Wounded soldier clings to cassock clad chaplain.

@eileenleyva (27562)
Philippines
November 10, 2017 6:08pm CST
Photo credit goes to google. Photo property of Hector Rondon Lovera. Taken 4 June 1962 According to the photographer, he was flat on his belly, to avoid sniper shots, when a wounded soldier pulled himself up and clings to Navy Chaplain Luis Padillo. The priest was administering Extreme Unction, or Holy Anointing, to the dying. It was his duty, to give the last rites, as only a Catholic priest could do. What for? In this instance amid shots fatal? To take away sins and grant sanctifying grace, as preparation for immediate entry to Heaven. Priests do that. It is the stuff they are made of. As if their mortal bodies are magnetic force fields that could shield. If only. This story might seem antiquated, the date pans back to a time when photography was black and white. Yet, this picture is never more relevant, as warfare and guns curtailed lives, ideologies threatened peace, disparities between nations made more pronounced. Wrath and destruction the new norm. We seem powerless on that. Here's to the Wounded, and the Man of God.
2 people like this
3 responses
@allen0187 (58438)
• Philippines
12 Nov 17
Very powerful image!
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
12 Nov 17
Interesting you thought that. It is indeed a powerful image. I could think of so many things with that frame alone. The photograph was actually used by Norman Rockwell in Murder in Mississippi. I yet have to watch that film and gather why the image was used.
1 person likes this
@franxav (13597)
• India
11 Nov 17
Turning to God is the only hope for this humankind.
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
11 Nov 17
Yes. Yet, while we live, we continue to paint pictures in black and white. The shades of grey are disturbing. Shake our mettle. A strong constitution we need, in our person and in our nation, and a faith that knows no fear.
@Kandae11 (53678)
11 Nov 17
I hope we do not see a World war 111.