X is for the Cross

I was told once by a priest that the Church does not approve of pictures where Mary is not standing at the foot of the cross. She is not supposed to be swooning or lying crying on the floor, but standing - grieving and loving her Son.

I thought this was beautiful, the Church holding Mary in such high respect that she does not want people to see Mary as weak. And I think it tells us something about the Church's stance towards women in general. They are not weak humans who need to be shielded for all pain, but strong and loving who give their love and strength to others - there when many others are too scared to be.