To the Editor:

In response to “Breastfeeding in Church,” which appeared in the Aug. 30 - Sept. 5 issue of North Country This Week: The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines pornography thus: "Pornography consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. It offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other."

By calling breastfeeding pornographic, one is equating a mothers feeding of her child with a sexual act, which itself is quite perverse. If the person who submitted the Sound Off finds sexual arousal in this scene, I suggest they consult with a therapist or priest.

Pope Francis has twice told mothers that they should feel free to breastfeed their children during Mass, "just as Mary breastfed Jesus."

In fact there is a long history of artwork devoted to the Nursing Madonna, depicting her with breast and nipple exposed with baby Jesus in her lap. One of the oldest basilicas in Rome has a beautiful mosaic on its outside, depicting her offering her open breast to Jesus.

I would ask the Sound Off author to ask themselves if they truly believe that the Pope is promoting pornography, and if churches in Rome have pornographic artwork on their walls? As a priest once told me, when your moral beliefs are not in line with the church's, there's a good chance you have a lot more work to do on your moral formation. I would suggest the author of last weeks Sound Off begin some of that work.

For my part, I will continue to modestly breastfeed in church when my child needs either nutritional or emotional nourishment. What better time to reflect on having a mother in heaven who fed our Savior at her breast, and even now feeds our spiritual needs.

Elena Pignone

Potsdam