Part of what I understand the place and purpose of the Saints are within the Christian tradition is this: they are people to look up to and admire as being someone we can relate to. With this in mind, this is probably the first image of St Mary that I really feel a connection to. She's got puffy round cheeks like mine and I could totally do my hair like that. I've always had a curious respect for the Virgin, though I would hardly call myself Marian. Wikipedia link to the Church of S Peitro di Banchi in Italian or English
Wikipedia link to Mary (mother of Jesus) here
Feast of the Annunciation - 25 Mar
taken June 2010 - Church of S Peitro di Banchi, Genoa
