Latest news with #Teresa
Daily Maverick
5 days ago
- Daily Maverick
‘He died in pain, but not in vain' — mom transforms personal loss into a fight to protect SA's children
When Teresa Mordoh's son, Julio, died by suicide after allegedly being sexually assaulted by a teacher at St John's College, her world was shattered. But in the depths of grief, Mordoh found a new purpose: to ensure that no other child or family would suffer in silence. She founded an organisation dedicated to child protection and systemic change in South African schools. 'The one and only promise I made to my son at the funeral was that he died in pain, but not in vain. I didn't know what that meant at the time, I just knew that it couldn't just end there. There are too many children suffering, and I just felt that I needed to do something.' These were the words of a tearful Teresa Mordoh as she sat down for an interview with Daily Maverick to discuss what inspired her to start STOPS (Stop Trauma of Pupils in School), an NGO dedicated to child protection and systemic change in South African schools. Teresa is the mother of Julio Mordoh, who tragically took his life after years of suffering from anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following alleged sexual abuse by a former teacher at St John's College in Johannesburg. Julio's story: Grooming, abuse and systemic blindness Julio's ordeal began in 2011 when he transitioned from pre-prep to prep school. 'He was groomed from the time that he moved from the pre-prep into the prep,' Teresa said. The teacher, who also ran the school's rock-climbing club, allegedly targeted vulnerable boys – often those facing family difficulties or perceived as outsiders. Soon after the alleged abuse Julio became withdrawn and started showing signs of anxiety and depression when he was 12 years old. 'We tried everything in our power to get Julio help. He was such a bright, loving and happy boy, then all of a sudden he just became so anxious and depressed when he was in Grade 6. We knew something was wrong, but the last thing that would have occurred to me was sexual abuse,' Teresa said. It was only in 2021, when St John's disclosed that a pupil had come forward to allege that the teacher had sexually assaulted him, that the Mordoh family finally learnt the cause of Julio's pain. 'I remember reading the letter from St John's… Julio said, 'I didn't know there were other boys. I thought I was the only one',' Teresa said. Even in a family where open discussion was encouraged, the shame and silence imposed by abuse were overwhelming. 'He was so ashamed. He just couldn't bring himself to talk about it,' Mordoh says, highlighting how even supportive environments can't always break through the barriers of trauma and stigma. The details of how much St John's knew about the abuse before the accused was eventually forced to resign, following complaints from staff members, remain unclear. However, Teresa says the prestigious boys' school received a number of complaints from concerned teachers against the accused, which St John's allegedly ignored and failed to properly investigate while the former teacher was still employed at the school. St John's has claimed that it only became aware of the allegations in 2021, following which the school undertook an independent investigation and laid criminal charges with the police after the investigation was concluded. Julio's inability to speak out about his abuse and the alleged lack of transparency from the school led Teresa to found STOPS. How Julio's story shapes STOPS' mission Julio's tragic experience is at the heart of STOPS' work. Mordoh's advocacy is driven by the lessons learnt from her son's suffering and the systemic failures that compounded his trauma. STOPS focuses on: Creating safe reporting channels: Recognising that children rarely disclose abuse to parents or authority figures, STOPS is working to establish confidential avenues for pupils to report concerns, so that no child feels alone or unheard; Mandatory reporting and accountability: Mordoh campaigns for strict enforcement of mandatory reporting laws and for holding schools legally accountable when they fail to protect children. She stresses that a Form 22 report is not an accusation, but a necessary trigger for investigation; Specialised children's courts: After experiencing repeated delays and a lack of expertise in the justice system, Mordoh is calling for dedicated children's courts with trained professionals, private rooms and psychological support, ensuring cases are handled with the sensitivity and urgency they deserve; and Community education and breaking the silence: STOPS runs awareness campaigns to educate parents, teachers and students about grooming, abuse and the importance of listening to children. Mordoh believes that 'we fail children not by what we do, but by what we don't do. We don't listen to children.' Mordoh said that creating safe reporting channels is one of STOPS' most important initiatives. The NGO has partnered with Lyra Southern Africa to create a platform, independent from schools and parents, where young people can report abuse and depression, offering them round-the-clock, confidential counselling and support from registered clinicians. Mordoh is consulting with schools to roll out the platform to children. The next step is to engage the Department of Education to ensure that all South African children have access to the platform. 'This is about putting power back in the hands of young people, so they can feel in control of whatever it is that they are going through,' she said. Looking forward For Mordoh, the true heroes of child protection are the children themselves, who show courage in the face of unimaginable adversity. She urges adults to reclaim their humanity by caring enough to notice, to ask questions and to act when something is wrong. 'All we need to be as adults is human. I'm not a hero, I'm just human. The real unsung heroes are the children. If we could just find our humanity as a community and start caring for children, that would go a long way in addressing this crisis,' she said. As Child Protection Week shines a spotlight on unsung heroes, Mordoh's message is clear: systemic change is possible, but it requires honesty, accountability and collective action. Through STOPS, she continues to fight for a future where every child is safe, heard and protected – a legacy that ensures Julio did not die in vain. DM
