and bring people back."
The Legacy of a "Servant of God"
Dorothy Day’s journey was anything but conventional. Before her conversion to Catholicism in 1927, she was a bohemian journalist who rubbed elbows with the likes of Eugene O’Neill. Her life eventually became a blueprint for radical compassion:
1933: Co-founded the Catholic Worker movement and its namesake newspaper.
Mission: Dedicated her life to the "Corporal Works of Mercy," feeding the poor, and protesting all forms of war.
Today: The movement celebrates its 93rd anniversary this year and continues to operate globally.
New York’s Growing Tribute
This street naming is the city’s second major nod to Day in recent years. In 2021, a Staten Island ferry was commissioned in her honor, making its first voyage in 2023.
The push for the street sign was led by Alex Avitabile of the Dorothy Day Guild, who met Day in 1970 and described her as having a "saintly" presence even then.
The Road to Sainthood
While Brooklyn now recognizes her on its map, the Vatican is currently recognizing her on a global scale.
2000: Declared a "Servant of God" by Archbishop John O’Connor.
2021: The investigation into her life was finalized and submitted to Rome for review.
Kevin Ahern, chairman of the Dorothy Day Guild, hopes the sign does more than just give directions. He hopes it inspires passersby to learn about her work and "make the world a better place."
Source - https://thetablet.org/brooklyn-street-sign-honors-dorothy-day/
Image Martha Hennessy (center), granddaughter of Dorothy Day, says it’s “very surreal” to be part of a family of someone being considered for sainthood. She holds a replica of the street sign with Councilman Lincoln Restler (left) and Alex Avitabile, a board member of the Dorothy Day Guild. (Photo: Paula Katinas)
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