Irish bishop raps 'art' exhibit mocking the Virgin Mary
June 23, 2011
An Irish bishop has decried the display of an art exhibit that includes images mocking the Virgin Mary.
The exhibit of works by the Mexican artist Alma Lopez, on display at University College in Cork, is entitled “Our Lady and Other Queer Santas.” Among the images included in the exhibit is one that uses the familiar image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, altered to show a woman in a bikini.
Bishop John Buckley of Cork and Ross said that it is “regrettable and unacceptable that this exhibition seeks to portray the Mother of God in such an offensive way.” Noting the long history of Marian devotion in Ireland, he added: “True pluralism respects the beliefs of all faiths and does not seek to ridicule the faith and convictions of any believer.”
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Further information:
- Bishop's anger as portrait of Mary in a bikini goes on show at university (Irish Herald)
- Bishop claims image of Virgin is unacceptable (Irish Independent)
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