The Inspiring Life and Legacy of St. Maria Goretti: A Beacon of Purity and Forgiveness

The Inspiring Life and Legacy of St. Maria Goretti: A Beacon of Purity and Forgiveness

St. Maria Goretti, one of the youngest canonized saints in the Catholic Church, is a powerful example of faith, purity, and forgiveness. Born into poverty on October 16, 1890, in Corinaldo, Italy, Maria’s short life was marked by profound virtue and an unwavering commitment to God, culminating in her martyrdom at the age of 11. Her story continues to inspire millions, offering lessons in courage, mercy, and devotion that resonate across generations. This blog post explores her life, her heroic death, and her enduring legacy, drawing on historical accounts and reflections from Catholic sources. A Life of Simplicity and Faith Maria Teresa Goretti was the third of seven children born to Luigi and Assunta Goretti, a poor farming family in rural Italy. The Gorettis faced relentless hardship, moving multiple times in search of better opportunities. By the time Maria was six, the family relocated to Colle Gianturco, near Paliano, and later to Le Ferriere in the Pontine Marshes, a region notorious for its malaria-infested swamps. When Maria was nine, her father succumbed to malaria, leaving her mother to provide for the family. Maria, despite her young age, took on significant responsibilities, managing household chores and caring for her younger siblings while her mother and older siblings worked in the fields. Though she never learned to read or write due to her family’s poverty, Maria’s faith was profound. She was deeply devoted to the Virgin Mary, often praying the Rosary for her father’s soul and visiting the shrine of Our Lady of Graces during trips to nearby villages. Her cheerful obedience and piety were evident to those around her, and she prepared diligently for her First Holy Communion at age 11, an event that deepened her spiritual commitment. A Martyr for Purity On July 5, 1902, Maria’s life took a tragic turn. The Gorettis shared a home with another family, the Serenellis, including 20-year-old Alessandro Serenelli. Alessandro had made repeated advances toward Maria, which she consistently rejected. On that fateful day, while Maria was sewing and watching her younger sister, Alessandro approached her with impure intentions. When she refused, declaring, “No! It is a sin! God does not want it!” and warned him of the spiritual consequences, Alessandro became enraged. He stabbed her 14 times, inflicting severe wounds to her heart, lungs, and intestines. Maria was rushed to a hospital in Nettuno, where doctors attempted surgery without anesthesia. Despite her agony, she remained steadfast, forgiving Alessandro and expressing her desire for him to join her in heaven. She died the following day, July 6, 1902, at the age of 11 years, 9 months, and 21 days. Her final words, “Yes, for the love of Jesus I forgive him... and I want him to be with me in Paradise,” reflected her extraordinary mercy. Alessandro’s Conversion and Maria’s Canonization Alessandro was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Initially unrepentant, he underwent a profound transformation after a dream in which Maria appeared to him, offering 14 white lilies—one for each of her wounds—symbolizing her forgiveness. This vision, occurring about six years into his sentence, marked the beginning of his conversion. After serving 27 years, Alessandro was released and sought forgiveness from Maria’s mother, Assunta, who graciously forgave him, saying she could not withhold what Maria had given. In a remarkable moment, Alessandro and Assunta attended Christmas Mass together at Maria’s shrine, receiving Communion side by side. Maria’s cause for canonization progressed rapidly. The process began in 1935, with Alessandro among the witnesses testifying to her sanctity. On April 27, 1947, she was beatified, and on June 24, 1950, Pope Pius XII canonized her in a historic outdoor ceremony at St. Peter’s Square, attended by over 500,000 people, including Assunta and Alessandro. Maria became the youngest officially recognized saint in the Catholic Church, celebrated for her martyrdom and purity. Legacy and Relevance Today St. Maria Goretti is the patron saint of purity, rape victims, young women, youth, and forgiveness. Her feast day, celebrated on July 6, was added to the General Roman Calendar in 1969. Her story resonates deeply in a world grappling with issues of sexual violence, purity, and forgiveness. Pope John Paul II, in a 2003 Angelus address, praised Maria as a model for youth, emphasizing that her life demonstrates the courage and sacrifice required to remain faithful to God’s commandments. Maria’s story also challenges modern perspectives on virginity and consent. While some contemporary voices question the emphasis on her physical purity, arguing it may overshadow her agency or imply victim-blaming, Catholic teaching underscores that Maria’s martyrdom was rooted in her defense of virtue and her concern for Alessandro’s soul. As noted in the *National Catholic Register*, Maria’s protest was not only about her own dignity but also about preventing Alessandro from committing a mortal sin. Her forgiveness transformed his life, illustrating the redemptive power of mercy. Her relics are housed in the Basilica of Nostra Signora delle Grazie e Santa Maria Goretti in Nettuno, where pilgrims visit to honor her. Contrary to some claims, her body is not incorrupt; her skeletal remains are preserved in a wax statue. Sites related to her life, including her birthplace in Corinaldo and the locations in Colle Gianturco and Nettuno, remain places of pilgrimage. Lessons from St. Maria Goretti Maria’s life offers timeless lessons: 1. Faith in Simplicity: Despite her lack of formal education, Maria’s trust in God was unwavering, reminding us that holiness is accessible to all. 2. Courage in Adversity: Her refusal to compromise her values, even at the cost of her life, inspires steadfastness in the face of temptation. 3. Power of Forgiveness: Maria’s forgiveness of Alessandro, even as she lay dying, demonstrates the transformative nature of mercy. 4. Purity as a Virtue: In a hyper-sexualized culture, Maria’s commitment to chastity challenges us to uphold dignity and respect for the body. 5. Intercession for Healing: As patroness of rape victims, Maria’s intercession offers hope and healing to survivors of abuse. Conclusion St. Maria Goretti’s life, though brief, shines as a testament to the strength of faith and the beauty of forgiveness. Her story is not just one of tragedy but of triumph—over sin, despair, and even death. As we reflect on her legacy, we are invited to emulate her courage, purity, and mercy in our own lives. Whether facing personal trials or societal pressures, Maria’s example encourages us to remain faithful to God and to extend forgiveness, even in the most difficult circumstances. St. Maria Goretti, pray for us.