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Netflix fans rush to binge Italian crime thriller with John Wick star
Netflix viewers are racing through all six episodes of the gritty new Italian thriller, Sara: Woman In The Shadows. The recently added show, directed by Carmine Elia, stars Teresa Saponangelo and Claudia Gerini, the latter of whom is known for playing Gianna D'Antonio in John Wick: Chapter 2. 'The suspicious death of her son pushes a former secret agent [the titular Sara played by Teresa] back into action, investigating a series of crimes that grow increasingly sinister,' the synopsis of the series, based on the crime novel series by Maurizio de Giovanni, reads. Sara's last job dubbed her 'the invisible woman' for her immaculate skill set and ability to lip-read and she brings her all to this latest mystery – to uncover what happened to her son. The description concludes: 'While discovering details of her son's life that she knew almost nothing about, Sara sinks into an investigation that brings her back to many ghosts of her past. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. 'Keeping both of these things together is very difficult, and certainly very dangerous. Paradoxically however, this is how the invisible woman comes back to life, doing what she does best.' In the show Claudia's character, Teresa, teams up with Sara to help with her investigation and they are also joined by police officer Pardo (Flavio Furno) and photographer Viola (Chiara Celotto). Its premise has clearly hooked in fans with the show easily climbing the charts to land at number seven in TV shows on Netflix. One Reddit user, Roshankr1994, called it a 'gritty thriller and an intriguing watch.' 'The ending of 'Sara – Woman in the Shadows' leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. The twist is both shocking and brilliantly executed, tying up loose ends while leaving room for reflection on Sara's journey. A must-watch for crime drama enthusiasts!' TheAnchorAgent wrote on X. Ready Steady Cut added: 'This is six dense episodes of grounded and compelling procedural spycraft enhanced by an unconventional lead and a willingness to meet its underlying themes and ideas halfway.' Netflix has a strong record of platforming compelling foreign-language thrillers, including the Swedish show The Are Murders, South African drama Unseen and Korean series Karma – to name a few. Gerini has enjoyed a lucrative career with over 100 roles across TV and film and in 2023, reflected on the ongoing legacy of her John Wick character. 'That was a very interesting shoot. We shot in Rome and I really like Chad, and of course Keanu Reeves. More Trending 'I took that role with an audition as a self tape and I was so proud of myself because when you do a self tape you never know how it's going to be. And the director said, 'oh my God, you really impressed me. 'I really like this character, this strong woman, yet fragile. You always have to play against the main characteristic of the role. Sometimes that's what I do. 'I like to play, yes, a strong woman, but with the courage to take her own life. Go out on her terms. To not be killed by John Wick,' she told The HollywoodNews at the time. View More » Sara: Woman In The Shadows is available to stream now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: It's been 5 years since one of the best LGBTQ+ shows and I'm still completely obsessed MORE: Holly Willoughby suffers major blow as Netflix show is 'axed' after one season MORE: I binge-watch TV for a living – here are my recommendations for June
Nahar Net
27-05-2025
- General
- Nahar Net
Tens of thousands flock to see remains of Spanish saint who died in 1582
by Naharnet Newsdesk 27 May 2025, 15:17 They lined up to see her, silent and wonderstruck: Inside an open silver casket was Saint Teresa of Ávila, more than 440 years after her death. Catholic worshippers have been flocking to Alba de Tormes, a town ringed by rolling pastures in western Spain where the remains of the Spanish saint, mystic and 16th-century religious reformer were on display this month. "It gave me a feeling of fulfillment, of joy, and of sadness," said Guiomar Sánchez, who traveled from Madrid with her two daughters on Sunday, the last full day of the exhibit. Inspired by her mother's belief in the Carmelite nun, Sánchez praised the mystic's writings as being ahead of her time. Sánchez said she also came in part to honor her mother. "Seeing her was an inexplicable experience," Sánchez added. On Monday morning, the casket of the saint who died in 1582 was resealed and carried through the town streets, with pilgrims following the procession. It is unclear how many years — or decades — will pass before the church once again makes St. Teresa's remains visible to the public. Teresa was last displayed in 1914, when devotees had a single day to see the saint. This time, the display drew almost 100,000 visitors over two weeks, said Miguel Ángel González, the prior of the