Celebrant's Flame

by Bill Wylie-Kellermann

Daniel Berrigan (]2016+) is most notorious for dramatic anti-war actions at a Catonsville draft board and a Pennsylvania nuclear weapons plant in the '60s and '80s. Indeed, with friends, he was practically devising what's been called "liturgical direct action." Berrigan was also teacher, pastor, and friend to author Bill Wylie-Kellermann. Celebrant's Flame is a well-researched, but personal book, a debt of gratitude-in the end a tome of love to his mentor. Reflecting on aspects of Berrigan's person and work-from poet, prophet, prisoner, priest, and more, Wylie-Kellermann sketches this warm portrait of a figure whose impact on church and movement only deepens in the present moment. The book includes considerable material by Berrigan himself, some previously unpublished-a wedding homily, a long poem, a controversial speech, plus much in the way of personal letters, poetry, and memoir. Written with Berrigan's hundredth birthday in mind, these reflections help keep the flame of this beloved celebrant burning for the stunning new movement generation arising among us.

202 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2021

Reviews

[Rose Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath all the lives of the saints there lies the mycelium of friendship. In Celebrant’s Flame, Wylie-Kellermann orates Daniel Berrigan’s sacred story. Yes, as Catholic priest, social prophet, and liturgical poet, but first and foremost, as friend. Wylie-Kellermann’s intimate and wry turn of phrase allows their holy friendship to again do its alchemical work: transforming readers of the Word into its creative witnesses.-Rose Marie Berger

[Kelly Brill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book is like looking through a scrapbook, flipping through a photo album, staying up late at night telling stories. Wylie-Kellerman's book is a collection of letters, essays, speeches about the life, activism, and writings of Dan Berrigan. Somewhat repetitive, but that almost makes it more effective...ah, that theme again. He captures an era and its ethos. The lovely afterword by Kateri Boucher of Detroit's Catholic Worker House aptly points out the relevance of Berrigan's witness for our time. Grateful to have read it, and to have been reminded of this influence.

[Sam Stephens · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to the radical Jesuit priest Daniel Berrigan. The book is creatively compiled, covering the diversity of Berrigan’s life as a poet, prophet, priest, mystic, and radical, accompanied by letters written from a select few of the countless lives transformed by his witness. The writing was frustrating at times, but overall a great companion to the life and writings of a modern day apostle.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, I loved this little book of remembrances of Dan Berrigan. It reflected him in all his creativity, art, passion and eccentricity. What a jewel he was. It made me happy to remember Dan and to learn a lot more about him. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

[David Campton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of reminiscences, letters, extracts from writings and poems offering insight into the influence of the late Jesuit, peace activist, Biblical commentator and poet Daniel Berrigan. I am ashamed to say that I knew little about him before I read this, which perhaps diminished my appreciation of its fragmentary format, but it conveys a sense of his influence on a side of the church in the US and beyond which doesn't get much media coverage: not the reactionary right-wing, but the counter-cultural left (although Berrigan and especially Stringfellow would probably challenge that simplistic dichotomy). I would love to have met him as his impact on those around him was clearly significant, but sadly, US and indeed western culture and Christianity has largely remained deaf to such modern prophets in favour of profits and social-theological purity.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know much about Dan Berrigan before reading this book. What an inspiring character! What a vision for how to be a courageous human, fully human, in a world shaped by the fear of death. I am touched by Berrigan through Wylie-Kellerman's reminiscences and ample quotes of his personal friend. It was a bit tough at the beginning for me, and then the pieces began to fit together beautifully. You might feel the same if you read it.

[David Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. Very convicting. A nice overview of Fr Berrigan’s life and thought. I would’ve given this 5 stars, but the work suffers from a good editor. Some odd phrases here and there as well as one or two spelling errors. Still very much worth the read.