References - Franciscan Media, “Saint Maria Goretti,” www.franciscanmedia.org [](https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-maria-goretti/)

- Catholic News Agency, “St. Maria Goretti,” www.catholicnewsagency.com [](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-maria-goretti-530)

- Franciscan Media, “Purity & Purpose: The Brief Life of St. Maria Goretti,” www.franciscanmedia.org [](https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/purity-and-purpose-the-brief-life-of-st-maria-goretti/)

- Wikipedia, “Maria Goretti,” en.wikipedia.org [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Goretti)

- National Catholic Register, “The St. Maria Goretti Conundrum,” www.ncregister.com [](https://www.ncregister.com/blog/the-st-maria-goretti-conundrum) - Maria Goretti Network, “St. Maria Goretti Story,” mgoretti.org [](https://mgoretti.org/mgstory) - National Catholic Register, “St. Maria Goretti — A Martyr More Relevant Today Than Ever,” www.ncregister.com [](https://www.ncregister.com/blog/st-maria-goretti-martyr-more-relevant-today-than-ever) - Catholic Apostolate Center Feast Days, “St. Maria Goretti,” www.catholicapostolatecenterfeastdays.org [](https://www.catholicapostolatecenterfeastdays.org/feast-days-and-solemnities/st-maria-goretti)

- Catholic Mom, “5 Lessons from St. Maria Goretti,” www.catholicmom.com [](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/5-lessons-from-st.-maria-goretti)

- Gaudium Magazine, “Hope and Forgiveness: The Story of Alessandro Serenelli and St. Maria Goretti,” www.gaudiummag.com [](https://www.gaudiummag.com/p/hope-and-forgiveness-the-story-of)

- Catholic Saint Medals, “About St. Maria Goretti,” catholicsaintmedals.com [](https://catholicsaintmedals.com/saints/st-maria-goretti/)

