The Naming of the Dorothy Day Ferry: A Tribute to a Radical Saint
The newest Staten Island ferry, named after the iconic activist Dorothy Day, made its inaugural run last month, drawing a diverse crowd of city officials, Catholic clerics, activists, and everyday commuters. The ceremony at St. George Terminal in Staten Island celebrated Day’s legacy as a journalist, reformer, anarchist, and peace activist.
Martha Hennessy, Day’s granddaughter and a peace activist herself, was among the attendees, serving time in prison for her activism. The event highlighted Day’s life, from her conversion to Catholicism to her founding of the Catholic Worker movement, dedicated to mercy and justice.
Despite the grandeur of the ceremony, the ferry has now settled into its regular schedule, making daily trips between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan. As the vessel glides through New York Harbor, passengers can still feel the presence of Dorothy Day, finding solace in the ordinary moments of ferry travel.
The ferry ride, once a retreat and pilgrimage for Day, now serves as a reminder of her enduring legacy and the values she stood for. As the Dorothy Day ferry continues its journeys, it carries with it the spirit of a woman who dedicated her life to promoting peace, justice, and love for all.