Interestingly Reuters notices the America Magazine Virgin Mary covered in a condom dust up. They even mention one of St. Blog’s bloggers. This part of the article really cracked my up.
Another issue may be Catholic priests’ unfamiliarity with what condoms look like.
"VEIL OF LATEX"
"We’re Jesuits," Martin said. "I don’t think you could have found anyone in the editors’ room who has seen a condom." The mention of a "veil of latex" failed to register, he said.
We’re Jesuits – vale of tears or veil of latex who can tell the difference!
The artist, British-based Steve Rosenthal, said in a media e-mail on Thursday, "The primary aim of the work is to highlight the Vatican’s continuance of non-advocation regarding the use of condoms and I conceived America magazine to be the most suitable place to contextualise the work outside of the gallery space and produce a dialogue."
Now I think that is a pretty interesting piece of commentary. If you are an artist who wants to make a piece of blasphemous art to protest the Church’s teaching on contraception then what is the most suitable magazine that pops into your mind – why America Magazine. Even if the editors truly gaffed in an oversight this is an indictment on what the magazine has come to stand for. Also funny is the juxtaposition of the words "the use of condoms and I conceived." See once again even when using condoms someone conceived.
18 comments
Even if it was an oversight, America magazine still needs to talke responsibility for having published the ad…perhaps they could atone for the error by publishing an article on the Theology of the Body and the Church’s teachings on human sexuality and why they make so much sense
I agree Jeff, that “I’m a Jesuit, I don’t know what a condom is” line is classic!
The “artist” knew that there was a good chance that the ad would be OK-ed. Why? Precisely because he believed the America Jesuits ARE very familiar with what a condom is, not because they aren’t.
“non-advocation”? That seems like an odd, mild term to use when talking about the Church’s attitude toward condoms. Sounds like a wheedling tone, “well, everyone else has them, what’s the harm, the people in Africa are dying”, the sort of thing one would be more likely to hear from Jesuits (or any other wishy washy “Catholic” group) than from a modern artist who felt strongly about the situation.
Ya know, I sympathize with America over this ad. I went to view it via a link from an outraged blogger, and even after having been told what it was, I still didn’t think it looked that much like a condom over a statue. So I tend to believe the editors when they say that the ad just didn’t “register” with anyone and slipped right through.
Anyway, it’s almost the Christmas season! We can be charitable!
That’s the lamest excuse they could’ve come up with. I knew what a condom was when I was 8. (We lived in the inner city. Used condoms were usually in the alley behind the house)
The Jesuits are playing us for fools. It doesn’t work anymore….They underestimate us–and the Internet. Their nasty little prank is on them.
We’re Jesuits, we dont know what condoms are…yah. right. Uh-huh.
What’s even funnier is that Vittorio Messori, the papal biographer has called attention to it at the Vatican and there’s a lot of scoffing going on there…….
Here’s hoping they get suppressed again……
Is there anyone on the planet who believes Fr. Martin’s lie?
Well, I had to go get my Dec 5th issue of the drawer and take a look. I actually got a chuckle out of it… “Extra Virgin” is the title of the piece. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the best, right, produced from the first pressings? Our Lady as the new Eve. The intent of the artist is offensive, of course.
As a new Catholic, I need educated on why I should despise Jesuits.
I’ve never read America and now I never will. The Jesuits used to be a great order but they’ve fallen and can’t seem to get up.
Dan, find the books of Monsignor Michael Wrenn. There are several very good books of his that chronicle what happened in the years following the second Vatican council, and in the years since.
Msgr Wrenn was a catholic religion teacher when the tsunami hit, and he has recorded the titles and the authors of the books that did much of the damage….You’ll find many Jesuits there. And Franciscans, sad to say.
There’s a particularly good one of his called “Catechisms and Controversies.” You’ll find many rather prestigious catholic authors mentioned there with quotes which are easily verified.
I’m a convert myself, 20 years ago. Shortly after coming into the church (5 yrs or so), I started to realize that I could divide my books into 3 piles….and my education about this issue really began then…
I love the Church. I’m working, in my own little way, for the return to orthodoxy. We’re getting there slowly but surely.
Dan,
What “michigancatholic” means is “I’m working, in my own little way, to alienate and insult anyone who doesn’t agree with me one hundred percent.” Then again, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!
Thank you, michigancatholic, for the information. You didn’t make me feel a bit alienated.
realmichigancatholic, I must have hit a nerve, eh? Nice howl.
Dissidents don’t like those kinds of books. 😉 Those kinds of books get in the way of their goals. So, did you just stub your itty bitty toe? Awwww. Suck it up, CINO. There are plenty of books out there like these that tell the truth some are so desperately trying to hide. The truth will come out. It always does.
Thank you, Teresa. Glad to be of service.
LOL @:
–Also funny is the juxtaposition of the words “the use of condoms and I conceived.” See once again even when using condoms someone conceived.–
My dear Curt Jester, I believe I have found a kindred spirit. [mouse click – Bookmarks – Bookmark this page]
“We’re Jesuits.”
Well, yes you are. That explains this whole mess.
Actually, the pro-life/chastity contact for my diocese showed me this ad and seemed puzzled by the “veil of latex” – she noticed it but didn’t quite understand. I wasn’t sure if she didn’t understand that it was a condom or didn’t understand the point the artist was trying to make. Either way is was a sad (funny, but sad) encounter.
Believe me, I’m not an America apologist, but given that experience, I could cut them a little slack just in this instance.