The Magdalene Sisters

[LJC1861]

I saw a report on CBS " Sunday Morning" today about the Magdalene Asylums in Ireland. The report made me cry to think that young girls were incarcerated like this. On my way home today I saw a theater playing the new film " The Magdalene Sisters" and as it was hotter than blazes outside and my apartment is not air-conditioned I thought I would go and find out more about this topic.

The film, although excellently made, was BRUTAL to watch. The story on CBS barely scratched the surface of the horrors these young women suffered. It is hard to believe that nuns, women of God and supposedly Christian, could treat other human beings in such an inhuman manner.

It is a film and a topic that more people should be aware of, but be warned before seeing this film that it is very difficult to watch.

Linda

 

[Tantorini]

you intrigued me.. I'm sad to admit that before your thread I wasn't familiar with this subject..

I just spent some time doing research on the internet.. and I'm honestly apalled and stunned..

I'm not sure I could sit through this movie.. but in some ways I guess that is the point..

I'm glad I clicked on this thread..

beth

 

[LJC1861]

In Ireland starting, I believe, in the 1940's and maybe earlier there were institutions run by an order of nuns who took in "wayward girls". They were named for Mary Madalen and called " Magdalene Asylums." These girls came from every socio-economic class in Ireland and could be sent there for almost any reason. the three girls in the film were sent there for being assaulted, having an illegitimate child, and for being promiscuous. They could be sent there at the recommendation of their family, a neighbor or in most cases the parish priest. In a great many of the cases the girls were given new names and moved around so that the families couldn't find them if they came to look for them. The girls worked in huge laundries, doing washing for orphanages, convents and parish priests and were basically treated like slaves. They were not allowed to talk to one another and their lives consisted of sleep, work, meals and prayer. They were not paid for their work. The girls were beaten and abused, teased by the nuns and mistreated in almost any way imaginable. Unbelievably the last institution closed in 1996. This is a part of Ireland's past that now is not often spoken about and the piece that was done on CBS did not present the side of the Cathlolic Church who delcined to be interviewed.

It was difficult to watch, but I am glad I did....it makes you think and makes you greatful for what you have.

Linda

 

[Dan Murphy]

Some of the historicals of so many countries, and religions too, are so very sordid and tawdry. Good to hear that does not exist there today, but sure things similar, in various manifestations (other governments, religions, ets) still do exist today in other parts of the world still today. It is hard to believe some of the things that occurred (and still do) in different parts of the world, by governments to their people and religions to their members.

Nice to see you, Linda.

 

[disykat]

I haven't seen either - but it sounds horrifying!

 

[Silky]

Originally posted by LJC1861
It is hard to believe that nuns, women of God and supposedly Christian, could treat other human beings in such an inhuman manner.

You shouldn't be surprised.

Throughout history there has been wholesale slaughter, murder, genocide, and torture "in the name" of various religions, including Christianity.

 

[goofygirl]

I saw the CBS This Morning story too. My BF and I just sat there shaking our heads.

What a disgrace, and another "black eye" for the Catholic Church.

 

[jamsmom]

I only saw a portion Sunday morning while flipping channels. I was shocked at the little I heard!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Linda, your topic intrigued me also, so i went online and read quite a few articles and movie reviews. Wow, unbelievable, I never heard of this topic before, and my heart went out to all those whose lives were so tragically effected by their exposure to these homes. Thanks for opening my eyes to yet another new part of history. Caroline