Cache of letters

Cathy · V.I.P. Joined: Jul 10, 2007 Posts: 2681

tjbrn wrote:

I also found this in the packet of photos. Any idea what it is?

It appears to me that the woman in this metal is definitely not the Virgin Mary. I have never seen her portrayed with a skull in her hand. There is only one female Saint that is portrayed holding skulls - Mary Magdalene. There are a few male saints but she is the only female one I know of. I cannot make out what is in her other hand.
The crossed flags is a common symbol for many Italian-American societies and organizations. Among many other things, she is the Patron Saint of Casamicciola, Italy.
Not sure this will help...

Cathy · V.I.P. Joined: Jul 10, 2007 Posts: 2681

OK - I remembered another female saint who is protrayed with a skull. Saint Rosalia is the Patron Saint of Sicily. Saint Rosalia is also portrayed with a garland of flowers encircling her head as you see in your image also.

tjbrn · Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 10:54 pm Post subject: Re: Cache of letters

Very interesting Cathy. The patron saint of Sicily certainly fits as both of my maternal grandparents were from Sicily. I also found this reference.

Quote::

Skulls are associated with such penitent saints as st francis of
assisi, st jerome and st mary magdalene. when included in
depictions of them the skull may have a cross placed nearby.