- Church Pop, “7 Things to Know About the Beautiful Saint Maria Goretti,” www.churchpop.com [](https://www.churchpop.com/7-things-to-know-about-the-beautiful-saint-maria-goretti-model-of-chastity-forgiveness/)

- National Catholic Register, “Now More Than Ever, St. Maria Goretti Is a Sign of Contradiction,” www.ncregister.com[](https://www.ncregister.com/blog/st-maria-goretti-saints-and-art)

Atheist Lawrence Krauss to Retire after Sexual Assault Claim: ASU Dean recommends Firing Him

Many men are being accused by women and other men of sexual misconduct. In many cases, these incidents are decades old. Recently, we have seen the same accusations placed against a nominee for the Supreme Court of the United States. Prior to this, comedian Bill Cosby was accused and sentenced to prison. All of this has occurred under the so-called "Me Too" era. As I have written before, Atheism is not immune from this. Many Atheist women have complained about their male counterparts sexually harassing and sexually assaulting them. This has gone to deaf ears among Atheist leaders. One prominent Atheist and physicist, Dr. Lawrence Krauss is among the accused. He was accused by several women of sexual misconduct and assault, see: www.sacerdotus.com/2018/02/atheist-lawrence-krauss-accused-of.html.

I was surprised that Arizona State University took no action. It seemed to me that the university was afraid to loose a person who has been a cashcow for them. Krauss' outspoken demeanor on Atheism in the name of Science has shed light on the university and the field of Physics. However, it seems that deans at the university have recommended that he be terminated. Krauss who earns $275,000 a year will be terminated and lose tenure. You can read the statement here: http://www.sciencemag.org/sites/default/files/Melanie%20Thomson%207.31.18.pdf. Krauss has lost many positions since the accusations surfaced. However, Krauss seems to want to avoid being fired by announcing that he will retire in May of 2019. This move closes the review process that was underway.

Krauss claims that the review process is unfair and would force him to be dismissed. He claims that he would have no option to have a lawyer present nor that all the evidence would be presented. The university disputed his claims calling them inaccurate. Krauss tweeted this:

An update on my situation at ASU. I have chosen to retire from ASU in May, 2019, when I turn 65. Onward and hopefully upward to new and different challenges. Details below. Thanks for the support and encouragement from so many of you. pic.twitter.com/7PSh0i4NnU

— Lawrence M. Krauss (@LKrauss1) October 21, 2018

Time will only tell what will happen next as to whether or not Dr. Krauss will face charges and be arrested. It seems that his career has finally come to an end. It remains to be seen if Atheist organizations will continue to invite him to speak in the name of Atheism.

All women should speak out against their abusers and let the judicial process take hold. No one is above the law. Hopefully, people tempted to the Atheism cult will see why it fosters immoral behavior.






Source:

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/peteraldhous/lawrence-krauss-arizona-state-tenure

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/08/university-finds-prominent-astrophysicist-lawrence-krauss-grabbed-woman-s-breast

http://www.statepress.com/article/2018/10/spscience-university-official-recommends-lawrence-krauss-dismissal-review-process-ongoing

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2018/08/02/lawrence-krauss-out-director-asu-origins-project/894752002/

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2018/10/05/asu-professor-lawrence-krauss-should-fired-dean-michael-crow-final-decision/1538655002/

http://www.statepress.com/article/2018/10/spcampus-lawrence-krauss-says-he-will-retire-may-2019-asu

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/22/science/lawrence-krauss-retires-sexual-harassment.html

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2018/10/21/lawrence-krauss-retiring-asu-after-sexual-misconduct-allegations-buzzfeed-news/1721679002/

Atheist Amnesia: Michael Shermer Sexually Abused Women Too!

