Deities

After many years rifling through objects in the Roman flea market of Porta Portese I came upon a bounty of prayer cards that are so beloved by the Italians for their symbolism and cultural significance.

Product Information: The Virgin Mary aka The Madonna or the Blessed Mother, was born in Jerusalem. She was engaged to Joseph, a carpenter, when the Archangel Gabriel allegedly visited her and told her that she would have a child “conceived of the Holy Spirit.” She gave birth to Jesus and later, church doctrine said, that she was born without original sin. At her death, her body and soul were thought to have been brought straight to heaven (VIP style). As the mother of God, She has been given a special place in heaven and strong influence over her son (sound familiar?). Apparitions of the Virgin are abundant; people seem to see her visage everywhere from in a Taco to a piece of toast. Many believe that she grants prayers and heals the sick. The pendant is 1/2 inch by 1 inch. This particular card is one of the more beautiful santini of the Blessed Mother found in Rome.