The American Catholic Land Movement: Past, Present, and Future

The mission, plantation, pioneer homestead, immigrant colony, mission farm, and remote job-homeschooling homestead―this is the story of the American Catholic Land Movement. This collection of twelve essays explores the intricacies of this history, how it influences current responses to social and economic ills, and the way it can open up opportunities for families to better integrate their work and faith life by reconnecting with the land. The American Catholic Land Movement: Past, Present, Future seeks to reclaim a distinctively American agrarian heritage for Catholics in order to move forward with a clear plan and purpose.

For the first time, the authors of this volume have laid out the contours of the American Catholic Land Movement in one coherent account, portraying the contributions of its key figures while exploring its essential themes. These major figures and movements include the Southern Agrarians, the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, and Catholic Worker Movement. The volume then explores its present dynamics under the influence of figures such as Wendell Berry and the move to form local, family-based economic initiatives. From addressing current challenges, the authors lay out aspirational solutions for sanctifying the home and, through it, the soil of America itself, uniting Catholics in the pursuit of an integrated life of prayer, work, and community.

This book explores the spiritual promise of Catholic life in the land of North America. It asks whether the land still contains a promise for Catholics today. What does God want us to do to continue the sanctification of the land, to pursue freedom in virtue, to promote reconciliation in faith, and to live in a way that truly gives Him glory?