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FESTIVAL OF SAINTE NORMA JEANE
Feast Date: 1 June
We choose to honor as a sainte a woman born with the name Norma Jeane Mortenson, but later known to millions of people by the stage name Marilyn Monroe. She is a tragic figure, to us a martyr. Let us remember her fondly and learn what lessons we can from her premature death.
Ste. Norma Jeane was born in Los Angeles on 1 June 1926. During World War II she worked as a humble factory worker, doing her small part to help defeat Hitler, as did so many millions of other Americans. But then a photographer noticed how pretty she was, and soon she became a model, then an actress. During the 1950's, she was one of the most famous women in the world, starring in numerous motion pictures. She was the very first centerfold in Playboy Magazine, was for a time married to one of America's most famous sports figures, and is rumored to have had a physical relationship with the President of the United States.
She was the quintessential sex symbol of her era, the woman millions of men desired, the woman millions of women sought to emulate. Her later years, however, were filled with sadness. Most of the men in her life mistreated her (with the notable exception of her friend and one-time husband, Joe DiMaggio). Her beauty and charm caused her to be manipulated by men wanting to make money and gain power from her appeal. She died of a drug overdose on 5 August 1962, but lives on in the hearts of many people around the world.
We honor Norma Jeane for rising above her humble origins and bringing happiness to millions of people. We respect her sexuality and her courage in being unafraid of it. We deplore, however, the greedy men around her who mistreated her. She has become to us a symbol of abused women everywhere, valued not for what she could do for herself but rather for what she could do for others. Let us pray that other women in the future may benefit from their own talents more than Ste. Norma Jeane.
Equipment:
Orchestra
CD-player with large amplifiers
CD's of Norma Jeane's "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" and Elton John's "Candles in the Wind" (original Marilyn version, not the Diana version)
Lots of jewelry, esp a diamond-studded tiara
Large photograph of Norma Jeane
Setting
Dance hall
Ceremony
Dance of 1950's rock'n'roll music, proceeds to benefit a women's abuse clinic.We realize that Norma Jeane did not sing rock'n'roll, but it was popular at the same time she was, and still has a large following. This is open to the general public and advertized in local newspapers. Women are encouraged (though not required) to dress as Marilyn; men are required to wear ties. Each woman who wants one is given a raffle ticket, whether dressed as Marilyn or not
After maybe an hour of dancing, the Master of Ceremonies (preferably a Divinely Female priestess) interrupts the dancing, calling for everyone's attention. She says "Woman is divine!" This is essential because our rules state someone must say this for this to be considered an official DF ceremony. She then explains to the crowd what is to happen next and why.
What happens next is that everyone is asked to stand in silence while Elton John's "Candles in the Wind" is played. This is the serious side of the evening's festivities, a solemn tribute to Norma Jeane. Someone then selects at random a raffle ticket, and the winner is proclaimed Marilyn. "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" is played while the coordinator places the jewelry (esp the diamond-studded tiara) on Marilyn. Every man in turn then drops to his knees before her and kisses her hand. Dancing then resumes.