...the rest of the story

We're all praying for the trapped miners in Chile. Even the Holy Father has sent Rosaries so that the men know of the world's concern and prayers. Mary Kochan has an excellent piece here on a theological parallel that should not go unnoticed. But then, the more perverse side of life has wedged its way into the already tense situation that surrounds the men and their anxious families:

Authorities at Camp Hope have had to deal with a rush of women coming forward claiming to be first in the Chilean miners' affections in order to receive government handouts.

At least five wives have been forced to come face to face with mistresses whose existence was kept from them by their husbands, who have been trapped more than 2,300ft below since a cave in on August 5.

"We had a big bust up in the canteen tent when a wife came across a woman who claimed to be her husband's lover – we had to step in and pull them apart before things got physical." At stake are welfare packages issued to the families of the trapped miners as well as future compensation claims that could run into tens of thousands of pounds.

One miner, who has not been named, has a first wife he never divorced, his live-in partner, a mother of a child he had several years ago, and a woman who claims to be his current girlfriend all visiting the camp.

"It's a logistical nightmare trying to keep them apart and of course they all want to send messages," said Mrs Flores. The team of psychologists charged with ensuring the mental welfare of the men below ground are attempting keep such developments from the miners.

And yet, all the women want to send messages. If nothing else, knowing their goose may be cooked in more ways than one may make for some interesting prayers below, as well as conversations that might just as well remain below when they do surface.

Comments

[Teresa]

I think they should send an official message to the cheatin' Chileans that they will only be retrieving faithful husbands.