Meaning: This quote by Daniel Berrigan, a Jesuit priest, activist, and poet, reflects his personal experience and the influence of his surroundings on his religious and poetic expression. Berrigan was known for his activism against war and social injustice, and his words often reflected his deep connection to both his faith and the natural world.

The quote suggests that Berrigan's religious and poetic sensibilities were shaped by his experiences as a young person in the seminary and in the countryside. The "sacramental imagery" he refers to likely points to the rich symbolism and ritualistic elements present in the Catholic faith, which would have been a significant part of his upbringing and education in the seminary. The use of sacramental imagery in his work indicates a deep reverence for the spiritual and the divine, and a desire to convey the sacred through his poetry.

Furthermore, Berrigan's mention of "country imagery" speaks to the influence of rural landscapes and the natural world on his religious and poetic imagination. His time in the countryside would have exposed him to the beauty and simplicity of nature, which often serves as a powerful source of inspiration for poets and artists. Additionally, the countryside may have provided Berrigan with a sense of peace and connection to the earth, which would have informed his understanding of spirituality and the interconnectedness of all living things.

It's important to note that Berrigan's experiences in the seminary and the countryside were not just formative in shaping his religious and poetic imagery, but also in informing his activism and social justice work. His time in the seminary would have given him a strong foundation in Catholic teachings and theology, which he later drew upon in his advocacy for peace and human rights. Similarly, his connection to the natural world likely instilled in him a deep respect for the environment and a commitment to protecting the earth and its inhabitants.

Overall, this quote provides insight into the multifaceted influences that shaped Daniel Berrigan's religious and poetic expression. His words reflect a blending of the spiritual and the natural, the sacramental and the rural, demonstrating how his experiences as a young person in the seminary and in the countryside informed the themes and imagery present in his poetry and his activism. Through his work, Berrigan sought to convey the profound interconnectedness of faith, nature, and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on both the literary and the political landscape.