About This Issue

“A Catholic Perspective on Capitalism and Economic Democracy: Edward M. Marciniak's Advocacy for Justice,” by Charles Shanabruch (Saint Xavier University) tells us of a distinguished labor activist and crusader for justice who strongly influenced Catholic social action both in and beyond his native Chicago until his death in 2004 at eighty-seven years of age. Marciniak’s blend of idealism and realism is instructive and inspiring.

Maurice Cunningham (University of Massachusetts at Boston) reviews the November 2012 ballot measure entitled, “Death with Dignity” that sought to legalize physician-assisted suicide in Massachusetts. Cunningham shows in detail how the Catholic Church learned to adapt politically and ultimately gain support for its position.

William J. Galush (Loyola University Chicago) shares the story of Michael Kruszka, a prominent Polish American editor and his establishment in 1911 of the Federation of Polish Catholic Laymen, which provided institutional form to demands for parish democracy, the appointment of ethnic bishops, and other goals.

“Sister Madeleva Remembered: Why She Still Matters after Fifty Years” is our cover essay in which Gail Porter Mandell (Saint Mary's College) recalls Sister M. Madeleva Wolff, C.S.C. (1887-1964), poet, essayist, scholar, and educator, who was once described as “the most renowned nun in the world.”

A wide collection of book reviews completes this issue. We are grateful to all our readers, reviewers, contributors, and subscribers who make it possible for American Catholic Studies to bring you the best in scholarship on the American Catholic experience.