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Museum asks visitors to desecrate the Virgin Mary in evil exhibit

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Exhibit in Estonia asks visitors to break a virtual statue of the Virgin Mary.

The National Museum of Estonia is allowing visitors to desecrate a virtual image of Our Lady of Graces. The display is part of an exhibit on the Reformation.

Highlights

By Marshall Connolly (CALIFORNIA NETWORK)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
10/13/2016 (7 years ago)

Published in Europe

Keywords: Estonia, Virgin Mary, museum, desecrate, statue, exhibit, display

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Visitors to the National Museum of Estonia are being invited to desecrate a statue of Our Lady of Graces. The display, which is part of an exhibit on the Protestant Reformation, allows visitors to virtually shatter a statue of the Virgin Mary.

A virtual image in displayed on a screen. Below the screen is a panel which visitors kick. The kick causes the image of the statue to shatter. A moment later the screen refreshes with a new image for the next visitor.


Christians say the display mocks religion and is disrespectful to Our Lady.

Estonia became a protestant country in the 16th century. Today, it is one of the least religious countries in the world. About two-thirds of Estonians claim no religious affiliation.

Although the nation is largely secular, many have come forward to complain about it. Even protestant leaders have voiced a negative opinion of the display.

The Archbishop of the Estonian branch of the Lutheran Church has criticized the display. On Facebook he remarked, "I very seriously doubt that this exhibit is suitable for the permanent collection of the National Museum of Estonia, even if it is interesting from a technical point of view or from the perspective of modern approach to the depiction of historical events."

Our Lady is not merely a stature or an idea, but a real saint who resides with God. She is always present with the faithful on Earth and she intercedes on our behalf. She is the ultimate incarnation of woman, sinless and holy, and the Mother of God. As such, she deserves the utmost respect, not to be treated with disrespect.

While visitors are destroying a virtual image of a statue, and cannot in any way harm Our Lady, the desecration of her image is still unacceptable. Even from an educational perspective.

The Protestant Reformation was largely a political and economic movement, in addition to a religious schism. Our Lady was not part of that evil. Her role in our world served to facilitate our salvation. She does not deserve for her Holy name, or her image to be desecrated.

Allowing people to shatter a virtual statue diminishes her stature in an act of disrespect. For those who do not understand, perhaps they could see it the same as burning a national flag or tearing up a picture of one's greatly beloved mother.

We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.

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The display should be removed. There are more constructive ways to learn about the Protestant Reformation.

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Deacon Keith Fournier Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you. Help Now >

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