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
The Ethos of Women’s Professions
1 September 1930
Orazio Gentileschi (Italian, 1563–1639)
Oil on canvas, 1615–1620
Birmingham Museums Trust
Photo credit: Birmingham Museums Trust (Public domain)
Stein, E 2017, Essays On Woman, The Collected Works of Edith Stein, Book 2, translated from the German by Oben, F, ICS Publications, Washington D.C.
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