A group of Catholics organized a Rosary Rally outside the home of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in response to a controversial video that was deemed offensive to the sacrament of Holy Communion. In the video, Whitmer fed Doritos to a kneeling liberal podcaster in a manner that critics felt was disrespectful to the Christian rite. The rally, organized by CatholicVote, was meant to show disapproval of the governor’s actions and to pray for her. Whitmer apologized for the video, stating that it was not her intention to mock people of faith and that she has always respected religious beliefs in her years of public service.
The video in question was part of a TikTok trend where someone is fed in a sensual manner by another person while a certain song plays in the background. While the clip aimed to draw attention to a semiconductor act, religious groups felt that it trivialized Holy Communion. The Catholic bishops of Michigan also condemned the video, calling it offensive and disrespectful. Despite the apology from Whitmer, the Rosary Rally participants gathered outside her residence to pray for her and for the respect of their religious beliefs. According to CatholicVote’s National Political Director, the rally was organized out of concern for the dignity of the Eucharist and the increasing anti-Catholic sentiment from some in the progressive left.
The Catholic participants of the Rosary Rally expressed their reasons for joining the event, citing the governor’s actions as blasphemous and offensive. They believed that the Holy Eucharist is a sacred sacrament and felt the need to pray for Whitmer and for their Lord. The rally was also seen as a call for the governor to recognize and respect the religious convictions of Catholics, and as a reminder to elected officials that Catholics are voters. Republican State Rep. Josh Schriver promoted the event through a social media post, highlighting the importance of religious respect and the power of prayer in influencing political leaders.
The controversy surrounding Whitmer’s Doritos video captured national attention, with CNN avoiding questions about it during an interview with the governor. The criticism stemmed from the perception that the video mocked the sacred Christian rite of Holy Communion, despite Whitmer’s assertion that it was not her intent. The Rosary Rally was seen as a response to the governor’s actions and as a means of advocating for religious dignity and respect. The participants believed in the importance of prayer in influencing leaders and hoped that the event would lead to a change in Whitmer’s understanding and recognition of their religious convictions. The rally served as a platform for Catholics to express their concerns and seek understanding and respect from elected officials.