Discalced Carmelites of Salamanca. The casket that holds the saint's remains is barely 1.3 meters (4 feet) long. What is visible is a skull dressed in a habit with vestments covering other parts of the body, not all of which is intact. The saint's heart is kept in another part of the church, officials said. Other body parts — fingers, a hand and a jaw — are kept as relics in churches across Europe. Teresa is a towering figure from Spain's Golden Age and 16th-century Counter-Reformation. Her explorations of the inner life and meditations on her relationship with God were controversial, yet they have been held up over the centuries as a "profound treatise on spirituality," said José Calvo, a professor of theology at the Pontifical University of Salamanca who specializes in Medieval history. Many have venerated her. Former Spanish dictator Gen. Francisco Franco is believed to have kept a relic of the saint's hand next to his bed. Last September, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV visited the saint's birthplace in Avila, an hour's drive from Alba de Tormes. Teresa's remains have also spawned memes online about the macabre nature of crowding around her centuries-old skull. In Alba de Tormes, church officials and experts downplayed such reactions, saying the display was nothing out of the ordinary for how Catholics have revered their saints for centuries. "It was just something people always did when they thought somebody might be a saint," said Cathleen Medwick, who wrote the book "Teresa of Avila, The Progress of a Soul." "And the fact that her body hadn't decayed very much was also considered a sign of her sanctity," Medwick added. Some worshippers this month were visibly moved. On Sunday, a group of nuns from India wiped away tears as they stood by the side of the casket and looked at the saint's remains behind a glass case. Gregoria Martín López, 75, climbed to an elevated part of the church behind the altar, hoping to get a better view from above of the diminutive saint's skull. "The saint for me is a thing of great strength. If they close her, I can say that I saw her," Martín said and with tears in her eyes, blew a kiss down to Teresa's relic as organ music filled the space.
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
This saint died 440 years ago. Now, thousands are lining up in Spain to see her body
Saint Teresa of Avila died over 440 years but Catholic worshippers still line up to see her remains kept inside an open silver casket. The remains of the 16th-century religious reformers and Spanish mystic have been kept in the town of Alba de Tormes. 'It gave me a feeling of fulfillment, of joy, and of sadness,' said Guiomar Sánchez, who traveled from Madrid with her two daughters on Sunday, the last full day of the exhibit. Inspired by her mother's belief in the Carmelite nun, Sánchez praised the mystic's writings as being ahead of her time. Sánchez said she also came in part to honor her mother. 'Seeing her was an inexplicable experience,' Sánchez added. On Monday morning, the casket of the saint who died in 1582 was resealed and carried through the town streets, with pilgrims following the procession. It is unclear how many years — or decades — will pass before the church once again makes St. Teresa's remains visible to the public. Teresa was last displayed in 1914, when devotees had a single day to see the saint. This time, the display drew almost 100,000 visitors over two weeks, said Miguel Ángel González, the prior of the Discalced Carmelites of Salamanca. The casket that holds the saint's remains is barely 1.3 meters (4 feet) long. What is visible is a skull dressed in a habit with vestments covering other parts of the body, not all of which is intact. The saint's heart is kept in another part of the church, officials said. Other body parts — fingers, a hand and a jaw — are kept as relics in churches across Europe. Teresa is a towering figure from Spain's Golden Age and 16th-century Counter-Reformation. Her explorations of the inner life and meditations on her relationship with God were controversial, yet they have been held up over the centuries as a 'profound treatise on spirituality," said José Calvo, a professor of theology at the Pontifical University of Salamanca who specializes in Medieval history. Many have worshipped her. Former Spanish dictator Gen. Francisco Franco is believed to have kept a relic of the saint's hand next to his bed. Last September, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV visited the saint's birthplace in Avila, an hour's drive from Alba de Tormes. Teresa's remains have also spawned memes online about the macabre nature of crowding around her centuries-old skull. In Alba de Tormes, church officials and experts downplayed such reactions, saying the display was nothing out of the ordinary for how Catholics have revered their saints for centuries. 'It was just something people always did when they thought somebody might be a saint,' said Cathleen Medwick, who wrote the book 'Teresa of Avila, The Progress of a Soul.' 'And the fact that her body hadn't decayed very much was also considered a sign of her sanctity," Medwick added. Some worshippers this month were visibly moved. On Sunday, a group of nuns from India wiped away tears as they stood by the side of the casket and looked at the saint's remains behind a glass case. Gregoria Martín López, 75, climbed to an elevated part of the church behind the altar, hoping to get a better view from above of the diminutive saint's skull. 'The saint for me is a thing of great strength. If they close her, I can say that I saw her,' Martín said and with tears in her eyes, blew a kiss down to Teresa's relic as organ music filled the space.
