News Summary
Boston has launched a new 10-episode podcast titled ‘Divine Intervention,’ which explores the radical Catholic activism in the city during the Vietnam War. The series focuses on significant figures like Paul Couming and highlights the Paulist Center’s role as a hub for anti-war efforts led by progressive clergy. The podcast aims to present a compelling narrative intertwining personal stories and broader historical contexts, reflecting on the complexities of faith in activism during a tumultuous era. A release party is scheduled to engage the community around these themes.
Boston Chronicles Catholic Activism During Vietnam War through Podcast
Boston hosts a compelling new 10-episode podcast titled “Divine Intervention,” produced by Brendan Patrick Hughes, which delves into the radical Catholic activism that marked the city during the Vietnam War era. The podcast examines a significant historical narrative primarily anchored by Paul Couming, an antiwar protester seeking sanctuary from the FBI in 1971.
At the heart of this saga is the Paulist Center, a local Catholic institution that became a hub for leftist priests and nuns energized by the transformative reforms of Pope John XXIII’s Vatican II. These clergy members were not just passive observers; they were actively involved in anti-Vietnam War movements. The podcast recounts a dramatic standoff between federal agents and the Paulist priests, which culminated in Couming’s peaceful arrest after three days, showcasing the tensions between activism and law enforcement.
Activism and Consequences
The Paulist priests were known for their commitment to social justice, including interventions that involved sabotaging draft efforts by including destroying critical draft files. The podcast sheds light on how these activist priests, alongside figures like Patrick Hughes, Floyd McManus, and James Carroll—a fellow seminarian—pushed back against the war and its implications. Howard Zinn’s testimony is also featured, emphasizing the support for anti-draft initiatives, alongside insights from Judge Charles Wyzanski Jr., who first flagged Couming to the FBI.
Significant Figures and Events
Brendan Hughes, as the podcast host, shares a personal connection to this historical narrative, with his father, Patrick Hughes, being a prominent figure in the activism during that period. Meanwhile, Archbishop Humberto Medeiros is presented in the podcast for his refusal to allow Patrick Hughes to leave the priesthood, a decision that led to Hughes officiating his own wedding. This highlights the complex relationship between personal faith and institutional authority.
The podcast also touches on the broader implications of faith in activism during a tumultuous time in history. Patrick Hughes and his wife were instrumental in organizing the first Walk for Hunger, an initiative that has continued for over 57 years, underscoring the enduring legacy of their activism.
Community Engagement and Impact
While the podcast captures the fervent activism of Boston’s Catholics during the Vietnam era, it does not shy away from acknowledging its imperfections. Brendan Hughes emphasizes the engaging storytelling and historical relevance of the series. He aims to elevate the discussion about the role of moral authority in activism and civil disobedience as vital components of the struggles faced during the Vietnam War.
In line with the podcast’s launch, a release party is slated for April 22 at Dorchester Brewing Co., aimed at fostering community engagement around the themes explored in the episodes. This event reflects the ongoing interest in Boston’s history of activism and the significant role that faith played in shaping the actions of many during a time of national turmoil.
Conclusion
The “Divine Intervention” podcast stands as a vital chronicle of Boston’s radical Catholic activism against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, presenting an engaging narrative that intertwines personal stories with broader historical contexts. By documenting this unique chapter in Boston’s history, the podcast offers a lens through which listeners can understand the complex interplay between faith, activism, and moral conviction in the face of social injustice.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Boston Catholic Anti-Vietnam Protests Podcast
- Wikipedia: Vietnam War
- Dorchester Reporter: Podcast – Antiwar Catholic Dorchester Circa 1972
- Google Search: Boston Catholic activism Vietnam War
- Boston Magazine: Godsmack and the Celtics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Anti-Vietnam War Movement
- News18: Holy Knicks and Pope Leo Ties
- Google News: Boston activism history
