Putting a nude photo on the cover is nothing new especially for Playboy, they've been doing it for decades. However, the latest edition of one of its international franchises is causing an uproar, and rightfully so. The December issue of Mexican Playboy has a 'virgin' on its cover and it's no ordinary virgin. With stained glass in the background and a veil that partially covers the model's head and upper body, the connection to the Virgin Mary is unmistakable! Catholics not only in Mexico are visibly angered by this controversy. It is disturbing, and shows the magazine's lack of respect for the faith and the faithful. What's more appalling is the timing. The issue comes as millions of Mexicans celebrate the feast day of the Our Lady of Guadalupe, the country's patron saint.

"We adore you, Mary," the translated Playboy title reads, with Argentinian model Maria Florencia Onori posing as Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico's patron saint. Inside the issue, more photos are featured in the layout. "Blessed art thou," the extensive photo layout is called, featuring the model sporting a crown and other veils, always striking suggestive poses, surrounded by candles, lilies and stained glass windows. "You are blessed, Mary, when light reaches your skin and your eyes are upon the eyes of our readers," adds the magazine.

How can they get away with this? Freedom of speech? Freedom of the press? Is sacrilege part of that freedom as well. Despite denials from photographer David Eisenberg that there was no intention to make the model look like or depict the Virgin Mother, the results speak the opposite. The cover photo alone is suggestive enough but the other photos inside make no mistake that the magazine and its photographer had all the intention to associate this issue to the Virgin Mary.

What's surprising about all this is the fact that this happened in Mexico, one of the strongholds of the Catholic faith. If the issue came out of a non-predominantly Catholic country (like Russia, perhaps) it wouldn't have made such an impact and the results would have been quite understandable. But Mexico, and one the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at that? How could they let this happen? If this issue came out in our country it would have been burned! The issue of Philippine Playboy with no nudity that came out earlier this year already caused an uproar and some mild protests. I cannot imagine what would happen if something as sacrilegious as this Mexican Playboy cover ever came out. But then again, I don't think anyone would dare.

I don't consider myself as an overly religious person. But I keep the faith. I also don't deny that I patronize such magazines once in a while. However, this Mexican Playboy issue crossed the boundaries of decency and good taste, and insulted a faith the billions all over the world hold dear. It should be burned!

Postscript: According to reports, eighty thousand copies have already been sold. Isn't that quite disturbing as well?

Update: Playboy has apologized and said that the company did not approve or endorse the cover.

"While Playboy Mexico never meant for the cover or images to offend anyone, we recognize that it has created offense, and we as well as Playboy Mexico offer our sincerest apologies," the statement said.

Raul Sayrols, publisher of Playboy Mexico, said in a statement, "The image is not and never was intended to portray the Virgin of Guadalupe or any other religious figure. The intent was to reflect a Renaissance-like mood on the cover."

Yeah, right!

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