And, our story about Catherine Doherty and the ups and downs of her life continues…
We return to the story just after a scandal forced Catherine to leave her ministry, Friendship House, in Toronto. Left without a ministry home, Catherine left Canada to visit Dorothy Day in New York. From there she began traveling throughout Europe and writing magazine articles about the Catholic influence on society.
After a brief stopover in New York to open a Friendship House in Harlem, Catherine traveled back to Europe, Poland specifically, to see how Catholics fared after the German invasion. True to her ministerial and caretaking nature, Catherine served as a nurse in Warsaw until she was forced to flee and return to Harlem. Back in New York, Catherine served the poor in Harlem, building relationships with those in need, and she was very outspoken about the extensive racial prejudice that existed in the city.
Catherine’s life took an unexpected turn when she met a well-known reporter, Eddie Doherty. Eddie came to Harlem for work, and he met and pursued a relationship with a very hesitant Catherine. To be in a relationship with Catherine, Eddie had to give up his wealth, but because of his love for Catherine, he agreed to do so. The two married in 1943, but their relationship caused a rift in the Harlem Friendship House, and for the second time, Catherine was forced to step down from her ministry.
Once again, it seemed like all was lost, but fortunately, there is more to Catherine’s story! What happens next? Come back next week to find out!
---
Recommended reading:
"Fragments of my Life" by Catherine Doherty
---
Holy Donors is brought to you by Petrus Development (petrusdevelopment.com) in cooperation with RED-C Catholic Radio (redcradio.org).
For more about Holy Donors please visit our website at holydonors.com or find us @HolyDonors on Instagram and Facebook.
Holy Donors: Bringing you inspiring stories of radical generosity that have changed the world.
