BLASPHEMY: No big deal?

Let’s be clear about exactly what is on display at Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d’Alene. It is a grotesque statue blaspheming a beautiful image of the Blessed Virgin Mary left on Juan Diego’s cloak when she appeared to him in 1531. The actual image on the cloak, Our Lady of Guadalupe, displayed in Mexico City, is an image rife with symbolic meaning that has been venerated by countless millions who travel long distances to love and honor their heavenly Mother.

Aside from the miracles and conversions due to this image, consider a few plain facts: The image, as declared by scientists and experts in many fields, is made of an unknown substance impossible to replicate, has suffered no fading or deterioration over the centuries, maintains a human body temperature and exhibits other human characteristics, and has survived a bombing untouched amidst obliteration.

And one more fact of particular interest to us in Coeur d’Alene: The Coeur d’Alene Indians after converting to Catholicism in 1842 were great lovers and fierce defenders of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Hmm. Even people who are selectively unconcerned about offending Catholics surely wouldn’t want to be so incorrect as to offend our Indian predecessors in this region.

Just some background for those who think that grotesque statue is no big deal. It is a very big deal when a miraculous image of so great a Lady is hideously blasphemed in the name of “free speech.”

Lord have mercy.

JUDY HENNICK

Coeur d’Alene