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Catolicadas
Episode 9 A Candle for Saint Antoninus
– Prudencia, what’s wrong?
– Sister Juana, I’m seven weeks pregnant,
... and the doctors say I have a serious health problem
and that I could die unless I terminate my pregnancy.
That’s very sad to hear, Prudencia. I’m deeply sorry.
Is there any way that I can help you?
– I don’t want to *** anyone.
– But Prudencia, you are the most pious parishioner I have ever met...
... how can you say that?
– Father Beto said so the other day.
– Even if a woman has health problems,
... that does not give her the right to *** her baby!
– Your health and your life come first.
You are only seven weeks pregnant,
and even though the embryo has value, it is not yet a baby.
I’d love to hear what Father Beto would say if his life were in danger.
– I don’t want to die. I have Luis and my little daughter.
I am going to be punished!
The Church has no reason to punish you. Have you ever heard of St. Antoninus?
– Who?
Once upon a time in Italy, in the 15th century,
there lived a Dominican bishop called Anthony,
who was so kind that people affectionately called him Antoninus.
Antoninus supported early abortions to save the life of pregnant women,
and wrote this in a book called Summa Theologiae.
There it says that the mother has jius prius, or a prior right to life.
He was made a saint in the 16th century.
– I don’t know how to thank you for sending me to the health center.
Sister Juana, the doctor took good care of me and explained everything.
– And don’t forget that the law is on your side
– Thankfully my husband was there to support me.
– And so was our friend St. Antoninus.
– It was a difficult decision, but I feel at peace.
– Which new saint is this, Prudencia?
– St. Antoninus.
– And what does he do?
I had a serious health problem...
– For heaven’s sake, Prudencia, why didn’t you tell me before?
– But San Antoninus helped me and now I’m okay.
– Oh, really? Well let me light a candle for him.