In the age of the "MeToo" movement, many men have been accused of sexual harassment. These accusations turned out to be true after many of the accused admitted to the crimes. No social institution or group is free of this evil. Atheists who often claim that they are more moral than Christians also have a problem with sexual harassment among their ranks. Last month, atheist physicist Dr. Lawrence Krauss was accused by several women (see: http://www.sacerdotus.com/2018/02/atheist-lawrence-krauss-accused-of.html).  However, he was not punished for his actions. His place of employment did not even suspend him. While some have cancelled scheduled appearances by him, Krauss for the most part has remained shielded.  The atheist community has also been mute.  Perhaps attacking him will hurt the so-called "New Atheism" movement?  Atheists look at Krauss, Dawkins and others as leaders; in fact, I dare to say, in a "religious" way. 

The disgraced physicist is not the only one atheists have resorted to amnesia with. Dr.  Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic magazine and author of Heavens on Earth and other books has also been accused of sexual harassment and assault. Shermer claims to be a former fundamentalist Christian who saw the "light of reason." He writes a lot on psychology and neuroscience, but has no degree in the fields. His doctorate is on the history of science which he earned in 1991 at Claremont Graduate University.  Many atheists rely on his writings to make their arguments, especially on theists allegedly placing agency to things in nature which are attributed to God.  They rely Shermer for their conclusions without being honest that he is not an expert in the field. 

In light of this, many atheists hold Shermer in high esteem and are most likely shielding him.  In 2014, blogger PZ Myers who has taken on Shermer in discussions posted some emails where a women accused Shermer of sexual misconduct.  The blog post was picked up by BuzzFeed. A woman named Alison Smith accused Shermer of raping her. Shermer responded to the accusations by admitting that there was a sexual relationship, but that it was consentual (see: https://michaelshermer.com/downloads/Shermer-statement.pdf).  Many more women have come forward accusing the atheist publisher of sexual harassment and sexual assault.  Despite the accusations, Shermer still has a job and a talk by him at City College (one of my alma maters) is still on. This is unfortunate and a shame for City College. The university system should not be a platform for those who abuse women or anyone. It is a slap to the face of victims.  Chemistry Chair Raeanne Napoleon even alerted the college's staff about the allegations in an email hoping to get a reaction that would shut down Shermer's event.  She did the right thing. Unfortunately, the college took another direction and allowed Shermer to speak. Many faculty and students were not even aware of the allegations by several women against Dr. Shermer.

Atheism has a big problem here, among others. The movement is run by affluent white males who have made a habit of silencing their female compatriots and have taken advantage of them professionally and sexually. Atheists love to bring up the sexual abuse scandals in the Catholic Church from 2004, but fail to acknowledge their own problem with sexual abuse within their ranks.  While nothing can excuse abuse from Catholic clergy, the statistics pale in comparison with other groups.  Abuse from priests is less than 2%. Moreover, many of the sex abuse cases against priests are from over 40 years ago.  Many of the accused priests are dead or defrocked. The Catholic Church has done everything possible to prosecute the offenders and has taken action to prevent any new cases. What have atheist leaders done? Nothing at all!  They ignore women and protect abusers. This is why Mark Oppenheimer of BuzzFeed wrote an excellent piece on misogyny and how it will destroy the atheist movement. Atheists simply are indifferent to women and people of color.

Shermer, Krauss et al are just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. I expect many more renown atheists to fall from grace as women pick up energy from the "MeToo" movement and out these perverts. Time will tell how successful it will be, but something has to be done to protect women and others. Shermer, Krauss etc must be punished for their abuse of women in one way or another. They cannot be shielded nor given a slap on the wrist. Similarly, atheists are mute against gay atheist activist David Thorstad who founded NAMBLA and is pushing for the legalization of man-boy relationships. This is just disgusting and the silence from atheists is deplorable.     







