The mourners filled the street yesterday in West Baltimore because Philip Berrigan gave focus to the anti-war movement 40 years ago. They packed a black parish because Mr. Berrigan confronted racism and patriarchy and injustice long after the civil rights movement.
They braved sub-freezing temperatures to say farewell to an artilleryman and infantry lieutenant turned Roman Catholic priest, remembered as a husband, father, peace activist and prisoner.
"I didn't know him but I've been a longtime admirer of him so I came here out of respect," said Michael Redmond, 50, who drove from Philadelphia to join several hundred mourners. The mourners followed a blue Ford pickup truck carrying Mr. Berrigan's varnished wooden casket from Jonas House, where he lived, to St. Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church in Upton, which he once presided over.
FOR THE RECORD - An article in yesterday's editions of The Sun about the funeral of anti-war activist Philip Berrigan incorrectly identified Brendan Walsh as a member of the Catonsville Nine. The article also incorrectly spelled the name of Jonah House, the Roman Catholic anti-war community that Berrigan helped found in Baltimore nearly 30 years ago.
The Sun regrets the errors.
The procession filled the icy air with sound and color: A kilted bagpiper played "Amazing Grace," the wind lifted the gossamer wings of papier-mache doves and members of the New England Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist temple in Leverett, Mass., drummed and chanted.
Mechanics at J&J Auto Repair took a break to watch the rare sea of white faces weaving past the burned and crumbling rowhouses of the historically black neighborhood. Mr. Berrigan arrived there to preach in 1966.
Many had reason to spend the day remembering Philip Berrigan, who died Friday of kidney and liver cancer at age 79.
Retired hospital technician Mary Holt attended St. Peter Claver School in the 1950s and met Mr. Berrigan there.
"He was a good man," said Ms. Holt, 64. "Extreme, but I understand that his extremism was for truth and justice and good."
"He was a warrior," said the Rev. Howard Eichmiller, 77, retired priest and missionary. "He fought for what he believed.
Sister Clare Carter, who spent last week fasting with Buddhist monks at the White House to protest military action against Iraq, said it was fitting that her protest came to an end in time to attend Mr. Berrigan's funeral.
"We've been connected and inspired by the whole movement of Philip Berrigan," the nun said as pallbearers lifted the casket from the truck and carried it inside the church. "We feel completely at one with what he and his whole community are about."
Close friends Babs Golden and Connie Hankins said they were grateful for Berrigan's warrior pacifism. "He was a totally committed man," said Ms. Golden, 64.