26-05-2025
- General
Tens of thousands flock to see a Spanish saint's remains more than 440 years after her death
ALBA DE TORMES, Spain -- They lined up to see her, silent and wonderstruck: Inside an open silver coffin was Saint Teresa of Ávila, more than 440 years after her death. Catholic worshippers have been flocking to Alba de Tormes, a town ringed by rolling pastures in western Spain where the remains of the Spanish saint, mystic and 16th-century religious reformer were on display this month. 'It gave me a feeling of fulfillment, of joy, and of sadness,' said Guiomar Sánchez, who traveled from Madrid with her two daughters on Sunday, the last full day of the exhibit. Inspired by her mother's belief in the Carmelite nun, Sánchez praised the mystic's writings as being ahead of her time. Sánchez said she also came in part to honor her mother. 'Seeing her was an inexplicable experience,' Sánchez added. On Monday morning, the coffin of the saint who died in 1582 was resealed and carried through the town streets, with pilgrims following the procession. It is unclear how many years — or decades — will pass before the church once again makes St. Teresa's remains visible to the public. Teresa was last displayed in 1914, when devotees had a single day to see the saint. This time, the display drew almost 100,000 visitors over two weeks, said Miguel Ángel González, the prior of the Discalced Carmelites of Salamanca. The coffin that holds the saint's remains is barely 1.3 meters (4 feet) long. What is visible is a skull dressed in a habit with vestments covering other parts of the body, not all of which is intact. The saint's heart is kept in another part of the church, officials said. Other body parts are kept as relics — fingers, a hand and a jaw — in churches across Europe. Teresa is a towering figure from Spain's Golden Age and 16th-century Counter-Reformation. Her explorations of the inner life and meditations on her relationship with God were controversial, yet they have been held up over the centuries as a 'profound treatise on spirituality," said José Calvo, a professor of theology at the Pontifical University of Salamanca who specializes in Medieval history. Many have worshipped her. Former Spanish dictator Gen. Francisco Franco is believed to have kept a relic of the saint's hand next to his bed. Last September, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV visited the saint's birthplace in Avila, an hour's drive from Alba de Tormes. Teresa's remains have also spawned memes online about the macabre nature of crowding around her centuries-old skull. In Alba de Tormes, church officials and experts downplayed such reactions, saying the display was nothing out of the ordinary for how Catholics have revered their saints for centuries. 'It was just something people always did when they thought somebody might be a saint,' said Cathleen Medwick, who wrote the book 'Teresa of Avila, The Progress of a Soul.' 'And the fact that her body hadn't decayed very much was also considered a sign of her sanctity," Medwick added. Some worshippers this month were visibly moved. On Sunday, a group of nuns from India wiped away tears as they stood by the side of the coffin and looked at the saint's remains behind a glass case. Gregoria Martín López, 75, climbed to an elevated part of the church behind the altar, hoping to get a better view from above of the diminutive saint's skull. 'The saint for me is a thing of great strength. If they close her, I can say that I saw her,' Martín said and with tears in her eyes, blew a kiss down to Teresa's relic as organ music filled the space.