Source:


https://michaelshermer.com

https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2013/08/08/what-do-you-do-when-someone-pulls-the-pin-and-hands-you-a-grenade/

https://www.buzzfeed.com/markoppenheimer/will-misogyny-bring-down-the-atheist-movement?utm_term=.gd1V0BEd4#.uq6pAzqB8

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/daylightatheism/2014/09/the-shermer-affair-erupts/

https://michaelshermer.com/downloads/Shermer-statement.pdf

https://www.thechannels.org/news/2018/03/19/michael-shermer-to-speak-despite-harassment-allegations/

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/daylightatheism/2014/09/the-wall-of-silence-around-michael-shermer/

https://nypost.com/2013/01/16/empowering-pedophiles/

http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/abbott/100812

Neil DeGrasse Tyson Accused of Rape & Sued for Copyright Infringement

After the scandals surrounding the sexual harassment and assaults perpetrated by Harvey Weinstein, we have seen many men fall for similar things. Well, it seems one "star" is possibly set to fall from the sky, so to speak.

Ironically, this "star" works in the field of studying the real ones in space. Astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson who coined himself as America's personal astrophysicist is now being accused of sexual assault by a woman named Tchiya Amet. She claimed in a blog post in 2014 that Tyson drugged and raped her when he was a graduate student in Texas. She wrote:

"He offered me a glass of water. I accepted a liquid in a cup made out of a coconut shell. I recall coming back to consciousness briefly, then next thing I remember is seeing him in the hallway the next day. I have lived in this nightmare for 30 years, and it stops today."

"I know this will be difficult for many of you to believe, understand or to know. However, know that this is the truth. Those who know me well can attest to the fact that I lived with undiagnosed PTSD of [at] least 25 years."

"He talks about obstacles to reaching his goal of astrophysicist. Did anyone slip him a mickey? Perhaps this was his way of eliminating the competition….what a scam YOU are Mr. Tyson…"

"How does it feel to know that YOU are the reason there is one less [black] female galactic astronomer on this planet? Yes, YOU. How many freshman students did you give A’s to when they were failing? Were they really failing, or was that just an easy way to get free blow jobs?"

Amet claims to have been a student of Tyson's at UT-Austin where he began a Ph.D. program. It is interesting to note that Tyson had trouble at the university and transferred to Columbia. It is not exactly known why UT-Austin and Tyson had a rocky relationship.  So far, Tyson has not commented on the allegations and there seems to be no investigation taking place.  Everyone is innocent until proven guilty in this nation so we must withhold our opinions and wait to see if any strong evidence comes out that supports the allegations.  This does not mean that Amet is lying. It only means that everyone deserves due process.

Tyson is currently facing fraud charges by a former business partner, according to the Daily News.  A photographer and co-producer of Tysons famous "StarTalk" radio podcast named David Gamble filed a lawsuit against Tyson claiming that the aforementioned dismissed him while he was getting treatment for a kidney disorder and used his photos without permission. 

 





Source:

https://tchiya.wordpress.com/2014/10/08/end-the-silence-end-the-violence-chapter-6-austin-texas-1983-1984-the-blue-lotus-speaks/

http://www.science20.com/quantum_gravity/blog/neil_degrasse_tyson_accused_of_rape_astrosh_was_mainly_silent-164563

https://thegoldwater.com/news/10470-Neil-Degrasse-Tyson-Accused-of-Drugging-and-Raping-a-Student-at-University-of-Texas

https://www.newsmediawatchdog.com/single-post/2017/10/25/Neil-DeGrasse-Tyson-Accused-Of-Raping-A-Former-Student

https://www.facebook.com/tchiya.amet

http://alcalde.texasexes.org/2012/02/star-power/

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/neil-degrasse-tyson-facing-fraud-charges-ex-business-partner-article-1.3461635

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/cosmos-host-neil-degrasse-tyson-sued-portrait-use-startalk-profits-1034436?utm_source=twitter

Bill Cosby Scandal

Billy Cosby, often described as "America's TV Dad" has been in the news for months. Several woman have come out alleging that Cosby drugged them and took advantage of them sexually.

Cosby has remained silent, for the most part, choosing to ignore the accusations. However, his accusers insist that they are telling the truth. Some of Cosby's former co-workers have defended him stating that these women are trying to tarnish his reputation. Despite this defense, Cosby has been taken to court for similar accusations and in one instance chose to settle with the accuser. He also requested that the records of this case be sealed. They were sealed until recently where a judge decided to reveal a disposition done in 2005. In it, Bill Cosby admits to buying Quaaludes in order to have sex with women. Quaaludes or its pharmaceutical name Methaqualone is a sedative and hypnotic that is a central nervous system depressant.

