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Priest Slams 'Blasphemous' Playboy Cover of Veiled Maria

Church still furious after magazine apology

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 16, 2008 4:28 AM CST

(Newser) Playboy's apology for a cover appearing to show a breast-flashing Virgin Mary isn't penance enough, a furious priest tells CNN. Playboy Mexico said the picture of a veiled model in front of a stained-glass window with the caption "Te Adoramos María"—"We Adore You, Maria"—wasn't meant to represent a religious figure, but the priest and other church officials consider that a blatant lie.

Not only is the image offensive, the priest said, but Playboy's decision to use it during the holiday season and just before the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe doubles the insult. "How many nativity scenes are out there this time of the year?" he said. "How many times is Mary a central figure in this whole celebration?  This is very offensive. It's blasphemous."

In this image released by 'Playboy' Mexico last week, model Maria Florencia Onori poses as an apparent representation of the Virgin Mary for the December issue.
In this image released by 'Playboy' Mexico last week, model Maria Florencia Onori poses as an apparent representation of the Virgin Mary for the December issue.   (AP Photo/Revista Playboy Mexico)
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A priest discusses the controversial cover with CNN.   (CNN Video)

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On a magazine of a porn business that is already a huge success, why would you need to use religious symbols to sell more magazines? This sounds desperate to me. And not only desperate, it's totally offensive. - Father Albert Cutie

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
nkrivosh
Dec 20, 2008 1:56 AM CST
hooray to playboy!
Michael_CT
Dec 17, 2008 1:02 AM CST
I find the cover as offensive as a cover with Goldilocks on it. Although i am personally into brunettes.
Shannonals
Dec 16, 2008 11:42 PM CST
I don't see what the big deal is? The Catholic Church doesn't have a patent on veils or stained glass. Rather than complaining about this small issue, they should clean up their own backyard first before pointing fingers at some one else

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