MARIA GORETTI AND #METOO

"Do we have the confidence to change ourselves and the world around us a little?" 

(To Kiss the Joy, Robert A. Raines, 1973, p. 69).

There is growing speculation about Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau triggering a general election soon. Many who work on campaigns will be hoping for jobs and future job leads on jobs as a result. This is fertile ground for predators.

Continuing. I see too many vulnerable women in these jobs. I have seen them deny, or put up with "a little" sexual harassment for the sake of getting and keeping a government job (myself included). We pretend (our friends and loved ones pretend) this is just how it is. That's a lie. And it's part of the confusing political mix when power, winning, and job security are venerated.

Next. I want to make an unusual connection between politics, sex and religion. Stay with me. Here goes: Many Roman Catholic churches practice a devotion known as the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday. The clergy and congregation approach a cross or crucifix one by one, and offer a gesture of respect to all that it represents. This gesture usually includes kneeling or bowing before the cross and then kissing it." (Wikipedia).

Breathe.

Old crucifixes, not old politicians and secure jobs should be venerated!

Next. This past week we had the feast of St. Maria Goretti. Maria is a saint who it is told was raped and stabbed to death viciously at the age of 12. It is written that Maria gladly forgave her attacker. Even prayed he might be saved.  

That said, I wonder, this: What might St. Maria Goretti say if she had faced her attacker as a political staffer and adult woman today? Would she say no? Yes. Would she feel a duty to report, to warn other women about a predator? Yes. Yes. Yes. I believe a Maria Goretti today would 'report' and 'pray for' at the same time. Which is what I'm doing now (specific to this potential national campaign).

Finally, we are all in this sexual harassment tragedy together: the Maria Goretti's, the predators, mothers, fathers, coworkers and friends. Sexual abuse still continues to destroy families, friendships, careers, vocations. But we do not lose heart!

St. Maria Goretti pray for us!

Cb

Amen


 


 

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