Editor,
This is a response to your editorial in the June 6-13 Daily Lobo, “Protestors forget what the Virgin represents.” The title of your editorial betrays a certain arrogance on your part. I believe it is you and not the many who are protesting that forgets what the Virgin represents. She represents, yes, a strong woman, but also a humble, devout virtuous woman — a women who always deferred to the will of God. It is you, just like Alma L¢pez who just doesn’t get it.
First and foremost — and I am speaking as a Catholic in my own understanding of the faith — the Blessed Virgin Mary is considered not just Jesus’ mother, but our spiritual mother as well. As such, we honor her with the utmost respect and confer upon her the dignity that goes along with such honor.
Now, how would you like it if someone depicted your own mother in a skimpy bikini just to exploit her for his or her own gain — knowing that she would never appear like that in public? In all her apparitions, Our Lady has always appeared modestly dressed. To do so otherwise would detract from her message.
On another note, Archbishop Sheehan is far from ignorant — he probably has 10 times the amount of education you have. He knows where he is coming from, and, dare I say, the majority of Catholics support his views. Your remarks about his “hateful” words border on the slanderous — show us a specific example.
Of course, any reasonable person is all for free speech — this stimulates ideas and debate. I, like most Catholics, am tolerant of others’ views and opinions. What I and others are protesting about Lopez’ work is that it shows a total lack of respect for an icon revered by millions of Catholics. It is simply in very bad taste — even to the point of being sacrilegious.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
It seems to me, Ms. Lim¢n, that you are trying to establish a reputation for yourself as being someone with very liberal views. That’s all good and well — just don’t be tramping on our sacred traditions and expect to get away with it. Respect and be tolerant of those whose views are more conservative or more traditional. Now do you get it?
-Moises S†nchez
UNM Staff Member
