"And yes, she told the poor and suffering that their situation was virtuous - certainly more virtuous than that of the rich and comfortable and wasteful, one would think. Many people think that there is dignity and value in a life lived without material comforts. Is that such a horrible thing for a poor or suffering person to discover his/her own dignity and value?"

Very well said Joe. These sentiments are likely to be required more often as we come to terms with the economic changes which must inevitably happen.