The image of the Mother of God demonstrates the basic spiritual attitude which corresponds to woman’s natural vocation; her relation to her husband is one of obedience, trust, and participation in his life as she furthers his objective tasks and personality development; to the child she gives true care, encouragement, and formation of his God-given talents; she offers both selfless surrender and a quiet withdrawal when unneeded. All is based on the concept of marriage and motherhood as a vocation from God; it is carried out for God’s sake and under His guidance.
Saint Edith Stein
Orazio Gentileschi (1563–1639)
Oil on canvas, 1615–1620
Birmingham Museums Trust
to the child she gives true care
Essays On Woman The Collected Works of Edith Stein, Book 2 (p. 48) ICS Publications, Washington DC © Washington Province of Discalced Carmelites, Inc.
Carmelite Quotes 
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