“When you got the quaaludes, was it in your mind that you were going to use these quaaludes for young women that you wanted to have sex with?” lawyer Dolores M. Troiani asked.
“Yes,” Cosby answered on Sept. 29, 2005.
“Did you ever give any of these young women the quaaludes without their knowledge?”
Cosby’s lawyer again objected, leading Troiani to petition the federal judge to force Cosby to cooperate. - http://bigstory.ap.org/article/6d90b1f473f147ed9f0048f9e9ac2287/apnewsbreak-cosby-said-he-got-drugs-give-women-sex

Cosby's lawyers fought hard to keep the details of the 2005-2006 case citing that they did not want this to be released because it would cause embarrassment on both sides. Judge Eduardo Robreno wrote in a memorandum stating the reason why he released the details:

"The stark contrast between Bill Cosby, the public moralist and Bill Cosby, the subject of serious allegations concerning improper (and perhaps criminal) conduct is a matter as to which the AP — and by extension the public — has a significant interest."

Bill Cosby is known for his "moral" personality on many programs. He even had two cartoons geared towards teaching children morals: "Fat Albert" and "Little Bill." His career grew more popular with his "The Cosby Show" sitcom involving a well-to-do African American family. Some criticized the show for not being realistic about how African Americans live and that he adopted a "White" social script. Others believed it gave a positive look to the African American family and inspired them to be ambitious. Cosby was given an honorary doctoral for his work and several awards.  However, after these ladies came forward, many of the awards he received were taken back. Shows for his comedy tour also suffered cancelation and he was even met with hecklers during shows that did go on as scheduled. Recently, Disney removed a statue of his bust.

Comedian and actor Whoopi Goldberg insists he is 'innocent until proven guilty' despite the revelation of what he said in the disposition. Unfortunately, the statute of limitations has run out so most likely these women accusing him will not be able to file a criminal case against him.  However, a defamation case is possible.









Source:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/07/us/bill-cosby-quaaludes-sexual-assault-allegations/

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/6d90b1f473f147ed9f0048f9e9ac2287/apnewsbreak-cosby-said-he-got-drugs-give-women-sex

http://defamer.gawker.com/report-disney-world-to-remove-bill-cosby-bust-from-the-1716428079

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/bill-cosby-scandal/womans-lawyer-may-ask-judge-unseal-more-bill-cosby-testimony-n388356

http://www.people.com/article/raven-symone-talks-bill-cosby-sex-scandal-view

http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/07/opinions/kohn-bill-cosby-quaaludes/

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/bill-cosby-testimony-drugging-woman-made-public-article-1.2284532

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2015/07/07/whoopi-goldberg-on-bill-cosby-hes-innocent-until-proven-guilty/

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-bill-cosby-rape-20150707-story.html

Church Hypocrisy?

Anti-Catholics often cite the bad behavior of Catholics in order to "prove" their case that the Catholic Church is a flawed institution that must be disposed of.  They will cite the burning at the stakes, inquisition, abuse of minors, cover ups and so on.  The Catholic Church to them is "morally bankrupt."

While the aforementioned are unfortunately a part of the history of Catholics, these acts were never sanctioned by the Church.  They are shortcomings from individuals who represented the Church.  Moreover, critics do not take into account the time and circumstance surrounding the bad events in the Church.  Those (heretics) who broke laws in their respective time received the punishment of that time.  We may see it now as cruel and unusual, but this is because we see things differently now in regards to justice and the treatment of prisoners.

The Past Haunts

In recent times, the sexual abuse of minors is what is focused upon when attacks against the Catholic Church are presented.  The moral authority of bishops and priests are questioned since they seemed to have allowed these abuses to go on and in some cases even tried to cover them up.   In the news recently, there was a report that files from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles show that retired Cardinal Roger Mahoney and Bishop Thomas Curry made attempts to conceal predator priests and obstruct justice.

