Mary O’Callaghan on seeing the image of God in children with Down Syndrome:
[A]fter seeing the online ridicule of Down Syndrome children, I wonder whether the deepest sorrow that pierced Mary’s heart was not the physical suffering of her son, but the cruel taunts and mockery to which he was subjected. It must have been bewildering to her that his tormentors could not see that all the life and goodness, truth and beauty in her Son. Of course our children are not messiahs. But a Holy Cross Priest at Notre Dame reminded us last week that those of us who care for individuals with cognitive handicaps stand on holy ground. Knowing a child with Down Syndrome is like getting a small glimpse of the divine; original sin has been cleansed by baptism, and their souls are barely touched by actual sin. And that’s why we feel that when they are shown disrespect, something innocent and holy and sacred has been profaned.
(Via: Mirror of Justice)
March 18th, 2010 | 11:10 am
Incredible. Thank you for posting that.
March 18th, 2010 | 6:52 pm
Reality Check.
A child with Down’s syndrome is sweet and loves people. Even when he or she grows up, most people with Down’s syndrome function at the level of a 6 year old, and keep their sweet disposition.
And caring for a profoundly retarded child who is bed ridden and can’t talk but can smile is also a way to see the grace of God. My saintly aunt cared for her daughter for 39 years, in the days when most of these children were institutionalized.
But can you see the “grace of God” in a severely retarded, autistic, self abusing child who gets violent temper tantrums? Who bites the hand that feeds him? Who grows up to be a large man with the personality of a spoiled two year old? (I am not discussing high functioning autistics, but some of those with fragile X syndrome).
Stop the sentimental nonsense and reach out and help those raising these people, and do an outreach to the group homes where many of them live. And then you will really learn about the grace of God.
March 19th, 2010 | 10:41 am
tioedong, what are you saying? That no one can speak out for Down syndrome kids, or, presumably, anybody else, unless they work in a special home where severely, mentally impaired people live?, and that we can’t know the true grace of God unless we do something to reach out those who work in such homes? (Reach out how? Money? Voluntary assistance? A pat on the back? What, exactly?)
I’m sorry, but this sounds somewhat to me like judgmental, self-righteous nonsense. And it sounds like you, yourself, are in a difficult situation, and need to talk to somebody. I’d suggest you start with a priest, or co-worker.
March 22nd, 2010 | 11:07 pm
Those with Down’s Syndrown, are indeed the sweetest, most wonderful people on the planet. They, like all beings on our planet who are weak and vulnerable, whether they’re fetuses, the elderly, animals, deserve our protection.
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