Blasphemy against the Blessed Virgin Mary*

Any expression—whether by word, sign, or gesture—that insults the goodness of God is considered a form of blasphemy. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

"Blasphemy is directly opposed to the second commandment. It consists in uttering against God—either inwardly or outwardly—words of hatred, reproach, or defiance; speaking ill of God; failing in respect toward Him in one's speech; or misusing God's name. St. James condemns those 'who blaspheme that honorable name [of Jesus] by which you are called.'

The prohibition of blasphemy extends to language against Christ's Church, the saints, and sacred things." – CCC 2148

Recapitulating, the Catechism further states:

"The second commandment forbids every improper use of God's name. Blasphemy is the use of the name of God, of Jesus Christ, of the Virgin Mary, and of the saints in an offensive way." – CCC 2162

A certain French artist named Soasig Chamaillard once posted this message online:

"I’m a French artist looking for art galleries in Paris or in other countries to showcase my work. Regarding my work, I can only say that I don’t use Holy Mary as my subject to shock a Catholic audience. I like to play with icons like a child with his toys, trying to understand the world around me.

As P. Auster said, 'The true goal of art is not to create beautiful objects: it is a method of reflection, a means of apprehending the universe and of finding one's place there.' This is the truth for me. I try to do that with my sensitivity."

The Albane Gallery in Nantes, France responded to his request for an exhibit, and Chamaillard defended his work in the face of increasing opposition, saying: "One’s faith should be stronger than blasphemous 'simple objects,' and one should step back from increasing one’s faith on 'simple objects.'" In this statement, he plainly reduced sacred images to "simple objects." He created the following pieces, which can only be described as utterly blasphemous:

Mary Barbie

My Little Pony Mary

Sailor Moon Mary

Rainbow Mary

Blood Pieta (depicting Mary as a vampire)

Holy Pocket

Santa Claus Mary with alcoholic beverage

Chamaillard further states:

"Faith is not in statues, and perhaps they should remember that. Faith should be strong enough to remain unshaken by simple objects. I think they need to step back from the object and not forget that it's an artistic work."

The Church absolutely condemns such blasphemy. We can never consider such works as art. The artist not only failed to distinguish between the sacred and the profane but also insulted Mary, the Mother of God.

The Vatican II document Lumen Gentium affirms, "that those decrees, which were given in the early days regarding the veneration of images of Christ, the Blessed Virgin, and the saints, be religiously observed" (LG 67). It underscores the decisions of the Second Council of Nicaea (787), which confirmed the legitimacy of the veneration of sacred images in opposition to those who sought to destroy them, deeming them inadequate for representing the divinity (cf. Redemptoris Mater, n. 33).

The Vatican II Conciliar Fathers "define with full precision and care that, like the representation of the precious life-giving Cross, so the venerated and holy images—whether painted, mosaic, or made of any other suitable material—should be exposed in holy churches of God on sacred furnishings and vestments, on walls and panels in homes and streets. These may be images of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, of our Immaculate Lady, the Holy Mother of God, of the holy angels, or of all the saints and the just" (DS 600).

By recalling this definition, Lumen Gentium intended to stress the legitimacy and validity of sacred images, in contrast to certain tendencies to remove them from churches and shrines to focus exclusively on Christ.

Catholics never worship images. We use sacred images, paintings, and other artistic representations to recall the person or thing depicted. Just as it helps to remember one's mother by looking at her photograph, so too does it help to recall the example of the saints by looking at pictures of them. Shall we allow others to insult the picture of our mother? Furthermore, Catholics use sacred images as teaching tools. In the early Church, they were especially useful for instructing the illiterate.

Kindly send your online petition (c/o America Needs Fatima) against this blasphemy. Otherwise, if unopposed, this exhibit may travel, and more people may be exposed to these blasphemies. Our Lady will continue to be offended and insulted. We invoke the Blessed Virgin Mary against this sinful act as we pray:

Hail Mary, Full of Grace,

The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women,

And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

Pray for us sinners now,

And at the hour of death.

Amen.