Do RCs & the Pope Know

the Virgin Mary has Competition?

(and Was Jesus actually a female?)
1

1 in 200 Women Say They've Had a 'Virgin Pregnancy' Of course, some are skeptical
(Newser) An unbelievable-sounding new study finds that one in 200 young American women claims to have experienced a virgin pregnancy, la the Virgin Mary. The US researchers looked into a long-term, confidential study about reproductive health, and found that 45 of the 7,870 women involved said they had become pregnant without ever having had vaginal intercourse or going through in-vitro fertilization, AFP reports. Of those, 31% had made a "chastity pledge" of the type popular among Christian groups. The research was published in the British Medical

Journal. A lead author explains: The subjects "werent asked a question 'Have you had a virgin pregnancy?'" Rather, the findings were "put together from a series of questions about pregnancy history and vaginal intercourse history." She adds that it's possible some of the women "did not want to admit that they had intercourse," or perhaps misunderstood the questions, seeing as the results are rather "unrealistic." She adds: "We actually found a few virgin fathers as wellwhich is a little harder to get your head around." LiveScience points out that the study's real finding is the problems inherent in researching sensitive information: "Scientists may still face challenges when collecting self-reported data on sensitive topics," despite taking precautions.
By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff / Posted Dec 18, 2013

The Pregnant Virgin: Creative Vessel Acrylic Paint on Wood and Clay, 2011 55" x 16" x 16"

The Blessed Virgin Mary Compared to a Window Because my will is simple as a window And knows no pride of original birth, It is my life to die, like glass, by light: Slain in the strong rays of the bridegroom sun.

Because my love is simple as a window And knows no shame of original dust, I longed all night, (when I was visible) for dawn my death: When I would marry day, my Holy Spirit: And die by transubstantiation into light.

For light, my lover, steals my life in secret. I vanish into day, and leave no shadow But the geometry of my cross, Whose frame and structure are the strength By which I die, but only to the earth, And am uplifted to the sky my life.

When I became the substance of my lover, (Being obedient, sinless glass) I love all things that need my lovers life, And live to give my newborn Morning to your quiet rooms, -Your rooms, that would be tombs, Or vaults of night, and death, and terror, Fill with the clarity of living Heaven, Shine with the rays of Gods Jerusalem: O shine, bright Sions!

Because I die by brightness and the Holy Spirit, The sun rejoices in your jail, my kneeling Christian, (Where even now you weep and grin To learn, from my simplicity, the strength of faith).

Therefore do not be troubled at the judgments of the thunder, Stay still and pray, still stay, my other son, And do not fear the armies and black ramparts Of the advancing and retreating rains: Ill let no lightning kill your rooms white order. Although it is the days last hour, Look with no fear: For the torn storm lets in, at the worlds rim, Three streaming rays as straight as Jacobs ladder:

And you shall see the sun, my Son, my Substance, Come to convince the world of the days end, and of the night, Smile to the lovers of the day in smiles of blood; For though my love, Hell be their Brother, My light the Lamb of their Apocalypse.
- by Thomas Merton- 1944-

References: http://www.newser.com/story/179400/1-in-200-women-say-theyve-had-a-virgin-pregnancy.html http://sybilarchibald.artspan.com/large-multi-view/gallery/1636761-1136421/Sculpture/Mixed%20Media/Figurative.html#.UrHHTye9q6M