The news has hit the Los Angeles Archdiocese so hard that Archbishop Gomez has prohibited Cardinal Mahoney from public duties within his Archdiocese and has accepted the resignation of Bishop Thomas Curry.  This basically means that Mahoney cannot present himself as an official of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  He can still function as a priest in private.  I applaud Archbishop Gomez for doing this.  He has publicly reprimanded two of his brother bishops and has shown that their actions cannot be excused.  Cardinal Mahoney responded with a letter of his own excusing his "mistakes."

I hardly call transferring priests from parish to parish who were known to have psycho-sexual issues a "mistake."  Furthermore, the attempt to prevent these disturbed priests from facing justice is just appalling.  Clergy who are found guilty of abuse and those bishops and others who covered for them should be in prison.  They should not be given a platform from which to shout "mea culpa."  The sexual abuse of a minor - or anyone for that matter - is disgusting and victims may never recover from it.    

Fetus Not a Person

If that is not bad enough, a Catholic hospital in Colorado is being sued because its lawyers have used the defense that a fetus is not a person in order to protect the hospital from litigation.  The news has caused a tidal wave among Catholics and anti-Catholics.  I myself have been bombarded with Tweets and messages regarding the supposed hypocrisy of the Church in implementing this defense.  What these people do not understand is that the Catholic Church is not on trial here.  A Catholic hospital is on trial for malpractice and its lawyers chose to use this defense.  Lawyers have the reputation of being "certified liars."  This is because they use a play of words in order to present a good case that will go in their favor.

The local bishop is investigating the matter.  I believe the lawyers used this defense because it reflects the current understanding of the law.  It would not be fair to sue a hospital for malpractice if the laws state that the fetus is not a person and fetuses are killed at abortion clinics daily without concern or litigation.  Therefore, lawyers must use the laws in the books in order to make their case.

A case that comes to mind that reflects this is that of Mary Ellen Wilson's who was the first documented case of child abuse in the United States of America.   She was beaten, starved and chained in a dark room all alone and overall was treated inhumanely.  Neighbors were concerned over the welfare of young Mary Ellen, but to their dismay, the abuse was not illegal.  Under the law, children were not considered persons and were mere property.  They were no different than cattle or dogs and could be beaten and abused.  The police could not do anything because there were no laws protecting children.

Neighbors told Methodist missionary Etta Wheeler about the situation and she tried to help.  Wheeler did not give up despite the non-existence of child protection laws in New York.  She would eventually contact the ASPCA or American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which was founded by Henry Bergh in order to protect horses.  At the time (1800's), New York used horses instead of cars.  The modern car was just being developed and horses were the only means to travel or transport goods.

Horses can be very stubborn creatures, so they were often beaten severely and treated badly.  The ASPCA would eventually get protection for them and other animals under the law.  This is why Wheeler sought the help of Bergh.  The ASPCA would help Mary Ellen Wilson and future children of child abuse by using the defense that children are part of the animal kingdom just like horses and they deserve protection under the law.  This is an example of how the current law and understanding of the law must be used in order to defend a client.


****UPDATE 2/5/2013****

The lawyers for the hospital have decided to recant the defense tactic of citing a law that does not include the unborn as human.  The change was made after Colorado bishops investigated and met with parties involved  http://www.lifenews.com/2013/02/04/catholic-hospital-reverses-wont-argue-unborn-baby-not-a-person/



No Help for Rape Victim

Lastly, a victim of rape in Germany claims that a Catholic hospital turned her away because of the advice the hospital would have given regarding keeping the pregnancy.  The Archdiocese of Cologne had this statement:

"We regret very much that the impression has been given to the public that rape victims are no longer able to be treated in Catholic hospitals. That is false,"

The Archdiocese confirmed that rape victims have always and will always get medical treatment and that no victim will be turned away.  They added that there was a misunderstanding among hospital officials which led to the refusal to treat the victim of rape.

