Commonweal is pleased to announce Arvin Alaigh as recipient of this year’s Centennial Fellowship. 

A writer, researcher, and historian, Arvin recently earned his doctoral degree in history from the University of Cambridge. His work has been featured in The Nation, The Baffler, The Drift, and on the London Review of Books blog. In 2022, Dissent magazine named him one of its Emerging Writers.

During his yearlong fellowship, Arvin will examine the historical and current state of nonviolent activism by faith-based groups, from Catholic Workers protesting the bombing of civilians to Jewish and Muslim activists occupying public spaces in protest of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. 

“I’m drawn to the nexus of warmaking, war resisting, state violence, faith, and political action—and my proposed work looks to fill in parts of this story. My year-long project will draw on my historical and theological interests, while orienting them to clarify and try to make sense of present conflagrations, in the United States and in other countries around the world.”

His work will inform his book-in-progress, which tells the story of the mid-century Catholic antiwar movement, largely through the lives and work of the Berrigan brothers, and culminates in a narration of the Harrisburg Seven trial of 1972. The book is forthcoming from Liveright/Norton. 

“I’ve been an avid Commonweal reader for about seven years now, and for much of that time, it’s been one of my favorite publications. Over the years, I’ve found its writing to be thought-provoking, challenging, and enriching,” Arvin said. “I deeply respect its history—as an institution, it’s played an important role in cultivating discourse at the intersection of faith, culture, and American politics for more than a century. I’m beyond honored to contribute to this history.”

Working in close collaboration with Commonweal’s editorial staff, Alaigh will produce original writing for publication in the print magazine and online and a limited series for The Commonweal Podcast. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Arvin as our next Centennial Fellow,” said Commonweal editor Dominic Preziosi. “He brings a unique and compelling perspective on Catholic life in America, something we’re excited to share with our readers.” 

The yearlong fellowship is made possible by Karen Sue Smith, a former editor at Commonweal, and Rose DiMartino. It is awarded annually to an outstanding writer in the early or middle stages of their career eager to examine or expand upon a compelling aspect of their academic interest, area of expertise, creative endeavor, or journalistic beat in a series of articles and related podcasts. 

“For more than 100 years, Commonweal has championed emerging voices, published thought-provoking stories, and aimed to bring our readers’ attention to the most urgent, pressing, and complex topics of the day,” said executive director Ellen B. Koneck. “Thanks to the generosity of Karen Sue Smith and Rose DiMartino, Commonweal will continue this work as we embark on our second century.”