The Catholic Church is made up of human beings.  The Church is perfect, but not perfect.  She is perfect in that she is the Bride of Christ and holds the deposit of Faith.  However, she is not perfect in that she is a collection of sinners who can do both good and bad in her name.  If all the Apostles except John ran off after Jesus' arrest, what makes you think the disciples of today won't abandon Jesus?  There will be clergy, religious and lay people who will abandon Jesus and do things their own way which will cause scandal and most likely harm themselves and others.  This should not be seen as a reflection of the whole Catholic Church, but a reflection on the reality that individuals in the Church can do stupid things that offends God and one another.  


Source:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-23/anger-as-us-records-show-catholic-sex-abuse-cover-up/4480824

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Sex-Abuse-Files-Catholic-Church-Los-Angeles-Mahony-Attorney-Shocked-188034191.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57565286/evidence-shows-bold-l.a-priest-abuse-cover-up/

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57565286/evidence-shows-bold-l.a-priest-abuse-cover-up/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/23/catholic-hospital-argues-_n_2534383.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

http://reason-being.com/index.php/2013/01/24/catholic-health-initiatives-fetus-hypocrisy/#.UQGG_OQtTXY.twitter

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/23/catholic-hospital-argues-_n_2534383.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/catholics-argue-that-fetuses-are-people-unless-it-costs-the-church-money/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/9811443/German-rape-victim-turned-away-by-Catholic-hospitals-over-pregnancy-fears.html

http://www.catholic.org/hf/faith/story.php?id=49547

http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=123889

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0203-lopez-mahony-20130203,0,612758.column

http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_22502929/cardinal-mahony-fires-back-at-gomez-defends-handling

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0201-mahony-curry-20130201,0,3889565.story

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-adv-church-curry-20130203,0,5584406.story

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/01/archbishop-takes-action-on-mahony-curry-over-abuse-scandal.html

http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=49546

http://documents.latimes.com/los-angeles-archdiocese-priest-abuse-files/

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/archbishop-gomez-praised-for-ideal-approach-to-la-removals/
http://cardinalrogermahonyblogsla.blogspot.com/

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-church-files-20130122,0,3114631.story

Most women don't abort due to rape - abortionist

Rape is often cited as a main reason to keep Abortion legal.  Who wants to keep a rapist's baby?

Despite statistics showing that these cases are less than 1%, the rhetoric is still pushed as valid.  Well an abortionist contradicted this claim.  D.C. abortionist Willie Parker stated that, “most women having abortions are not raped.”  He also stated, “The reality is that that is not the typical patient I see, as most women having abortions are not raped or are not carrying a lethally flawed fetus."

Most women have abortions because they just want to have them. They are either not ready for a child, or out of panic chose to abort the child in order to "rid" herself of the "problem," so to speak.

This is sad indeed.  Whatever happened to the "bundle of joy" feeling parents describe when pregnant or when a child is born?

Abortion objectifies human beings.  It makes an unborn child into an object that can be disposed of.  This rhetoric desensitizes people.  It is no wonder why so called "Prochoice" advocates see the unborn as parasitic and even tumors that need to be removed!  

What sane person would describe an unborn child in this manner?  

 

Source:

http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/abortionist-admits-most-women-having-abortions-are-not-raped

Todd Akin

Republican Todd Akin is facing heat from all sides of the political isle after stating that, "legitimately raped women don't get pregnant because the female body has ways to shut that whole thing down."

I beg your pardon?

• First:  What is "legitimately raped?"  All rape is illegitimate.  Rape is a crime and is immoral.  
• Second:  The human female body does not have any mechanism that prevents pregnancy when raped.

Akin is completely out of touch with common sense and medicine.  He claims to have misspoken, but how can one use the misspoken defense after repeating a gaffe right after another?

I do agree with him that the punishment should be on the rapist, not the unborn child.  Nevertheless, his "legitimately raped" and "anti-rape female body mechanism" comments are disturbing.

    

Source: http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/rep-todd-akin-legitimately-raped-women-dont-pregnant-033800479.html http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/08/20/christie-calls-rape-comments-by-missouri-senate-candidate-asinine-and-reprehensible/